Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
(Level 1 Flora Assessment and Targeted Searches)
IMD Gold Mines Ltd / Bioscope Environmental
November 2015
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
a
© Landcare Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Western Botanical
33/6 Keane Street, Midland 6056
PO Box 3608 Midland WA 6056
T (08) 9274 0303 F (08) 9274 0136
Report No: WB877
Client Name: IMD Gold Mines Ltd / Bioscope Environmental
Client Address: Bioscope Environmental
East Victoria Park WA 6101
On behalf of: IMD Gold Mines Ltd
Version
Prepared By
Approved for Issue
Issue Date
Draft 1
Dr David Leach
24/11/2015
Final 1
Final 2
Dr David Leach
Dr David Leach
Jonathan Warden
Dr David Leach
03/12/2015
26/02/2016
This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified on this page and no
representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research
or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or
electronic means without the express permission of the client for whom it was prepared or
Western Botanical.
This report has been designed for double-sided printing
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
i
Contents
1.
Introduction
1
1.1.
Project Background
1
1.2.
Previous Surveys of Battler
1
2.
Methods
4
2.1.
Desktop Assessment
4
2.2.
Field Survey
4
2.3.
Flora Specimen Identification
5
3.
Results and Discussion
6
3.1.
Biogeography
6
3.2.
Acacia concolorans Regional Survey
7
3.3.
Vegetation Mapping
8
3.3.1.
Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland
11
3.3.2.
Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland
12
3.3.3.
Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage
Shrubland
13
3.3.4.
Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland
14
3.3.5.
Cleared or Mining Impacted
15
3.4.
Overview of Flora
16
3.5.
Significant Flora
16
3.5.1.
Hydrocotyle corynophora (Priority 1)
20
3.5.2.
Goodenia heatheriana (Priority 1)
21
3.5.3.
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (Priority 1)
22
3.5.4.
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813) (Priority 1)
22
3.5.5.
Gnephosis intonsa (Priority 3)
23
3.5.6.
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (Priority 3)
24
3.5.7.
Calotis erinacea (Species of Interest)
25
3.5.8.
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (Species of Interest)
25
3.6.
Weeds
26
3.7.
Vegetation Condition
27
3.8.
Limitations
27
4.
References
28
5.
List of Participants
29
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
ii
Appendices
Appendix 1. NatureMap Flora Search Results.
30
Appendix 2. Flora Species List.
39
Appendix 3. Significant Flora Locations and Plant Counts.
44
Appendix 4. Keighery Vegetation Condition Scale.
54
Tables
Table 1. Summary of significant flora counts and locations in relation to
major tenements of Battler.
19
Table 2. Summary of key weed species (more abundant) recorded at
Battler.
26
Figures
Figure 1. Location of the Battler project in relation to Southern Cross,
Western Australia.
2
Figure 2. Recent and historical mean rainfall recorded at Southern Cross
Airport (BOM 2015).
7
Figure 3. Vegetation Map of Battler project and surrounds.
9
Figure 4. Map of significant flora (Priority and of interest) locations
recorded at and adjacent to Battler.
17
Plates
Plate 1. Examples of Acacia concolorans plants encountered during
regional survey.
8
Plate 2. Examples of Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland
vegetation association.
11
Plate 3. Examples of Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland vegetation
association.
13
Plate 4. Examples of Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata
Drainage Shrubland vegetation association.
14
Plate 5. Examples of Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland
vegetation association.
15
Plate 6. Photos of Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1) showing growth habit
and infloresence.
20
Plate 7. Photos of Goodenia heatheriana (P1) showing glandular hairs on
flower (at bottom of petal) and divided rosette leaves.
21
Plate 8. Photo of Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (P1) showing
habit and bright blue/purple flowers.
22
Plate 9. Scan of the collected Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813).
23
Plate 10. Photos of Gnephosis intonsa (P3) showing a single plant and
multiple plants within wet depression.
24
Plate 11. Photo of dense patch of Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (P3) in
litter under eucalypts.
25
Plate 12. Scan of Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (Species of Interest) and
photo showing growth habit at bottom right.
26
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
1
1.
Introduction
1.1.
Project Background
The Battler prospect (Battler) is located approximately 14.5 km south-southwest of Southern
Cross (Figure 1). Battler is composed of two major tenements; M77/166 contains the proposed
minesite and associated infrastructure, with the surrounding P77/3645 expected to experience
minor (if any) impact. Previous mining has occurred within two tenements (M77/1025 and
M77/1044) that occur within M77/166. For the purposes of this survey and report, these
historical tenements are treated as part of M77/166.
IMD Gold Mines Ltd is investigating the potential for further mining at Battler and contracted
Bioscope Environmental (Bioscope) to manage the mining approvals process. Bioscope initially
contracted Western Botanical to conduct a Level 1 flora and vegetation survey of Battler,
conducted 29
th
September to 1
st
October 2015, in accordance with Guidance Statement 51 (EPA
2004). An additional focus of the survey was to map, quantify, and assess the regional
distribution of the Priority 2 species Acacia concolorans previously recorded at Battler.
Identification of collected specimens from this initial survey revealed the existence of additional
priority species at Battler. A second field survey was performed during 21
st
– 23
rd
October 2015
to map and quantify these additional priority species.
1.2.
Previous Surveys of Battler
Botanica Consulting (2011) (Botanica) conducted a Level 1 flora and vegetation survey of the
Battler site in 2010. Botanica reported two vegetation communities comprising of 50 flora taxa,
including the Priority 2 species Acacia concolorans and three weeds (Carrichtera annua,
Medicago minima, and Centaurea melitensis).
Though not encountered within the Botanica survey a DEC (Department of Environment and
Conservation) record of the Priority 1 species Goodenia heatheriana was reported as being
within the project area. Additionally, the Botanica report highlighted the potential for Priority 1
species Millotia newbeyi to be within the Battler project area.
As part of the 2011 survey, Botanica conducted searches of DEC/DpAW databases and found no
Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities, no Threatened flora (Declared Rare Flora), and
no Ecologically Sensitive Areas at Battler.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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Figure 1. Location of the Battler project in relation to Southern Cross, Western Australia.
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Tel: (08) 9246 3242 ~ Fax (08) 9246 3202
Author: Western Botanical
WB Ref:
Date: December 2015
Rev: A A4
CAD Ref: g2361_F001
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Scale: 1:250,000
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
Figure:
Battler Project
Location
IMD Gold Mines Ltd
Battler
Project
LOCALITY
Westen Australia
Battler Project
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
4
2.
Methods
2.1.
Desktop Assessment
To gather background information and to enhance field team member knowledge of Battler’s
local flora, the following sources were accessed prior to fieldworks:
•
A NatureMap (Government of Western Australia 2015a) search results for records of
flora occurring within 20 km of Battler.
•
DPaW TEC and PEC descriptions (DPaW 2015).
•
Botanica Consulting (2011). Level 1 Flora and Vegetation Survey: Battler. Consultant
report prepared for Southern Cross Goldfields Ltd.
•
Bureau of Meteorology online climate data (BOM 2015).
•
FloraBase location records of priority flora expected to be encountered.
•
The Western Australian Herbarium reference and research flora specimen collections.
2.2.
Field Survey
Two spring fieldtrips (29
th
September – 1
st
October and 21
st
– 23
rd
October) were conducted as
part of the survey, both consisting of the same two senior botanists (Section 5.0).
The first day of survey (29
th
September) was devoted to visiting and quantifying known
populations of Acacia concolorans (P1) to the south of Battler. This regional work was
invaluable to the field team’s knowledge of the taxon and the team’s ability to confirm/repudiate
the previous record of A. concolorans at Battler.
The remainder of the first fieldtrip was spent surveying Battler by walking individual transects;
spaced 25 m apart on tenement M77/166, and 50 m apart on the remainder untraversed portions
of tenement P77/3645.
Changes in vegetation associations were waypointed using GPS units (Garmin GPSmap76 ±
5 m accuracy) to assist placement of vegetation map boundaries. Releves were conducted for
newly encountered vegetation associations and periodically conducted to verify or modify re-
encountered associations. Specimens were taken for most flora encountered (excluding very
obvious taxa) to ensure priority species were not overlooked and to help form a full species list
for the Battler project.
The second fieldtrip focused on targeted searching for priority species identified subsequent to
the first survey and during the second fieldtrip; Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1), Goodenia
heatheriana (P1), Gnephosis intonsa (P3), and Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (P3). Plant
numbers of these annuals were estimated using a combination of ‘extrapolated count’ and
‘estimate’ methods (as per DEC n.d.). Since all target priority species were annuals occurring in
wet depressions, the search was heavily focused on areas of Battler where such habitat occurs.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
5
Additionally, searches were conducted outside of and adjacent to Battler in areas most likely
containing suitable habitat.
2.3.
Flora Specimen Identification
Flora specimens collected during fieldworks were identified using the resources of Western
Botanical’s herbarium and the Western Australian Herbarium. Mike Hislop and Rob Davis of the
Western Australian Herbarium performed confirmation of identification for specimens of key
importance to the Battler project; Goodenia heatheriana, Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop
75), Hydrocotyle corynophora, and Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813).
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
6
3.
Results and Discussion
3.1.
Biogeography
Battler is located within the Coolgardie region and Southern Cross (COO2) subregion as
described by the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia system. The subregion is
characterised by gently undulating uplands dissected by broad valleys with bands of low
greenstone hills (Cowan et al. 2001). Vegetation of CO02 includes Eucalyptus woodlands
(Eucalyptus salmonophloia, E. salubris, E. transcontinentalis, E. longicornis) with granite
basement outcrops supporting stands of Acacia acuminata and E. loxophleba (Cowan et al.
2001).
Battler lies just within the western portion of the Great Western Woodlands area as defined
within DEC 2010. The Great Western Woodlands covers an area of almost 16 million hectares
and is considered the largest remaining area of intact Mediterranean woodland (DEC 2010).
Priority Ecological Communities of relevance or close proximity to Battler include (DPaW
2015):
•
Red Morrel Woodlands of the Wheatbelt – Unspecified locations within the Wheatbelt
DPaW regional boundary.
•
Parker Range Vegetation Complex – Approximately 35 km SE of Battler.
•
Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Within Avon Wheatbelt
IBRA region, approximately 12 km west of Battler.
Results of the NatureMap search (Appendix 1) found 475 flora taxa within 20 km of Battler,
including two Threatened (Declared Rare Flora) species (Daviesia microcarpa, Eucalyptus
crucis subsp. crucis) and 20 Priority species.
Rainfall data (BOM 2015) for nearby Southern Cross Airport shows an above average season for
the Battler during the year previous to the survey (Figure 2). Total rainfall for the previous 12
months was 368.8 mm compared to the historical mean of 305.6 mm. Rainfall in August prior to
the survey was 2.73 times the historical mean.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
7
Figure 2. Recent and historical mean rainfall recorded at Southern Cross Airport (BOM 2015).
3.2.
Acacia concolorans Regional Survey
Western Botanical botanists conducted a regional survey of known Acacia concolorans (P2)
locations up to approximately 100 km south of Battler in order to address uncertainty over its
presence at Battler. Attempts were made to visit seven of the nine known locations, with five
being visited due to access limitations. Acacia concolorans plants (Plate 1) were found in
abundance and widely distributed at two of the five visited locations. This survey resulted in
improved familiarity with the taxon and confirmed identity differentiation from other closely
related Acacia species. Acacia concolorans differs from A. intricata in having a smaller and
more upright habit, thicker and more robust branches, and sparser phyllodes that are associated
with strong pungent stipules.
At Battler, the three locations of A. concolorans reported by Botanica (2011) were revisited.
Despite searching at and around these locations, no plants of A. concolorans were found.
Additionally, no A. concolorans plants were encountered at or near Battler by Western Botanical
during the survey works. However, all three previously reported locations of A. concolorans did
contain numerous plants of A. intricata, a species similar in appearance. It is therefore likely that
the previously reported occurrences of A. concolorans at Battler were due to misidentification of
A. intricata.
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Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
8
Plate 1. Examples of Acacia concolorans plants encountered during regional survey.
3.3.
Vegetation Mapping
The vegetation map of Battler resulting from the field survey is presented in Figure 3. The five
vegetation associations (one representing mined and/or cleared areas) below were identified and
are described in detail within the following headings.
•
Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland
•
Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland
•
Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage Shrubland
•
Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland
•
Cleared or Mining Impacted
The two major vegetation associations at Battler, ‘Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland’
and ‘Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland’ continue and extend outside of the Battler
project area and appear common in the local region.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
9
Figure 3. Vegetation Map of Battler project and surrounds.
P 77/3645
M 77/166
M 77/1044
M 77/1025
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Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au
Tel: (08) 9246 3242 ~ Fax (08) 9246 3202
Author: Western Botanical WB Ref:
Date: December 2015
Rev: A A4
CAD Ref: g2361_F002
0
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Figure:
Battler Project
Vegetation Associations
IMD Gold Mines Ltd
Sou
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Legend
Battler Project
Vegetation Association
Eucalyptus loxophleba
and
Acacia acuminata
Drainage Shrubland
Mixed
Eucalyptus
and
Acacia acuminata
Shrubland
Eucalyptus longicornis
Dominated Woodland
Eucalyptus salubris
Dominated Woodland
Cleared or Mining Impacted
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
11
3.3.1. Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland
Eucalyptus longicornis (dominant), E. salubris, and E. calycogona subsp. calycogona open
woodland from 6 to 15 m over Melaleuca pauperiflora subsp. fastigiata and Santalum
apiculatum sparse tall shrubland from 3 to 4 m over Eremophila scoparia, Atriplex vesicaria, A.
bunburyana open shrubland from 0.6 to 1.5 m over Maireana georgei, Enchylaena tomentosa,
Zygophyllum spp. sparse low shrubland (Plate 2).
Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland is widespread at Battler, occurring on higher flat
areas and associated long gentle slopes. Higher in the landscape than the Eucalyptus salubris
Dominated Woodland (see next entry), this association is drier and contains fewer wet
depressions and lower densities of annuals and weeds.
The priority three species Phlegmatospermum eremaeum was recorded within this vegetation
association at one isolated location just outside the boundary of tenement M77/166 (see Section
3.5).
Plate 2. Examples of Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland vegetation association.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
12
3.3.2. Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland
Eucalyptus salubris (dominant) , E. calycogona subsp . calycogona, and E. longicornis open
woodland from 6 to 15 m over Exocarpos aphyllus, Atriplex nummularia isolated shrubs from 2
to 3 m over A. vesicaria, Ptilotus sp. Goldfields (R. Davis 10796), Zygophyllum apiculatum
(with Acacia erinacea, A. merrallii, A. intricata in southern areas) sparse shrubland (Plate 3).
Being lower in the landscape this vegetation association contains frequent wet depressions that
support a host of annual species, commonly including; Gnephosis intonsa (P3), Goodenia
pinnatifida, Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea, Leucochrysum fitzgibbonii, and Podolepis
capillaris. Some localised wet depressions within this vegetation association were found to
support Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1) and Goodenia heatheriana (P1).
Weeds were common within this association at the time of the survey, particularly toward the
western boundary in closer proximity to farmland. Of the weeds Carrichtera annua (Wards
Weed) was most prevalent in dense patches within wet depressions. Other weeds scattered in
low densities included; Brassica tournefortii (Mediterranean Turnip), Arctotheca calendula
(Cape Weed), Medicago minima (Small Burr medic), Centaurea melitensis (Maltese Cockspur),
Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sowthistle), and Avena barbata (Bearded Oat).
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
13
Plate 3. Examples of Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland vegetation association.
3.3.3. Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage Shrubland
Emergent Eucalyptus loxophleba subsp. lissophloia (6 to 10 m) over Acacia acuminata (3 to
4 m) tall shrubland over Beyeria sulcata, Alyxia buxifolia, Philotheca brucei open shrubland
(2 to 3 m), over a very sparse ground layer of Podolepis lessonii and Trachymene cyanopetala
(Plate 4).
This vegetation association is restricted to one area located toward the south-eastern portion of
Battler. It represents a reasonably large internal drainage area that is likely seasonably inundated.
No priority species or weed species were recorded within this association at the time of survey.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
14
Plate 4. Examples of Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage Shrubland
vegetation association.
3.3.4. Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland
Eucalyptus corrugata, E. yilgarnensis, and E. oleosa subsp . oleosa open woodland (6 to 10 m)
over Acacia acuminata (3 to 4 m) tall shrubland over Hybanthus floribundus, Beyeria sulcata,
Trymalium myrtillus subsp . myrtillus shrubland (0.6 to 2.5 m) over Lepidosperma aff.
fimbriatum (species of interest) sparse sedgeland (Plate 5).
This vegetation association occurs on the low hill rise within the south-western portion of the
project area with a disjunct patch occurring on an small isolated rise further toward the centre of
the project area.
The Priority 1 species Hemigenia sp. Newdegate and the species of interest Lepidosperma aff.
fimbriatum both appear restricted to this vegetation association. In the case of H. sp. Newdegate,
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
15
its identity was not determined until after the second field survey and it may therefore be more
abundant within this vegetation association than currently reported.
Plate 5. Examples of Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland vegetation association.
3.3.5. Cleared or Mining Impacted
This association is represented by the historical mine and associated vehicle tracks. These areas
have had most native vegetation previously removed with some natural revegetation
subsequently occurring across the historical mine (primarily chenopods of Atriplex spp.,
Sclerolaena spp. and Enchylaena tomentosa). Common weeds within this association include
Hordeum leporinum (Barley grass) throughout, Moraea setifolia along vehicle tracks, and
infrequently scattered Arctotheca calendula (Cape weed).
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
16
3.4.
Overview of Flora
A total of 140 flora taxa were recorded during the survey effort, comprising of 36 families, 92
genera and 140 species. A full species list is presented in Appendix 2. The survey season quality
was considered excellent with an unexpectedly high number of species recorded for Battler’s
small project area. Family Asteraceae was represented by 26 taxa (18% of flora), followed by
Chenopodiaceae with 17 taxa (12% of flora) and Fabaceae with 15 taxa (11% of flora).
No Threatened (Declared Rare Flora) were found at or adjacent to Battler. Five priority species
were found, including three Priority 1 and two Priority 3 species. An additional Priority 1 species
was found outside of Battler approximately 1 km to the east. One species of interest (due to
unresolved taxonomy) was also found at Battler. Sixteen weed species were recorded during the
survey.
Three specimens could not be identified due to insufficient material (Acacia sp. Indeterminate,
Swainsona sp. Indeterminate, and Thysanotus sp. Indeterminate). It is unlikely that any of these
three specimens are Threatened or Priority flora. No priority species of Swainsona or Thysanotus
were listed by the NatureMap search (Appendix 1). Likewise, Acacia sp. Indeterminate does not
resemble any of the priority species listed by the NatureMap search (Appendix 1).
Both significant flora and weeds are addressed in their separate sections below.
3.5.
Significant Flora
Recorded significant flora locations within and adjacent to Battler are presented in Figure 4 with
all coordinates and plant count data presented in Appendix 3. Table 1 summarises the
percentages of significant flora recorded within and outside of the Battler project area.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
17
Figure 4. Map of significant flora (Priority and of interest) locations recorded at and adjacent to
Battler.
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P 77/3645
M 77/166
M 77/1044
M 77/1025
726500
726500
727000
727000
727500
727500
728000
728000
65
28
00
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Legend
Battler Project
^
_
Goodenia heatheriana (P1)
"
)
Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1)
X
Y
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (P1)
#
*
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (P3)
!
(
Gnephosis intonsa (P3)
#
*
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (SOI)
Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au
Tel: (08) 9246 3242 ~ Fax (08) 9246 3202
Author: Western Botanical WB Ref:
Date: December 2015
Rev: A A4
CAD Ref: g2361_F003
0
100
200 m
Scale: 1:12,000
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
Figure:
Battler Project
Significant Flora
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Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
19
Table 1. Summary of significant flora counts and locations in relation to major tenements of Battler. Section 1: presence within and outside of tenement
M77/166. Section 2: presence within M77/166, within P77/3645, and outside of P77/3645.
SECTION 1: Presence within and outside of tenement M77/166.
Species
Status
Plants within M77/163
Plants outside M77/163
Total Plants
Recorded
Hydrocotyle corynophora
P1
115
(5.44%)
2,000
(94.56%)
2,115
Goodenia heatheriana
P1
0
(0.00%)
5,530
(100%)
5,530
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75)
P1
0
(0.00%)
15
(100%)
15
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813)
P1
0
(0.00%)
1
(100%)
1
Gnephosis intonsa
P3
4325
(7.93%)
50,185
(92.07%)
54,510
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum
P3
44
(100%)
00
(0.00%)
44
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum
SOI
17
(1.05%)
1,601
(98.95%)
1,618
Section 2: Presence within, M77/166, within P77/3645, and outside of P77/3645.
Species
Status
Plants within M77/163
Plants within P77/3645
(excl.)
Plants outside
P77/3645
Total Plants
Recorded
Hydrocotyle corynophora
P1
115
(5.44%)
103
(4.87%)
1,897
(89.69%)
2,115
Goodenia heatheriana
P1
0
(0.00%)
10
(0.18%)
5,520
(98.82%)
5,530
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75)
P1
0
(0.00%)
15
(100.%)
0
(0.00%)
15
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813)
P1
0
(0.00%)
0
(0.00%)
1
(100%)
1
Gnephosis intonsa
P3
4325
(7.93%)
27,201
(49.90%)
22,984
(42.16%)
54,510
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum
P3
44
(100%)
0
(0.00%)
0
(0.00%)
44
Lepidosperma aff . fimbriatum
SOI
17
(1.05%)
151
(9.33%)
1,450
(89.62%)
1,618
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
20
3.5.1.
Hydrocotyle corynophora (Priority 1)
Hydrocotyle corynophora is a sprawling rosetted annual (Plate 6) that inhabits wet depressions
and wetter flat areas. Prior to Western Botanical’s H. corynophora was known only from a
single collection in 1896 from an uncertain location. The records within and south of Battler
currently represent the only known locations of this poorly known species. The conservation
status of H. corynophora may be upgraded by DPaW from Priority 1 to Threatened due to its
recent re-discovery.
One hundred and fifteen plants of H. corynophora were found at a single location within the
south of tenement M77/166. One hundred and three plants were found at three locations within
tenement P77/3645. A further 1,897 plants were found south of the Battler project.
As H. corynophora is restricted to wet depressions and wetter flat areas, alteration of surface
hydrology may impact on this poorly understood species.
Plate 6. Photos of Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1) showing growth habit and infloresence.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
21
3.5.2.
Goodenia heatheriana (Priority 1)
Goodenia heatheriana is a sprawling rosette annual herb growing to 15 cm high (Plate 7). It is
known from six locations within records of the Western Australian Herbarium (1998-), highly
restricted to a small geographic area within the Coolgardie IBRA region. It is distinguished from
other similar Goodenia species by its distinctive glandular hairs on the abaxial surface of petals.
No Goodenia heatheriana plants were recorded within tenement M77/166. Ten plants at one
location were recorded just within the southern boundary of tenement P77/3645. A further 5,520
plants were recorded adjacent and south of Battler, typically in wet depressions on lower slopes
and low hilltops.
Plate 7. Photos of Goodenia heatheriana (P1) showing glandular hairs on flower (at bottom of petal)
and divided rosette leaves.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
22
3.5.3.
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (Priority 1)
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate is a low shrub growing to 45 cm with bright blue/purple flowers
(Plate 8). It is known from five locations within records of the Western Australian Herbarium
(1998-), restricted to the southwest portion of Coolgardie and western portion of Mallee IBRA
regions.
Fifteen plants were recorded at Battler within the southwest corner of tenement P77/3645, with
all plants confined to the ‘Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland’ vegetation
association. The identity of this species was not known until after the field surveys, and may
therefore be more abundant within this vegetation association than currently reported.
Plate 8. Photo of Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (P1) showing habit and bright
blue/purple flowers.
3.5.4.
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813) (Priority 1)
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813) is a compact dwarf shrub to 15 cm high (Plate 9). Within
records of the Western Australian Herbarium (1998-) it is known from three locations and
restricted to the south of the Coolgardie IBRA region.
One record of Teucrium sp. dwarf was recorded approximately 1 km east of Battler (GDA 94,
50 J 0728615 6529357) during priority species searches. No plants of T. sp. dwarf were found
within or immediately adjacent to Battler.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
23
Plate 9. Scan of the collected Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813).
3.5.5.
Gnephosis intonsa (Priority 3)
Gnephosis intonsa is a grey-white, prostrate to ascending annual herb typically growing to 4 cm
but notably higher with good rainfall (Plate 10). Within records of the Western Australian
Herbarium (1998-) it is widely distributed within the Coolgardie IBRA region and known within
the Murchison, Mallee, and Esperance Plains regions.
The field surveys found that Gnephosis intonsa is widespread and very abundant within wet
depressions of the ‘Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland’ vegetation association, both
within Battler and the surrounding area.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
24
Plate 10. Photos of Gnephosis intonsa (P3) showing a single plant and multiple plants within wet
depression.
3.5.6.
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (Priority 3)
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum is a prostrate to spreading annual herb typically growing to
10 cm high (Plate 11). It is widely but sparsely distributed across semi-arid areas of southern
Western Australia (Western Australian Herbarium 1998-).
At Battler forty-four plants were recorded at one location (two patches) immediately inside the
northern portion of tenement M77/166’s eastern boundary, within the ‘Eucalyptus longicornis
Dominated Woodland’ vegetation association. Due to GPS error (± 5 m) it is possible the plants
may be outside M77/166 and within P77/3645. Where found, it grew within one metre of a
eucalypt tree trunk. Priority searching at and around the known location and within the
vegetation association did not find additional plants.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
25
Plate 11. Photo of dense patch of Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (P3) in litter under eucalypts.
3.5.7.
Calotis erinacea (Species of Interest)
Calotis erinacea is a branched, straggling perennial herb growing to height (length) of 0.8 m.
This species is common and widespread, inhabiting most of inland Australia, extending south
into Victoria, and also with a disjunct presence in the South West of Western Australia. It is
considered a Species of Interest due to the record at Battler representing a 250 km range
extension from populations previous recorded in the South West of Western Australia. While a
specimen was collected at Battler, the overall distribution within the project area was not
assessed.
3.5.8.
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (Species of Interest)
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum is a strap-leaved sedge growing to 45 cm (Plate 12). It is
considered a Species of Interest due to unresolved taxonomy, having affinity to both L. diurnum
and L. fimbriatum. Though matching specimens are held within Western Australian Herbarium,
this taxon is not currently formally recognised within Western Australia’s Census of Vascular
Flora, and thus is not a priority species.
At Battler it is restricted to the ‘Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland’ vegetation
association for which it is a characteristic species of the ground layer. Additionally, this
Lepidosperma was found in relatively high numbers south of the Battler project.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
26
Plate 12. Scan of Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (Species of Interest) and photo showing growth
habit at bottom right.
3.6.
Weeds
Sixteen weed species were recorded during the survey. None of these weed species are listed as a
Declared Pest in Western Australia and none are listed as a Weed of National Significance
(Government of Western Australia 2015b, Australian Weeds Committee 2015).
The majority of weed species were encountered infrequently and were sparsely distributed
within Battler. Generally, weeds were more abundant along the western side of the project area
(likely due to proximity to farmland west of Forrestiana-Southern Cross Road). Table 2 presents
a summary of the more frequently encountered weed species and their abundance and
distribution at Battler.
Of the weeds, Carrichtera annua was the most widespread and abundant, frequently occurring
within wet depressions and other wetter areas or the two Eucalypt woodland vegetation
associations.
Table 2. Summary of key weed species (more abundant) recorded at Battler.
Weed Species Name
Distribution and Abundance Notes
Brassica tournefortii
Common but sparsely distributed as isolated plants throughout Battler, with increased
density toward the western third of the project area.
Carrichtera annua
Common and often dominant in wet depressions throughout Battler. More frequently
found in the Eucalyptus salubris dominated woodland where wet depressions are
more abundant and along drainage lines associated with roads and tracks.
Centaurea melitensis
Small isolated patches scattered within the Eucalyptus salubris dominated woodland
along the western boundary of Battler.
Hordeum leporinum
Common within areas heavily disturbed by historical mining. Some infrequent
occurrences on/near the powerline track along the western boundary of Battler.
Moraea setifolia
Common along tracks and ditches within and around areas heavily disturbed by
historical mining.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
27
3.7.
Vegetation Condition
The overall vegetation condition for Battler is considered ‘Good’ on the Keigheri Condition
Scale (see Appendix 4) due to the presence of weeds and disturbance from previous mining. The
north-northeastern quarter of Battler area approaches a condition of ‘Very Good’, containing
fewer weeds than the remainder of the project area. The historically mined areas previously
cleared of most vegetation and mined are considered ‘Completely Degraded’, containing little of
the original vegetation and significant weed coverage.
3.8.
Limitations
Western Botanical notes the following limitations for the Level 1 survey of the Battler project:
•
While the spacing of transects and resolution of targeted searching conducted is
considered high intensity for a Level 1 survey, some occurrences/locations of priority
species may still remain unrecorded.
•
Plant counts for significant flora are to be considered estimates, particularly for annual
species where large numbers were present.
•
The detection of Goodenia heatheriana during the second fieldtrip (20 days after the first
fieldtrip when it was not yet flowering) highlights the importance of timing for botanical
surveys. Though the surveys performed were fairly comprehensive, it is still possible that
other species remain undetected due to timing of fieldtrips.
•
Previous mining activity and refuse heaps provided a hazard for botanists during the
survey and prevented some small areas from being fully surveyed. Such areas were
typically heavily disturbed and unlikely to contain priority flora.
•
For the majority of the survey the accuracy of GPS units used was consistently noted at
± 5 m. However, reduced accuracy (to ± 30 m) and jumping/shifting location on GPS
displays was observed in some areas of Battler that contained moderate slopes and/or
denser tree coverage.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
28
4.
References
Australian
Weeds
Committee
(2015).
Weeds
of
National
Significance.
Online:
http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/
. Accessed 13/11/2015.
BOM
(Bureau
of
Meteorology)
(2015).
Climate
Data
Online.
Online
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/
. Accessed 20/11/2015.
Botanica Consulting (2011). Level 1 Flora and Vegetation Survey: Battler. Consultant report
prepared for Southern Cross Goldfields Ltd.
Cowan M., Graham G. & Mckenzie N. (2001). Coolgardie 2 (COO2 – Southern Cross
subregion).
Online
http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/about/science/projects/
waaudit/coolgardie02_p143-155.pdf
. Accessed 6/11/2015.
DEC (Department of Environment & Conservation) (2010). A biodiversity and cultural
conservation strategy for the Great Western Woodlands. Department of Environment &
Conservation.
DEC (Department of Environment & Conservation) (n.d.). Threatened and Priority Flora Report
Form – Field Manual. Online
https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-
animals/monitoring/forms/tprf_field_manual_v1_0.pdf
. Accessed 20/11/2016.
DPaW (Department of Parks & Wildlife) (2015). Priority Ecological Communities for Western
Australia
Version
22.
Online
http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-
animals/threatened-species/priority_ecological_communities_list_june2015.pdf
.
Accessed
20/11/2015.
Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever. Volume 2; Directory of Bush Forever
Sites. Department of Environmental Protection, Western Australia.
Government
of
Western
Australia
(2015a).
NatureMap.
Online
http://naturemap.dpaw.wa.gov.au/default.aspx
. Accessed 18/09/2015.
Government of Western Australia (2015b). Western Australian Organism List. Online
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/bam/western-australian-organism-list-waol
. Accessed 13/11/2015.
Western Australian Herbarium (1998-). FloraBase – the Western Australian Flora. Department
of Parks and Wildlife. Online
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au
. Accessed 20/11/2016.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
29
5.
List of Participants
Role
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