Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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| 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
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
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Contents 1.
1
1.1. Project Background 1
1.2. Previous Surveys of Battler 1
Methods 4
2.1. Desktop Assessment 4
2.2. Field Survey 4
Flora Specimen Identification 5
3.
6
3.1. Biogeography 6
3.2. Acacia concolorans Regional Survey 7
Vegetation Mapping 8
3.3.1. Eucalyptus longicornis Dominated Woodland 11
Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland
Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage
Mixed Eucalyptus & Acacia acuminata Shrubland
Cleared or Mining Impacted
3.4. Overview of Flora 16
3.5. Significant Flora 16
Hydrocotyle corynophora (Priority 1) 20
Goodenia heatheriana (Priority 1)
Hemigenia sp. Newdegate (E. Bishop 75) (Priority 1)
Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813) (Priority 1)
Gnephosis intonsa (Priority 3)
Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (Priority 3)
Calotis erinacea (Species of Interest)
Lepidosperma aff. fimbriatum (Species of Interest)
3.6. Weeds 26
3.7. Vegetation Condition 27
Limitations 27
4.
28
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
ii Appendices Appendix 1. NatureMap Flora Search Results. 30
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
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
association. 13
Plate 4. Examples of Eucalyptus loxophleba & Acacia acuminata Drainage Shrubland vegetation association. 14
vegetation association. 15
Plate 6. Photos of Hydrocotyle corynophora (P1) showing growth habit and infloresence. 20
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
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
photo showing growth habit at bottom right. 26
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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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.
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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6 5 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 0 0 0 0 6 5 3 0 0 0 0 6 5 3 0 0 0 0 6 5 4 0 0 0 0 6 5 4 0 0 0 0 6 5 5 0 0 0 0 6 5 5 0 0 0 0 6 5 6 0 0 0 0 6 5 6 0 0 0 0 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_F001 0 1 2 3 4 5 km 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. •
•
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
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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. •
•
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
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
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Figure 2. Recent and historical mean rainfall recorded at Southern Cross Airport (BOM 2015).
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. 0
10 20
30 40
50 60
70 80
90 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Ra inf al l ( m m ) Past 12 Months Historic Mean
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
8 Plate 1. Examples of Acacia concolorans plants encountered during regional survey.
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. •
•
•
•
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
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P 77/3645 M 77/166 M 77/1044 M 77/1025 726500
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Battler Project Vegetation Associations IMD Gold Mines Ltd Sou the rn Cro ss t o M arv el L och Ro ad Unkovich Road Im ag ery: A ug us t 2
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Battler Project
and
Acacia acuminata Drainage Shrubland Mixed
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
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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).
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),
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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Plate 3. Examples of Eucalyptus salubris Dominated Woodland vegetation association.
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
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vegetation association.
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.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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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.
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.,
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.
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
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Battler.
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Battler Project Significant Flora IMD Gold Mines Ltd Sou the rn Cro ss t o M arv el L och Ro ad Unkovich Road Im ag ery: A ug us t 2
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Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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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
P3
44 (100%)
00 (0.00%) 44
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
P1
0 (0.00%) 10 (0.18%) 5,520 (98.82%) 5,530
P1
0 (0.00%) 15 (100.%) 0 (0.00%) 15
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
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.
Flora Survey of Battler Tenements M77/166 & P77/3645
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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.
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.
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
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Plate 9. Scan of the collected Teucrium sp. dwarf (R. Davis 8813).
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
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depression.
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.
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Plate 11. Photo of dense patch of Phlegmatospermum eremaeum (P3) in litter under eucalypts.
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.
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
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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.
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.
Common within areas heavily disturbed by historical mining. Some infrequent occurrences on/near the powerline track along the western boundary of Battler.
Common along tracks and ditches within and around areas heavily disturbed by historical mining.
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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.
Limitations Western Botanical notes the following limitations for the Level 1 survey of the Battler project: •
considered high intensity for a Level 1 survey, some occurrences/locations of priority species may still remain unrecorded. •
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. •
survey and prevented some small areas from being fully surveyed. Such areas were typically heavily disturbed and unlikely to contain priority flora. •
± 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.
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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).
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
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
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.
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5. List of Participants Role Kataloq: seven-day-comment-on-referrals seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Vegetation, Flora and Wetland Survey at the Wonnerup South Mineral Sands Deposit seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> 14 th August 2013 For Extension Hill Pty Ltd: Extension Hill Magnetite Project seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Figure 19: Eucalyptus desmondensis modelling results seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Warriedar p seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Health monitoring program seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Fauna and Fauna Assemblages Survey of the Kundip and Trilogy Study Sites seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> User Community seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> User Community seven-day-comment-on-referrals -> Fqm nickel australia p ty ltd Yüklə 2,75 Mb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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