Fauna Study Marrickville

2007 Fauna Study, Marrickville LGA Prepared for Marrickville Council

E06029

Australian Museum Business Services 6 College Street, Sydney NSW 2010

Ph (02) 9320 6311 Fax (02) 9320 6428 www.amonline.gov.au/ambs

[email protected]

July 2007

2007 Fauna Study for Marrickville Council

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Document Information

Name of Document: Fauna Study for Marrickville City Council

Issue: Draft Report

Client Name: Marrickville City Council

Recipient: Ros Gibbons, Project Co-ordinator, Planting the Seed

Date: 10 July 2007

Reviewed by: Jayne Tipping, Senior Project Manager

David James, Project Manager/Ecologist

Approved by: Jayne Tipping, Senior Project Manager



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Project Team Senior Project Manager / Ecologist .............................................. Jayne Tipping

Project Manager / Ecologist .......................................................... Josie Stokes

Project Manager / Ecologist .......................................................... Brendan Ryan

Project Officer / Ecologist ............................................................ Candida Barclay

Review .......................................................................................... David James

Report Author ............................................................................... Josie Stokes

Acknowledgements Numerous people have helped gather the information provided in this report and AMBS would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in the project. In particular AMBS acknowledges the contributions made by Bruce Ashley (Inner West Environment Group-IWEG) who went above and beyond the call of duty to meet field staff on site in the early hours of the morning, assist them in gaining access to the Rail Corridor and also to provide additional information about the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, including bird and flora species lists and more importantly, information pertaining to Long Nosed Bandicoot sightings in the Dulwich Hill area. Special thanks to Tanya Leary (DECC) for providing background information on the trapping and ear-marking of Long Nosed Bandicoots in Dulwich Hill. AMBS would also like to thank Marrickville Council for providing the opportunity to conduct this project and extends particular thanks to Ros Gibbons for her assistance and support.

Executive Summary

This report was prepared for Marrickville Council to present the findings of a combined field and desktop fauna study which aimed to identify the species present or considered potentially likely to occur in the Marrickville LGA. One of the principal objectives of the 2007 fauna study conducted by AMBS was to determine fauna species assemblages within the Marrickville LGA and to compare these with the findings of the 1996 fauna study. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying areas of conservation significance including location and habitat of threatened species, and creating a survey site register containing photos, habitat descriptions and species lists that could be updated during subsequent surveys. A total of 87 fauna species were recorded during the 2007 field surveys conducted by AMBS within the Marrickville LGA. This represents a total of 27% of the total 316 species that have been previously recorded (DECC, DEH, Australian Museum and Birds Australia database records) within the locality. Two species listed as threatened on the State and Commonwealth legislation were recorded within the locality during the 2007 fauna survey (the Eastern Bentwing Bat and the Grey Headed Flying Fox). Recommendations are provided to manage the survey sites and wider Marrickville LGA in terms of conserving the species observed and consideration is given to how the LGA may be managed to increase the biodiversity of fauna species.



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Contents

Project Team ................................................................................................................... ii

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... ii

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ ii

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

2 Background .............................................................................................................. 1

3 Aims & Objectives ................................................................................................... 2

4 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 3 4.1 Desktop Survey ................................................................................................................ 3 4.2 Field Surveys .................................................................................................................... 3

4.2.1 Survey Design Limitations ............................................................................................. 7 4.2.2 Non-Flying Mammals .................................................................................................... 7 4.2.3 Nocturnal Spotlighting ................................................................................................... 8 4.2.4 Microchiropteran Bats .................................................................................................... 8 4.2.5 Diurnal Birds .................................................................................................................. 9 4.2.6 Nocturnal Birds .............................................................................................................. 9 4.2.7 Reptiles .......................................................................................................................... 9 4.2.8 Dip-net surveys .............................................................................................................. 9 4.2.9 Frogs .............................................................................................................................. 9 4.2.10 Fauna signs and incidental observations ........................................................................ 9 4.3 Habitat Assessment/Survey Site Register ...................................................................... 11

5 Results ..................................................................................................................... 11 5.1 Desktop Survey .............................................................................................................. 11 14 5.2 Field Surveys, 2007 ........................................................................................................ 16

5.2.1 Non Flying Mammals .................................................................................................. 16 5.2.2 Microchiroptera ............................................................................................................ 17 5.2.3 Diurnal Birds ................................................................................................................ 18 5.2.4 Nocturnal Birds ............................................................................................................ 18 5.2.5 Reptiles ........................................................................................................................ 19 5.2.6 Frogs ............................................................................................................................ 19 5.2.7 Comparison between 1996 and 2007 survey results .................................................... 20

6 Discussion ............................................................................................................... 22 6.1 Survey Design ................................................................................................................ 22 6.2 Ecological Factors .......................................................................................................... 23

6.2.1 Non-Flying Mammals .................................................................................................. 24 6.2.2 Long Nosed Bandicoots in Dulwich Hill ..................................................................... 24 6.2.3 Microchiroptera ............................................................................................................ 28 6.2.4 Diurnal Birds ................................................................................................................ 28 6.2.5 Nocturnal Birds ............................................................................................................ 29 6.2.6 Reptiles ........................................................................................................................ 29 6.2.7 Frogs ............................................................................................................................ 30



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7 Review of 1996 Fauna Study Recommendations ................................................ 30 7.1 Monitor flora and fauna species and their communities to ensure long-term

maintenance of populations of all species ...................................................................... 30 7.2 Conduct Field days and workshops to educate the public on Biodiversity and the

protection of natural resources ....................................................................................... 31 7.3 Assistance for community organisations to undertake projects for urban improvement 31 7.4 Proactively plan Cooks River wildlife corridor .............................................................. 31 7.5 Re-establish the native plant community through landscaping and revegetation works 32 7.6 Review Tree Preservation Order (LEP 114) .................................................................. 32 7.7 Reduce the danger of pollution by agricultural chemicals used in the urban

environment .................................................................................................................... 33 7.8 Cat and Dog ownership .................................................................................................. 33 7.9 Rehabilitate the riparian zone along the Cooks River from Marrickville Golf Course

to Kendrick Park ............................................................................................................. 33 7.10 Plan and implement Wildlife corridor ............................................................................ 33 7.11 Develop a PoM for the relocation of the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog to

Dibble Ave ..................................................................................................................... 33

8 Conclusion and Summary of Recommendations ................................................ 34 8.1 Introduced Animal control ............................................................................................. 34 8.2 Repeat Fauna Survey ...................................................................................................... 35 8.3 Retention and Improvement of habitat ........................................................................... 35 8.4 Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor ................................................................................ 35

9 References ............................................................................................................... 36

Appendix A Fauna Database Records and Species List for Marrickville LGA .........

Appendix B Survey Site Register.....................................................................................

Figures Figure 1. Location of study sites 1 to 9 within the Study Area ................................................. 5 Figure 2. Location of the Camperdown Cemetery (Site 10) .................................................... 6 Figure 3. Threatened fauna species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DECC

Wildlife Atlas and Australian Museum databases). ......................................................... 13 Figure 4. Threatened bird species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DEWR

and Birds Australia databases) ......................................................................................... 14 Figure 5. Threatened bird species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DEWR

and Birds Australia database). .......................................................................................... 15 Figure 6. Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) ............................................................. 25 Figure 7. Opportunistic Long-nosed Bandicoot Sightings (2004-2007) within the Study Area .............................................................................................................................. 25



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1 Introduction Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS) was contracted by Marrickville Council to repeat and expand upon the 1996 fauna study that was conducted for the Marrickville Council State of the Environment Report (Cohen 1996). The 1996 fauna study aimed to provide baseline species data to allow for monitoring over time as well as to establish programs and works aimed at encouraging biological diversity within the Marrickville Local Government Area (LGA). This report presents the records acquired from recent (1996-2007) fauna database searches; information from the desktop review of relevant publications and Council documents; and the results from a fauna study conducted at ten (10) study sites within the Marrickville LGA in March 2007. It also reports on progress achieved with the implementation of recommendations of the 1996 study. Management advice is provided on the future conservation and enhancement of sites for biodiversity within the Marrickville LGA. The original 1996 fauna study did not record habitat attributes nor report on their condition which is essential for identifying habitat change over time and possible corresponding changes in species diversity and abundance. This report incorporates a site register, which provides habitat descriptions, photos, and fauna species lists for each survey site.

2 Background The original native flora and fauna communities within the Marrickville LGA have been extensively modified as a result of urban development. Whilst most of the native vegetation has been removed, significant areas of remnant native plants and communities still remain on public and private lands (Clouston 1997). Late 19th century clearing of forests and woodlands for agriculture, industry, housing and parkland decreased available wildlife habitat which, in turn impacted on the biodiversity within the area. This resulted in an overall loss of species diversity and the number of native animals occurring within the Marrickville LGA. This fauna study is an initiative of Marrickville Council and is consistent with the vision and objectives outlined in the Cooks River Foreshore Strategic Plan (Clouston 1997). Of particular relevance to this study is the Natural Conservation and Restoration Strategy which outlines a series of objectives to assist in actively managing and protecting the biodiversity of Marrickville LGA including:

• The conservation and restoration of natural areas including the planting of local plants and trees, linkage of natural bush areas, co-ordination of local seed collection and the use of nesting boxes for birds and animals; and

• Better water and riverbank management to reduce pollution entering the water, decrease the risk of flooding and stop bank erosion.

The 2007 survey conducted by AMBS was the second in what is planned to be a number of ongoing fauna surveys that aim to identify and document the fauna biodiversity in the Marrickville LGA, taking into account seasonal and longer term potential effects. By determining what fauna utilise the habitats within Marrickville LGA, management practices can be designed accordingly with the aim of securing and improving the biodiversity of the locality.



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3 Aims & Objectives The principal objective of this study was to determine fauna species assemblages within the Marrickville LGA and to compare these with the findings of the fauna study of 1996. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying areas of conservation significance, such as the location and habitat of any threatened species. Another objective was to review the recommendations of the original study and report on any progress achieved through their implementation, as well as making further recommendations to encourage and enhance biodiversity in the Marrickville Local Government Area. The approach taken by AMBS to address these objectives was as follows:

1. Update the existing fauna records for Marrickville LGA identified during the original study (Cohen 1996) by conducting a desktop study sourcing database records of fauna species known to occur within a 5 km radius of Marrickville LGA (utilising NSW NPWS Wildlife Database records, Birds Australia and Cumberland Bird Observers Club database records, resident’s observations and relevant published and unpublished reports such as the Marrickville Council Fauna Study (Cohen 1996), Environmental Condition of the Cooks River and Community Vision Strategy (Yeung 1995), Cooks River Stormwater Management Plan (PPK 1999) and Cooks River Survey (Albani and Kollias 2005).

2. Undertake field surveys for terrestrial fauna species at eight (8) sites that were identified and sampled during the 1996 fauna study. To allow for comparison between survey years, the sampling time (February/March) and methods applied in the 1996 study were replicated.

3. Sample fauna groups previously omitted, including microchiropteran bats and nocturnal birds.

4. Identify and survey other potential sites, including two (2) sites identified by Marrickville Council - Camperdown Cemetery and Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor.

5. Create a site survey register that contains photos, habitat descriptions, and species lists that can be updated during subsequent surveys.

6. Provide a report (this document) that lists all species recorded during the previous and current survey and reviews recommendations of the original study and report on any progress achieved, as well as recommend potential management measures that may be implemented to secure and improve the fauna biodiversity within the locality.

Within the scope of the above mentioned tasks, conservation significance will be afforded to all species identified, with reference to Commonwealth and State legislation, including respectively, the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.



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4 Methodology

4.1 Desktop Survey

A comprehensive species list was compiled from previous records of fauna species known to occur within 5 km of the survey sites (search area referred to as the locality). The boundary of this area extends as far as Woolwich (Hunters Hill LGA) in the north, Randwick (Randwick LGA) in the east, Port Botany (Botany Bay LGA) in the south and Canterbury (Canterbury LGA) in the west. Some variation in species composition is expected to occur across the locality. However, differences in habitat availability, landscape connectivity and size of remnants can be expected to influence the biodiversity across the extent of the locality. Database records for species known to occur in the locality were sourced from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Wildlife Database, Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEWR), Australian Museum Database, Birds Australia, and the Cumberland Bird Observers Club. Records within a 5 km radius of the locality were identified and mapped using Arcview (version 3.2) to illustrate their proximity to the study area (Figure 3).

4.2 Field Surveys

The methods used to conduct the fauna surveys within the study area were selected by AMBS with two purposes in mind: 1. To replicate sampling time and methods used in the 1996 fauna study to allow for

direct comparison between survey years (species presence/absence), and 2. To maximise the probability of detecting other fauna groups (eg microbats, non-

flying mammals, nocturnal birds, and amphibians) which were notably absent from the 1996 survey results, using techniques which could be replicated at a future date.

The surveys were conducted over three days and three nights (5/03/07-8/5/07) at ten pre-determined survey sites within the study area. It was warm (between 23 - 29 degrees Celsius) and humid and became increasingly overcast, with rain recorded on the first afternoon of the survey. It rained for the first 2 hours of the second day (6/3/07) but did not rain again for the rest of the survey period. The study area was divided into ten (10) sites for the purposes of the survey (Figs 1 and 2). Eight sites were surveyed during the 1996 fauna study and an additional two sites (Camperdown Cemetery and Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor) were selected by Marrickville Council in this survey. The sampling sites are mapped on Figures 1 and 2 and are briefly described below:

• Site 1 – Tempe Lands (previously known as Tempe Tip), located between the Princes Highway and the International Airport, is a newly created landscape (2005) characterised by three large ephemeral waterbodies containing macrophytes, edged by sandstone rocks, boulders and plantings;

• Site 2 – Kendrick Park, on the Cooks River immediately parallel to the Princes Highway, is a grassy, open picnic area, with some native over storey species;



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• Site 3 – Mackey Park, bordered by Richardsons Crescent and Carrington Road, is an open grassy playing field with very sparse canopy cover;

• Site 4 - Warren Park, located directly above the Cooks River and immediately below Thornley Ave, is a small, relatively recent (2005) planted recreational park/picnic area. There is a Landcare site with native plantings either side of the access road to the foreshore from Thornley Avenue;

• Site 5 - Steel Park, bordered by Illawarra Rd and the Cooks River, is a large grassy open playing field and a bike path, with very little canopy cover. There is a Landcare site below the cliff;

• Site 6 - HJ Mahoney Reserve, bordered by the Cooks River, Illawarra Rd and Wharf St is adjacent to Marrickville Golf Course and is a large open grassy playing field with planted and remnant floodplain vegetation;

• Site 7 - Marrickville Golf Links, bordered by residential development and the Cooks River, is a large manicured Golf Course surrounded by mangroves and Casuarinas. There is a Landcare site within the golf course about 100m east of the clubhouse on a rocky outcrop. Vegetation is predominantly native grasses and groundcovers;

• Site 8- Dibble Ave Waterhole, adjacent to the Golf Course and encircled by high density residential developments, is a large waterbody fed by ground and stormwater and is currently choked by blue-green algae and duckweed;

• Site 9 – Camperdown Cemetery, located on Church St Newtown, is a 19th century cemetery with tall Palm trees, Poplars, and Brushbox trees and a significant remnant of Kangaroo grassland with associated species of understorey plants from the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest , an endangered ecological community protected under the NSW Threatened Species Act; and

• Site 10 - Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, located between Constitution Rd and Nelson St, is a bush regeneration site and contains a mixture of planted and remnant vegetation.


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Figure 1. Location of study sites 1 to 9 within the Study Area



Figure 2. Location of the Camperdown Cemetery (Site 10)



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4.2.1 Survey Design Limitations

Funding was available to conduct survey over 3 days and 3 nights across the study area. The data that were collected during this time represent a "snap shot" in time and should be used as a baseline (in conjunction with results from the previous study) from which further surveys can provide additional information. The survey was conducted in the first week of March and so represents a summer sampling period, but surveys should be replicated in other seasons to sample for species that may be active, or present within the locality at other times of the year, especially with regard to migratory species. The survey was timed to replicate the 1996 fauna survey and to maximise detection of species in terms of climate conditions, with extremely hot and dry conditions avoided. The survey followed a period of rainfall events, which was hoped to maximise the chances of observing species that may be present and active within the locality as they foraged on available food sources such as birds or mammals feeding on plant leaves or flowers (grasses or trees) growing in response to rainfall. Detecting frog species after rainfall is also made easier and more effective as the males will call to attract females for breeding when water is available in ponds, puddles or even leaf litter (given that they breed at the time the survey was conducted). The survey technique employed for detecting reptiles (hand searching) relies on the presence of rocks, logs and other suitable substrates under which to search. A large portion of the study area lacks such microhabitats, rendering hand searching an unproductive survey technique for this area. Furthermore, drought conditions before the survey period may have reduced reptile numbers and activity.

4.2.2 Non-Flying Mammals

Non-flying mammals were surveyed through a combination of methods including searching for signs of activity and scats during the day and spotlighting at night. Targeted among this fauna group were possums, gliders, and kangaroos, which are large enough to be observed and distinguished by sight and whose scats and tracks are also large enough to be reliably detected and distinguished. Signs made by possums and gliders include scratch marks up trees, sap-feeding scars (Sugar Glider, Petaurus breviceps and the Squirrel Glider, Petaurus norfolkensis) and nests/dreys (Ringtail Possums Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and tree hollows provide shelter and nest sites (Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula). Small nocturnal species are difficult to detect as they are active at night and are often overlooked during spotlighting surveys. When they are detected, it is often impossible to distinguish the species without a close examination, possible only when the animal has been captured. To overcome this survey limitation, a small mammal trapping program was implemented at two of the sites (Tempe Lands and Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor). Elliott traps, cage traps and hair funnels/tubes were placed in transects running through various habitat types to sample small and medium-sized ground-dwelling and scansorial mammals. Following approved live trapping methodology from NSW Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Draft Guidelines (DECC 2007) and transects of the previous study (Cohen 1996), 25 Elliot A traps were set at Tempe Lands (Site 1) along three transects. The traps were spaced at 10-15 metre intervals, marked by flagging tape and left in situ for three nights. Three wire cage traps were



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placed strategically at Tempe Lands amongst dense vegetation at intervals of approximately 50-100 metres. Due to the linear nature and small area of the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor (Site 10), a total of 12 Elliot A traps, 3 Elliot B traps, 5 cage traps and 15 hair tubes were set along three transects. Elliot A traps were placed at 10-15 metre intervals and Elliot B traps placed at 50 metre intervals. Cage traps were spaced at 50 metre intervals and placed strategically amongst dense Lantana to attract Long Nosed Bandicoots (Perameles nasuta), which have previously been recorded in the study site. Hair funnels were placed in areas of suitable habitat of the target species, spaced at 20 metre intervals and left in situ for 14 nights. Hair funnels are an ideal technique for detecting the presence of small mammals that are difficult to spot and identify at night (even with a spotlight), and they do not involve the restraint of the animal. Hair funnels have removable adhesive ‘wafers’ on the inside upper surface of the funnel which catch the hairs of animals attracted to anchored food baits. Microscopic analysis of the hairs on the wafers enables identification of mammals that have visited the hair funnel. Elliot traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey, rolled oats and vanilla essence (‘universal’ bait) and hair funnels placed alternately with chicken necks and universal bait. Cage traps were placed on the ground and beneath thick patches of noxious Lantana sp, covered with ‘hessian’ bags and baited with a combination of universal bait and chicken necks to attract mammals such as possums, quolls and bandicoots. All traps (except hair funnels which do not require daily monitoring) were inspected early each morning to ensure any animals caught were not left to dehydrate during the course of the day, and then re-set and re-baited later that evening.

4.2.3 Nocturnal Spotlighting

Spotlighting surveys for non-flying mammals, nocturnal birds and reptiles were undertaken at each sampling site for a period of three nights. Spotlighting was undertaken by two ecologists using 50 watt portable spotlights for a minimum of 1.5 person hours. All habitats considered suitable for fauna were included in the spotlighting surveys.

4.2.4 Microchiropteran Bats

Insectivorous bats (Microchiroptera) are a group of native mammals for which spotlighting is unsuitable as they are small and very fast moving, making them impossible to identify (Tidemann and Roscoe 2006). Microchiroptera were sampled by recording ultrasonic calls, using the Anabat II call detection system, for 45 minutes at each site (1.5 person hours). Where possible, recordings were taken within two hours of dusk as this is a peak activity period for insectivorous bats. Both hand-held and delay systems were used to maximise the call survey period. Calls detected were recorded onto hand held tape recorders and sent to Ray Williams (Ecotone Ecological Consultants) for species identification. Opportunistic observations of the vulnerable Grey Headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) across the study area were also documented.



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4.2.5 Diurnal Birds

A diurnal bird census was undertaken during the early morning (pre-dawn) for approximately two (2) hours (4 person hours) across each site within the study area for a period of three (3) days. Birds were identified both by direct observation (visually) and by their calls (aurally). Any opportunistic observations of species across the study area were also documented.

4.2.6 Nocturnal Birds

Nocturnal birds were surveyed using call playback (following NSW Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Draft Guidelines, DECC 2007), call identification and spotlighting. Calls were played on a CD player, amplified through a megaphone for 30 seconds at low volume, followed by a five minute listening period. After completion of the call broadcasts the area was searched with a spotlight. In this way any birds that may have been attracted to the area, but which had not called should also have been detected. Any species observed or heard in response to the call broadcasts were documented.

4.2.7 Reptiles

A standard area within each sampling site was surveyed for one hour (2 person hours) between mid-morning and late afternoon for three (3) days. Surveys involved actively searching potential reptile and frog microhabitats, including basking sites, debris, fallen logs, leaf litter, fallen bark, and rock piles and outcrops.

4.2.8 Dip-net surveys

Dip-net surveys were conducted diurnally in relevant waterbodies to detect the presence of tadpoles. The surveys were conducted using four (4) standard sweeps of a hand-held dip-net in each pond/waterbody. Any tadpoles or fish captured were identified (where possible to species level) and then released.

4.2.9 Frogs

Nocturnal streamside searches were conducted for 45 mins (1.5 person hours) at and adjacent to gully and/or wetland sites to target frogs. Additionally, herpetofauna were searched for and recorded during the mammal foot-based spotlighting surveys, with additional active searching in macrophytes for members of the Litoria genus. Where potential habitat existed (Tempe Lands and Dibble Ave), targeted surveys for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) were undertaken by herpetologists experienced in the behavioural ecology of this species.

4.2.10 Fauna signs and incidental observations

All scats, tracks, carcasses and other signs of fauna presence (e.g. nests, whitewash, burrows, scratchings etc) observed during the field surveys were recorded and identified where possible. This provided information on fauna species presence supplementary to other survey methods. Further information can be gained from scats when they are analysed for content of bone and hair, which provides additional information on prey species that may not be directly observed. Hair (collected from hair funnels) and scats were sent to Barbara Triggs (author of ‘Tracks, Scats and other Traces’) for analysis.



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All fauna species observed during the fauna surveys or travelling between sites within the study area were documented and combined into a total species list (Appendix A).

Table 1: Summary of fauna survey methods and effort

Site Survey Method Aggregate Effort

Tempe Lands

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Dip-net tadpole surveys 4 standard sweeps Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours Elliott A Traps 75 trap nights Cage Traps 6 trap nights

Kendrick Park

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Wading birds at Low Tide 1.5 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Mackey Park

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Warren Park

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Steel Park

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Wading birds at Low Tide 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

HJ Mahoney Reserve

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Wading birds at Low Tide 1.5 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Marrickville Golf Links

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Wading birds at Low Tide 1.5 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Dibble Ave Waterhole

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Dip-net tadpole surveys 4 standard sweeps Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Dulwich Hill Rail Corridor

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Hair Funnels 210 trap nights Cage Traps 15 trap nights Elliott A & B Traps 45 trap nights Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours

Camperdown Cemetery

Diurnal Avifauna 4 person hours Diurnal Herpetofauna 2 person hours Spotlighting 1.5 person hours Amphibian surveys (nocturnal) 1.5 person hours Anabat II microbat detection 1.5 person hours



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4.3 Habitat Assessment/Survey Site Register

A habitat assessment was conducted at each survey site, noting predominant topography, vegetation types (general structure and composition), habitat features (e.g. specific food trees, tree-hollows, logs, rocks), disturbance level and current threatening processes (e.g. slashing and pollution). Photographic points were established and documented to serve as a visual record of habitats, enabling comparison and detection of habitat change over time as well as allowing for easy replication during subsequent surveys. A survey site register (Appendix B) was then created using the photos, habitat descriptions and fauna species lists which can be updated during subsequent surveys.

5 Results

5.1 Desktop Survey

The original fauna study (Cohen 1996) conducted a desktop survey with fauna records sourced from the Australian Museum and NPWS Wildlife Atlas databases. It identified a total of 64 vertebrate species which were considered potentially likely to occur within the locality, with six of those listed as threatened on the TSC Act 1995 at the time of writing. However these records were compiled prior to the existence of the EPBC Act (1999) and prior to the listing of a number of threatened TSC Act species, notably the Grey Headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus, which was listed as vulnerable by the NSW Scientific Committee in 2001. As such, database searches (DECC Wildlife Atlas, Australian Museum, Birds Australia, Cumberland Bird Observers Club and DEH) were conducted for this fauna study to identify all records of currently listed species on either the TSC Act or the EPBC Act that had been observed within a 10 km radius of the study area within the last 50 years. It is conventional when reviewing threatened species databases to consider all records within a 10 km radius of the study area. The database searches for this report were further refined to consider those threatened species which had been recorded within a 5 km radius of the study area. The database searches for species recorded previously in the locality revealed that 316 vertebrate species (native and introduced) were known to occur in the locality (Appendix 1). This included the following:

• 10 species of frogs and 1 species of toad

• 31 species of reptiles,

• 239 species of birds,

• 32 mammals, and

• 2 species of fish

The reliability of some of the records sourced from the databases is questionable and as such these records have been discounted by AMBS (see Appendix A). It is a matter of course that the State databases will contain errors or dubious records and therefore requires a screening process.



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Many of the threatened species known to occur within a 5 km radius of the study area (Figures 3, 4 and 5) are unlikely to occur in any of the study sites, such as the Red Goshawk, Erythrotriorchis radiatus and the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami. Many of the wading or shore bird species are unlikely to be frequent inhabitants of the waterbodies located at some of the smaller study sites because they are unlikely to provide suitable long term nesting or foraging habitat. However, areas such as Tempe Lands (Site 1), Kendrick Park (Site 2) and Steel Park (Site 5) which are bordered by the Cooks River are more likely to act as temporary refuge sites for migratory bird species like the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Calidris acuminata.

Of the total species recorded within a 5 km radius of the study area, 65 have been afforded conservation significance (listed as threatened or migratory on the TSC Act and/or the EPBC Act) (Appendix 1, Figure 3 and Figure 4). Among these were seven species listed as endangered on the TSC Act (including the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Litoria aurea, the Swift Parrot, Lathamus discolor, and the Regent Honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia), of which the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater are listed as endangered on the EPBC Act, while the Green and Golden Bell Frog is listed as vulnerable on the EPBC Act. A further 22 species recorded within a 5 km radius of the study area are listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act, with one species the Grey-headed Flying-fox also listed as vulnerable on the EPBC Act (see Appendix 1 for full species list). The distribution of migratory bird records (DECC Wildlife Atlas, DEWR and Birds Australia records) from the locality are typically clustered around water bodies and drainage lines (Figure 3). Eight bird species listed as migratory on the EPBC Act (including those listed on JAMBA and CAMBA international agreements) have previously been recorded in the locality. This group includes four species which are vulnerable on the TSC Act, (the Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa, the Broad-billed Sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus, the Greater Sand Plover, Charadrius leschenaultii, and the Lesser Sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus), and common species such as the Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) and the Cattle Egret (Ardea alba).



Figure 3. Threatened fauna species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DECC Wildlife Atlas and Australian Museum databases).



Figure 4. Threatened bird species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DEWR and Birds Australia databases)



Figure 5. Threatened bird species recorded previously within 5km of the study area (DEWR and Birds Australia database).



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5.2 Field Surveys, 2007

A total of 87 fauna species were detected throughout the field surveys. Species from each of the fauna groups investigated- Mammals, Reptiles, Frogs and Birds were identified.

5.2.1 Non Flying Mammals Non-flying mammal species observed in the study area during the field surveys included the Brushtail Possum at Camperdown Cemetery, identified during spotlight surveys, and the Swamp Wallaby at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, which was identified by microscopic analysis of hairs collected from one of the hair funnels. The Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor does not provide optimal habitat for large non-flying mammal species such as the Swamp Wallaby so this result should be treated cautiously with further investigation recommended to confirm presence of this species. Scratches on a Grey Box (Eucalyptus moluccana) tree at HJ Mahoney Memorial Reserve (Site 6) were consistent with that of the Brushtail Possum, but this species was not detected during the foot-based spotlighting survey of that site. Several scats belonging to foxes and dogs were detected at Tempe Lands (Site 1) and Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor (Site 9), which is consistent with observations during spotlight surveys at each study site. Despite implementing a small mammal trapping program at Tempe Lands and Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, the only species captured was the introduced House Mouse, Mus musculus. A Long Nosed Bandicoot carcass was observed during the diurnal bird survey at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, and while this is consistent with recent observation records in the area (Figure 6), the animal was not detected during targeted trapping or foot-based spotlighting of the site. Dog scats were recorded along the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor in front of Johnson Park, where the fence between the park and study site has several large holes in it. Given the size of the hole in the skull of the Long Nosed Bandicoot carcass and its location directly in front of a large hole in the fence, it is highly likely the animal was the victim of a dog attack. Dogs are not permitted off leash in Johnson Park, although not all dog owners heed this rule and Council rangers are currently trying to enforce this rule. Cats, Felis catus, were detected at six of the sites during spotlight surveys, with Warren Park and Richardson’s Lookout (Site 4) having the highest number of observations (5). This result is expected as the area is surrounded by residential development. The usually nocturnal Brown Rat, Rattus norvegicus, was observed foraging late afternoon on the intertidal mud flats at Kendrick Park. This introduced species lives in extensive burrow systems or cavities usually close to fresh or salt water (Menkhorst and Knight, 2001) and AMBS observed the animal emerging from a small petrified log on the shoreline and running back to take refuge in a burrow in the river bank.



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5.2.2 Microchiroptera

Two microchiropteran bat species were detected during the survey. The level of detection is afforded a class in Appendix 1 (definite or probable) based on the quality of the ultrasonic call recording (length and clarity of call). The species recorded included, Gould's Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), and the Eastern Bentwing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceansis). Of these species the Eastern Bentwing Bat is listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. Both of these species have previously been recorded within the locality, with the Eastern Bentwing Bat being recorded to the north of Marrickville near Woolwich (Figure 3). The Gould’s Wattled Bats were recorded in Camperdown Cemetery and Kendrick Park, shortly after dusk which is consistent with their behaviour. Gould’s Wattled Bats emerge from buildings and tree hollows often just after sunset when there is still a fair amount of ambient light (Churchill 1998). Due to the absence of suitably sized tree hollows at either site, it is highly likely the bats emerged from the belfry tower at Camperdown Cemetery and the toilet block or one of the older residential buildings in the area near Kendrick Park. Both of these areas represent a mix of habitats including woodland, grassland and urban areas, which is consistent with the foraging habits of Gould's Wattled Bats. This species forages on insects, particularly moths, and is one of the most adaptable species of microchiropteran, being found in a variety of habitats throughout Australia (Churchill 1998). The Eastern Bentwing Bat was recorded in the Marrickville Golf Links (Site 7) shortly after dusk indicating that it roosts on or very close to the survey site. There was a large stag (dead tree) which had been hit by lightning 5 years ago (Wayne Beckhaus pers. comm.) that could provide excellent temporary roosting habitat for this species. The Eastern Bentwing Bat primarily uses caves for roosting but they can also use tree hollows and man-made structures like road culverts, especially during periods of dispersal from maternity caves (Churchill 1998). This species forages on insects, in particular moths, and is known to forage in forested areas, flying just above the canopy and also in open areas, like grasslands where they will fly relatively low to the ground to ‘dive’ on insects. The quality of the call recorded on site wasn’t optimal as it was rather short so the identification of this species is afforded a class of probable (Appendix A). The Grey Headed Flying Fox, Pteropus poliocephalus, a megachiropteran bat which is listed as vulnerable on both the TSC Act and EPBC Act, was recorded opportunistically at nine of the survey sites. The Grey Headed Flying Fox was not recorded at Mackey Park (Site 3) but considering there are no suitable food trees within that survey area, this result is expected. The Grey Headed Flying Fox is a highly mobile, nomadic frugivore which moves in response to local food availability. They primarily feed on Eucalypt blossom and native fruits from a variety of trees including figs (Ficus spp.), but are known to ‘raid’ orchards of cultivated fruit (Churchill 1998).



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5.2.3 Diurnal Birds

Sixty-three (63) bird species were observed during the diurnal bird surveys across the study area. The most abundant among this assemblage of species were the Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae), the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus), the Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca), the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus), the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) and the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) (Appendix 1). Other birds observed included the following species (please see Appendix 1 for site specific observations):

• other parrot species (the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua galerita, and the Little Corella, Cacatua sanguinea);

• water birds from most sites containing waterbodies (the Purple Swamp Hen, Porphyrio porphyrio) and the EPBC Act listed migratory Pacific Black Duck, Anas superciliosa and the Australian Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata);

• omnivorous birds (the parasitic Common Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea, the Grey Butcherbird, Cracticus torquatus, the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen and Pied Currawong Strepera graculina);

• raptors (the Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus axillaris and the Nankeen Kestrel, Falco cenchroides);

• passerine birds (the Superb Fairy-wren, Malurus cyaneus, and the Chestnut Breasted Mannikin, Lonchura castaneothorax);

• pigeons and doves (the Crested Pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes and the Spotted-turtle Dove, Streptopelia chinensis);

• warblers (the Little Grassbird, Megalurus gramineus and the Clamorous Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus);

• insectivorous birds (the Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca and the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae; and

• the Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena).

Sufficient foraging and breeding/roosting habitat for many of these species is currently present within the locality, although the size and condition vary between each survey site. Ways to maintain and improve the biodiversity of bird species within Marrickville LGA are discussed in the recommendations (section 6).


One Tawny Frogmouth, Podargus strigoides was observed during the foot-based spotlight survey at Camperdown Cemetery. Tawny Frogmouths hunt for small vertebrates, arthropods and snails at night, and roost on branches during the day. They make their nests in forks of branches, and hence are not reliant on tree hollows as many of the owl species are. Despite targeted nocturnal bird playback and subsequent spotlight surveys within each survey area, no other nocturnal bird species were observed within the study area.



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5.2.5 Reptiles

Six species of lizard were recorded during the field survey. These included the Weasel Skink (Saproscincus mustelina), the Eastern Water Skink (Eulamprus quoyii), the Fence Skink (Cryptoblepharus virgatus), the Dark-flecked Garden Sun-skink (Lampropholis delicata), the Pale-flecked garden Sunskink (Lampropholis guichenoti) and the Eastern Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides). This represents a relatively high proportion of lizards known to occur in the locality (~50% calculated from Appendix 1 list). Furthermore, while no snakes were observed during the field survey, the DECC Wildlife Atlas database provided a number of snake records (Appendix 1). Additional surveys in the beginning of summer would therefore probably reveal a greater number of reptiles in the locality. The Bluetongue Lizard is a ground dwelling species that forages during the day for insects, snails, carrion and vegetation, and shelters in hollow logs at night (Cogger 2000). The Blue Tongue Lizard was recorded from a Cage trap at Tempe Lands. The Eastern Water Skink is a diurnal, terrestrial lizard that forages among vegetation beside small creeks and larger streams, and is often seen basking on rocks or logs (Cogger 2000). The Eastern Water Skink was detected during the diurnal reptile surveys at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor hiding beneath a large log, which is typical behaviour for this easily alarmed species.

5.2.6 Frogs

Three frog species were detected during the field survey, the Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii), Peron's Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) and the Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera). All three species were recorded from captures and calling observations from constructed wetlands at Tempe Lands. The ubiquitous Common Eastern Froglet was also heard calling from a small drainage line/soak at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor. Despite targeted auditory, spotlight and dip-net tadpole surveys for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog at Dibble Ave Waterhole and Tempe Lands, this species was not detected. Given the presence of the introduced predatory Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) at both of these sites (detected through dip-net surveys) and the lack of specific habitat requirements for this species, the result is expected. Other species known to occur in the locality (see Appendix 1) are likely to be present at some of the study sites containing favourable habitat if surveys were conducted at different times of the year. For example, detection of frogs is easier when they are calling during the height of their breeding season (November to January for the Green and Golden Bell Frog), or in response to climatic change such as rainfall events.



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5.2.7 Comparison between 1996 and 2007 survey results

A preliminary review of the 1996 survey (Cohen 1996) methods identified a number of shortcomings. Therefore the 2007 survey incorporated additional survey techniques to target specific fauna groups, including microchiropteran bat species (using ANABAT II ultrasonic bat detector surveys), nocturnal birds (using call playback), small terrestrial mammals (using hair tubes/funnels) and amphibians (using call playback for adults and dip-net surveys for tadpoles). Furthermore, two additional sites (Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor and Camperdown Cemetery) were surveyed in 2007. The fauna surveys conducted by AMBS in 2007 could therefore expect to record additional species but this may not necessarily represent an increase in biodiversity.

5.2.7.1 Non Flying Mammals

The 1996 survey detected common non-flying mammal species similar to the current study, such as the Cat, the Rabbit, the Fox, the House Mouse, and the Brown Rat, all of which are introduced species. There was a reported sighting of a Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) by residents within the vicinity of Marrickville Golf Course and Mackey Park. However, the common and scientific names were confused in the report (Cohen 1996) with that of the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and the location of the reported sighting was incorrectly listed, so the sighting must be considered unconfirmed. The Ringtail Possum was not recorded in 2007. The 2007 survey detected the Long Nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, and the Brushtail Possum at Camperdown Cemetery. Both of these are new records for each of the study sites.

5.2.7.2 Microchiroptera

The 1996 survey did not survey for microchiropteran bats. The 2007 survey used ANABAT II ultrasonic call recording equipment and detected the presence of two microchiropteran species, including the threatened Eastern Bentwing Bat, Miniopterus schreibersii oceansis at Marrickville Golf Course. Both fauna surveys recorded the presence of the threatened Grey Headed Flying Fox at sites where suitable food trees were present.

5.2.7.3 Diurnal Birds

The 1996 survey detected a total of 58 bird species within the survey sites, with the most frequently recorded species including the Fairy Martin, the Welcome Swallow, the Silver Gull, the Willie Wagtail, the Australian Magpie, the Australian Raven, the Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla), the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and introduced species like the Common Starling, the Common Myna and Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon). The 2007 survey detected a total of 63 bird species within the survey sites and the most abundant among this assemblage of species were the Silver Gull, the Rainbow Lorikeet, the Australian White Ibis, the Red-rumped Parrot, the Noisy Miner and the Common Myna. Interestingly the Galah was not detected at any of the survey sites. The 1996 survey did not detect the presence of the Little Grassbird at Tempe Lands, but the 2007 survey recorded about 6 individuals of the species at the site. This is a significant result as the species was thought to have disappeared from Tempe Lands



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and also the proximal Wolli Creek area, where it had been regularly recorded for several decades (AMBS 2000). During a 1999 assessment of Little Grassbird Habitat by AMBS, the Little Grassbird was recorded at Tempe Lands. The site then underwent remediation in 2003 and creation of the Little Grassbird habitat was incorporated into the design. It appears the species has re-established itself at that site, and future fauna studies within Marrickville LGA should include targeted surveys for this species, especially at Tempe Lands.

5.2.7.4 Nocturnal Birds

The 1996 survey did not detect any species of nocturnal birds (Cohen 1996). The 2007 survey incorporated call playback surveys for nocturnal bird species such as the threatened Powerful and Masked Owls, which may have previously been recorded within 5 kilometres of the study area (DECC Wildlife Atlas Database 2007). However the only nocturnal bird species recorded was the Tawny Frogmouth, at Camperdown Cemetery.

5.2.7.5 Reptiles

The 1996 survey recorded only two reptile species, the Eastern Water Skink, Eulamprus quoyii, and the Eastern Long Necked Turtle, Chelodina longicollis. The 2007 survey detected the presence of six species of lizard during the field surveys but did not detect any species of turtle or tortoise. There have been recent reports from residents of turtles ‘climbing’ out of the Cooks River, but this is unusual as most freshwater turtles, including the Eastern Long-necked Turtle prefer to inhabit freshwater swamps, not brackish or estuarine waters. It is highly likely the Eastern Long Necked Turtle recorded during the 1996 survey was an escaped pet. Lizard species recorded during the 2007 survey included the Weasel Skink, the Eastern Water Skink, the Fence Skink, the ubiquitous Dark-flecked Garden and Pale-flecked Garden Sunskinks, and the Eastern Bluetongue Lizard. Additional surveys in summer and additional survey techniques (see section 6.1) could yield a higher percentage of observations and a more diverse herpetofauna assemblage.

5.2.7.6 Frogs

There was a also a paucity in frog observations in the 1996 survey with only the common Striped Marsh Frog being detected at Tempe Lands. The 2007 survey recorded the presence of three relatively common frog species, the Striped Marsh Frog, Peron's Tree Frog and the Common Eastern Froglet. All three species were recorded from captures and calling observations from constructed waterbodies at Tempe Lands and the ubiquitous Common Eastern Froglet was heard calling from a small drainage line/soak at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor. A search of the DECC Wildlife Atlas database indicated that a possible ten species of frog have previously occurred within 5 kilometres of the study area, but some of the species recorded such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog would be unlikely to occur at any of the survey sites.



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6 Discussion A total of 87 fauna species were recorded during the 2007 field surveys conducted by AMBS within the Marrickville LGA. This represents a total of 27% of the total 316 species that have been previously recorded (DECC, DEH, Australian Museum and Birds Australia database records) within the locality. Two species listed as threatened on the State and Commonwealth legislation were recorded within the locality during the 2007 fauna survey (the Eastern Bentwing Bat and the Grey Headed Flying Fox). The presence of these species of conservation significance within the study area is extremely important in terms of conservation in the Inner West region, as this area has undergone large scale landscape changes during the past fifty years through urbanisation and development. It is therefore imperative that key source areas within the study area are managed appropriately to minimise the threat of potential impacts on the biodiversity, and the establishment and updating of baseline information about the flora and fauna currently present within the locality is just one of many positive management measures that Marrickville Council have implemented. By identifying the species present within the area, management actions can be designed to target the habitat and ecological requirements of specific species to either protect their presence at specific sites or to encourage more species by providing /improving habitat features within the locality. Of the fauna recorded, the assemblage of reptiles (particularly lizards) represented the greatest percentage of species known to occur in the locality while in contrast, the number of birds recorded during the field survey was less than the number known to occur in the locality. Birds were generally abundant throughout the survey sites with insectivorous and omnivorous birds, parrots, Silver Gulls, Noisy Miners and Common Mynas being recorded frequently at most sites. The factors that influence how many species may be recorded from any given site during an ecological survey can be grouped into two categories as follows;

• survey design and application (e.g. timing, duration, replication, detection methods and factors relating to the success of detection of species that relate to behavioural and reproductive patterns of activity and climatic influences), and

• ecological factors that may influence the assemblage of species present (eg. availability of resources such as food, shelter, breeding habitat, and water, affects of interactions between species such as competition and predation).

The first set of factors will be discussed in the following Section (6.1), along with recommendations to mitigate against their influence. A discussion of the field and desktop findings for the fauna groups will be discussed in Section 6.2, with consideration of the ecological factors provided and recommendations made where appropriate.

6.1 Survey Design

The number of species observed during the field survey is an underestimate of the number that actually occurs within the locality and this was a consequence of limited survey time. Field surveys should be conducted across all seasons to account for seasonal variation in activity and movement patterns by species potentially likely to occur within the locality. Surveys conducted in only one season are likely to lead to



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the detection of species most easily detected at that time, whilst other species will be missed. As well as replicating techniques utilised by the 1996 fauna study (to allow for direct comparison between the survey years), AMBS used standard ecological survey methods which can be easily repeated in the future to replicate the survey effort during seasons other than summer. The standard survey methods used could also be repeated at yearly intervals to implement a monitoring program. Future surveys should also include sampling for more than a 3 day/night for each survey period. Climatic conditions (e.g. wind, temperature rainfall) can influence the likelihood that an observer will detect an animal, either because the animal’s behaviour is altered or because the conditions make it difficult to see or hear the animal. This is especially true with regard to reptile and frog species, and assumptions from field herpetologists suggest that only 50% of a catchable population is visible within each survey period (Hal Cogger pers. comm.). Surveying over a greater number of days (replicating) can help overcome these shortcomings. In addition, increased survey intensity will result in the detection of more species. Additional survey methods should also be considered in order to target fauna groups that are difficult to detect. Small mammals and some reptile species are best detected by using capture methods (e.g. pitfall traps) or the introduction of artificial cover (e.g. wood planks, corrugated iron sheets and brick piles) at survey sites. These methods are alternative standard methods that could easily be employed but they require a greater survey effort, and may not be suitable in some of the survey sites because of the chance of interference from and/or risk to the public.

6.2 Ecological Factors

Common to all fauna is the potentially deleterious effects of limited habitat availability and space that are inherent in small and isolated fragments of remnant vegetation, especially in urban areas. The size and degree of isolation of a remnant also has ecological implications on the biodiversity (Bennett 1990). Reynolds (1999) summarised the negative ecological affects on small fragments as follows:

1. population size is reduced,

2. there is a higher risk of extinction due to chance (eg. weather, disease predation, fire) or direct human intervention (eg. development, agriculture, deforestation),

3. with decreased size the ratio of edge to interior habitat increases which will affect the microclimate of the fragment and increase potential predation pressures.

These effects of size are intensified if the fragment is isolated from other fragments such that:

1. individuals cannot breed with others from outside of the area, causing a loss of genetic diversity, and

2. there is a reduced chance of re-colonisation following a local extinction.

In addition to these negative influences, remnants surrounded by urban development are susceptible to threatening processes such as weed invasion, predation by introduced predators (pet cats and dogs), road mortality, direct persecution, increased soil nutrients from runoff, erosion, frequent habitat disturbance (e.g. slashing), rubbish dumping and an increased frequency of fires (NPWS 2000). These potentially



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deleterious affects are greatest on the edge of the remnant, and for the reasons summarised by Reynolds (1999) above, the overall impact is greatest to small remnants that have a larger proportion of edge habitat relative to overall area than do large remnants.

6.2.1 Non-Flying Mammals

The potential for non-flying mammal species within Marrickville LGA is limited by the size of remnants and their degree of connectivity to other suitable habitats. Some of the survey sites within the locality are far too small to sustain populations of large mammal species (e.g. wallabies and kangaroos) but there is the potential for these species to disperse into and out of the locality provided there are sufficient wildlife corridors to facilitate their movement. One such likely area is the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, where evidence of a Swamp Wallaby was identified through microscopic analysis of hairs from a hair funnel, although this result should be treated cautiously with further investigation recommended to confirm the presence of this species. This study area also contained a Long Nosed Bandicoot carcass and there have been seven reported sightings around the Dulwich Hill/Lewisham area since 2003, the significance of which is discussed below in section 6.22. Other areas within the Marrickville LGA only provide potential habitat for species that can move through the suburban matrix such as the Brushtail Possum and possibly the Ringtail Possum. Trees that provide food and shelter for these species occur on most of the sites; but the Brushtail Possum was only recorded at Camperdown Cemetery. Similarly, suitable habitat for gliders is present within the study area (tree hollows required for nesting and flowering gums required for feeding), but as no sign of these species was detected during the field surveys it appears unlikely that they are present in any numbers. As long as potential predation by dogs and cats is controlled these species will continue to exist or could potentially migrate into suitable areas within Marrickville LGA if they are not already there.

6.2.2 Long Nosed Bandicoots in Dulwich Hill

There have been seven reported sightings of the Long Nosed Bandicoot in the Dulwich Hill/Lewisham area within the past 4 years, with five of those sightings occurring along or very close to the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor (Figure 6). In 2003, Tanya Leary (DECC) ear-marked and removed a male Long Nosed Bandicoot from a backyard along New Canterbury Rd. The next night, a different, unmarked male Long Nosed Bandicoot was trapped in a wire cage trap in the same backyard. This animal was subsequently ear-marked and released. DECC have subsequently trapped along the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor using 20 wire cage traps but have not captured any Long Nosed Bandicoots (Tanya Leary pers.comm.). A Long Nosed Bandicoot carcass was found in the Dulwich Hill Freight rail Corridor in February 2007 and this record was confirmed by Tanya Leary. AMBS recorded the carcass of a Long Nosed Bandicoot on the first day of fauna surveys at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, immediately adjacent to a sizeable hole in the fence which runs along the side of Johnson Park. However, AMBS did not detect any other Long Nosed Bandicoots at Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor during targeted trapping or foot-based spotlighting of the site. Although the Long Nosed Bandicoot is not listed as a threatened species under State or Commonwealth legislation, the population at North Head, Manly NSW is listed as an endangered population under the TSC Act.



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Possible explanations for the occurrence of Long Nosed Bandicoots along the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor are outlined below;

1. There is a remnant source population still existing in low numbers along the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, and

2. There is a dispersing source population possibly originating from the Wolli Creek Valley, which is located directly opposite Marrickville Golf Links (Site 7). It is highly likely the Long Nosed Bandicoots have followed the existing railway line in order to cross the Cooks River, and then utilised a matrix of micro-corridors such as the Marrickville Golf Course to reach the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor.

There is substantial dense undergrowth (Lantana sp and other weed species) near the Constitution Rd section and this continues up to the Johnson Park end of the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor. This type of vegetation is critical for small ground-dwelling mammals as they rely on the constant availability of dense understorey for sustenance, to facilitate movement, and for the protection from introduced predators such as foxes, cats and dogs. AMBS strongly recommends the future implementation of research projects which could provide detailed information on the animals occurring in the area, including population size and age and breeding status of animals, through techniques such as radio tracking. The Long Nosed Bandicoot has the potential to be a mascot species for an inner west wildlife or environment group (such as IWEG) and/or to generate community interest in urban wildlife.

Figure 6. Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta, courtesy Australian Museum)



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Any site management practices for the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor such as pruning decaying branches, removing fallen limbs, mowing grasses and shrubs around the base of trees should be examined more carefully before management objectives for the area are finalised. These aforementioned site practices can result in simplification and impoverishment of the vegetation structure (Tidemann and Roscoe 2006), and would decrease the suitability of the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor as mammal habitat. Furthermore, any native bush regeneration occurring along the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor should be conducted in a staged, gradual process, and appropriate management advice should be sought so as to create an ideal wildlife corridor, tailor-made for the native mammal species likely to use it and to protect them from introduced predators and domestic pets. DECC (2007) recommends the following ‘priority actions’ to help recover the species in the endangered population at North Head and these may also be applicable to the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor area:

• Keep domestic dogs and cats indoors at night.

• Undertake fox and feral cat control programs.

• Minimise impacts of residential development through sensitive planning and maintain connectivity of habitat.

• Implement habitat management programs including staged, gradual bush regeneration (in conjunction with appropriate species experts).

• Reduce road mortality through installation of speed restriction devices and educational signs.



Figure 7. Opportunistic Long-nosed Bandicoot Sightings (2004-2007) within the Study Area (courtesy IWEG)



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6.2.3 Microchiroptera

The potential for several microchiropteran bat species to occur within the Marrickville LGA is considered high. These highly mobile species are capable of flying across a fragmented landscape as their movements are not inhibited by roads. Some of the survey sites (such as Kendrick Park, Marrickville Golf Course and Camperdown Cemetery) are likely to be used by microchiropteran bats as an area for roosting and foraging, but, it is likely that they are just some of the remnant habitats utilised in the locality. Individual bats are likely to move between a number of remnants, viewing each as an island. In terms of threatened species conservation this places great importance on not only the value of individual sites, but on their crucial role in linking a fragmented landscape for species such as bats and birds. Furthermore, threatened Grey Headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) are also likely to stop to feed on trees as they forage over a greater range. As tree hollows provided essential roosting sites for many microchiropteran bat species, retention of trees with hollows within the Marrickville LGA is recommended. The need to consider public safety and asset protection in urban landscape management can result in aged trees or their limbs being removed where they present a safety hazard or risk to property. Loss of these trees interrupts the continuity of the canopy and coupled with more exposed movement between landscapes through reduced cover and connectivity, can eventually result in a decrease in mammal abundance, diversity and distribution within the locality (Tidemann and Roscoe 2006). Management actions can include minimising risk to public safety and assets through diversion of pedestrian access and creation of landscape buffers, and substitution of hollows with nest boxes of appropriate size, height and location for targeted species. However, nest-boxes must be actively monitored for the presence of pest species such as Common Mynas, which are known to colonise artificial nest boxes. Further Anabat ultrasonic bat call detection surveys and capture surveys are recommended to get a clearer picture of the total number of microchiropteran bats that utilise the locality. Anabat Surveys require a definite recording of a bat's ultrasonic echolocation call and without this level of recording confirmation on species presence is not attained.

6.2.4 Diurnal Birds

The potential for a high diversity of bird species within Marrickville LGA is limited by the size of remnants and their degree of connectivity to other suitable habitats. The continuing development of buildings and infrastructure in urban areas removes and degrades habitat in ways that advantage or disadvantage different species (Tidemann and Roscoe 2006). Climatic events such as drought and fire can stimulate the movement of vagrants and records of unusual or unexpected sightings. AMBS recommends regular and continuing surveys to provide the data necessary for effective evaluation of management strategies. Preferably, a monitoring program should be on-going with surveys conducted seasonally and the time interval between surveys not greater than five years. Retention of mature hollow bearing trees and fallen logs within each survey site and where possible, throughout the Marrickville LGA is also recommended.



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Planting of native grass, shrub and trees (in particular food tree species and those with decorticating bark) must be promoted if bird species diversity is to be maintained or even improved upon. While there is a need to improve habitats which will support and enhance the diversity of avifauna within the Marrickville LGA, further research and monitoring is required to ensure appropriate outcomes are being achieved in terms of species composition and to incorporate these results into future planning and strategic landscape design. In addition, control of cats and dogs is essential.


A Tawny Frogmouth was detected at one of the survey sites, and protection of this species from threats associated by predators and tree removal is still important to ensure their survival. DECC wildlife database records for owl species recorded previously in the locality include the Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) and the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). The Masked Owl and Powerful Owl are both listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act, and they previously been recorded within 5km of the study area, however the Masked Owl has not been recorded in the Sydney Metropolitan area for many decades (Christidis and Boles 1994), and this sighting must be treated with caution. The lack of suitable hollow-bearing trees within the study area may limit its potential as suitable habitat for these relatively large predatory species. AMBS recommends the retention and protection of stands of native vegetation, especially those with hollow-bearing trees and large, mature trees that will provide hollows in the future. Additionally, limiting the use of pesticides in suitable areas of native habitat will potentially increase the available food resources for these species.

6.2.6 Reptiles

Habitat suitability for reptiles within the study area is demonstrated by the small number of and common type of species recorded there. Improvements in reptile diversity could be attained by providing additional habitat features at survey sites and across Marrickville LGA. Clusters of rocks, fallen branches, logs, bark and leaf litter, small boulders or bricks from locations immediately adjacent to some of the survey sites (and cleaned to prevent the introduction of pathogens or weeds) could be placed, particularly in sunny aspects, or near water bodies, which may provide alternative shelter sites for lizards and snakes. However, any increase in reptile biodiversity is dependent on connectivity with source populations and it will have the potential to increase the occurrence of snakes to utilise small reptiles and frogs as a food source. Therefore, the issue of enhancing reptile habitat requires careful consideration especially in public areas. These issues could be managed through the following activities:

1. Keep grass short in areas frequented by people. 2. Avoid providing rock piles large enough to support snakes in high traffic

areas. 3. Where possible, keep rodent numbers under control. 4. Ensure reptile enhancement areas are away from walkways (particularly along

creeks) 5. Ensure that lower branches of shrubs and ground cover are thinned out in

areas immediately adjacent to walkways so that snakes can be easily seen. Where medium sized reptiles like the Blue Tongue Lizard occur, threats such as predation by dogs and mortality on roads near survey sites are probably best abated



30

through community education and awareness programs (e.g. interpretive signs and road signs).

6.2.7 Frogs

While three common frog species were recorded within the study area the potential for more species to occur exists, as there is suitable habitat for all of the species known to occur in the locality, even the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog, which has a viable population at Sir Joseph Banks Park, Rosebery. The habitat for this species potentially exists at Tempe Lands where the ponds are large, ephemeral and contain open areas for basking. Further advice should be sought from an expert on the species with regard to recreating suitable Green and Golden Bell Frog breeding habitat and the translocation of adults or tadpoles. Planting of appropriate native reeds (requires advice from a suitable botanist) and other macrophytes may also improve the availability of habitat for a range of species including frogs at the Tempe Lands constructed wetlands. While it may not be considered optimal habitat for the Green and Golden Bell Frog, consideration should also be given to the immediate remediation of Dibble Avenue Waterhole (Site 8) for its potential as a waterbird refuge site.

7 Review of 1996 Fauna Study Recommendations A number of recommendations to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the Marrickville LGA were proposed in the 1996 fauna study, including the creation and protection of wildlife corridors to facilitate the movement of native species in the area; re-establishment of the native plant community through bush regeneration; and rehabilitation of the riparian zone along sections of the Cooks River. In consultation with Marrickville Council, AMBS reviewed the 1996 recommendations and have reported on their progress (or otherwise) as outlined in the sections below.

7.1 Monitor flora and fauna species and their communities to ensure long-term maintenance of populations of all species

In conjunction with Canterbury and Rockdale Councils, Marrickville Council commenced mapping the vegetation of the River foreshores in 2005, and this information has been entered into a GIS database (Planting the Seed project). The database also records management activities and newly planted areas. A ranking system is used to measure the health and biodiversity value of vegetation patches. It is also used to identify actual and potential vegetation/wildlife corridors. The RiverScience Ecological Monitoring Program developed by a subcommittee of the Cooks River Foreshores Working Group including Canterbury, Rockdale, Kogarah and Marrickville Council has implemented an ecological monitoring program to assess the health of the Cooks River through the use of macrophyte and invertebrate indicators. Baseline data have been collated and the monitoring is repeated annually/biennially depending on the indicator. This study is the first terrestrial fauna survey commissioned by Marrickville Council since the 1996 study and Council plan to repeat the fauna study every 5 years to monitor change in abundance and diversity across the survey sites and the wider locality.



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7.2 Conduct Field days and workshops to educate the public on Biodiversity and the protection of natural resources

Marrickville Council conduct approximately 11 workshops a year focussing on various biodiversity/natural resource issues including “Backyard Birds”, “Native plants”, “Gardening for skinks and butterflies”, and “Frog ponds”. These are open to the general community. Specific training sessions are conducted for Landcare and other community groups as needs for them arise (e.g. weed identification, grassland management, and propagation of native plants). Sessions are also held for schools throughout the year. Environment Week is no longer held but Marrickville Council has implemented activities for 'days' such as national tree day and biodiversity day.

7.3 Assistance for community organisations to undertake projects for urban improvement

Marrickville Council currently supports and assists in funding of some of these projects and community organisations including Inner West Environment Group (IWEG) - who are pro-active in the native bush regeneration of the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor, Marrickville Landcare, Friends of Camperdown Cemetery, Citizens for Sustainability and the Cooks River Valley Garden Volunteers. It is strongly recommended that support of these groups continues as planting of native grasses, shrubs and tree species will promote (at the very least) bird diversity in the area. Native gardens are now a recognised category in the Spring Gardens competition. Marrickville Council does not have a specific community environmental initiative award, but recognises the achievements of individuals and groups through other avenues such as nomination to the Citizen of the Year award and volunteer recognition events

7.4 Proactively plan Cooks River wildlife corridor

This management recommendation is possibly one of the most important to consider, especially with regards to maintaining a suitably planned wildlife corridor between Wolli Creek and Dulwich Hill. This will require the relevant councils to work closely in conjunction with each other (e.g. Canterbury and Marrickville Councils) and the success of such actions will need to be closely monitored to ensure positive outcomes are achieved. Marrickville Council has undertaken and participated in several surveys of the Cooks River and surrounding areas since 1996, including the preparation of:

• Cooks River Foreshores Strategic Plan (Clouston 1997) • Cooks River Stormwater Management Plan (PPK 1999) • Cooks River Catchment Management Strategy (1999) • Cooks River Foreshores Strategic Plan: Progress Review and Update (2000) • RiverScience Ecological Monitoring Program (Australian Catholic University

2006) • Planting the Seed GIS vegetation mapping database (2007) • GreenWay Coordination Strategy (under development due end 2007) • Cooks River Survey (Albani and Kollias 2005) which reported on the

characteristics and distribution of sediments and benthic fauna, based on mud sampling which has been previously undertaken in 2002 and 2004.



32

Marrickville Council were also amongst a number of local councils who signed up and support objectives of Green Web Sydney. Such objectives are listed in the Green Web Action Plan and include: • To identify, protect and enhance biodiversity, environmental health, natural

heritage and landscape amenity.

• To re-establish habitat by means of enhancing and creating sustainable ecological systems where the long-term survival of local species is guaranteed.

• To create bush corridors between core habitats for the movement of native animals and plant species.

• To protect habitat from degradation caused by inappropriate use, encroachment of invasive plants and predators.

• To encourage natural regeneration on public and private land with a particular focus on riverine environments, coastal foreshores and endangered species and ecological communities, and

• To restore natural ecosystems to repair environmental degradation and to prevent increasing costs to the community by preventing further loss of natural systems, ecological processes and natural resources.

These objectives are consistent with Marrickville Council’s vision and objectives for Natural Conservation and Restoration Strategy within Marrickville LGA, as outlined in the Cooks River Foreshores Strategic Plan (Clouston 1997).

Further information about the Green Web can be accessed at the following URL: (http://www.greenwebsydney.net.au/aboutgreenweb/objectives.cfm)

7.5 Re-establish the native plant community through landscaping and revegetation works

Marrickville Community Nursery is supported by Marrickville Council and grows local provenance plants for landscaping and revegetation projects as well as for sale to the community. Sites that have been planted with local provenance plants grown by the Marrickville Community Nursery include: the Cooks River Valley Garden Tempe, Tempe Lands, Kendrick Park, Steel Park, Warren Park and Richardsons Lookout, Camperdown Cemetery plus the grounds of many of the school in the local government area. Marrickville Council has unsuccessfully sought funding for further revegetation works and habitat creation. The general consensus amongst Environmental Services staff is that they would like to be more involved in the implementation of this recommendation.

7.6 Review Tree Preservation Order (LEP 114)

Marrickville Council has not reviewed (or re-named) this Local Environment Plan, and given that its performance indicators incorporate the establishment of Environmental Protection Zones in riparian areas and wildlife corridors, review of this document should be considered a medium –high priority for Council.



33

7.7 Reduce the danger of pollution by agricultural chemicals used in the urban environment

Marrickville Council has a policy regarding this and has a list of residents who do not want herbicide used around their property. Marrickville Council use bioactive ‘Roundup’, and have investigated other options but those were considered too expensive. Fertilizer use is very limited and it not used on a regular basis on any Council managed sites. Marrickville Golf Course is independently managed and fertilizer is only used on the greens. Introducing excessive nutrients to a water source can cause eutrophication and thus result in a toxic, anaerobic environment that is not conducive to many vertebrate species.

7.8 Cat and Dog ownership

Introduced by the NSW Government in 1998, The Companion Animals Act covers the responsibilities and rights of the owners of companion animals, such as cats and dogs. Under The Companion Animals Act 1998, cat and dog owners must ensure their pet’s activities do not create problems for the community or the environment. Marrickville Council currently have on leash/off leash areas with varied policing but this could be more heavily enforced in ecologically sensitive areas such as Johnson Park (near Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor) as the detection of two Long Nosed Bandicoot carcasses directly adjacent to an ‘on leash’ park seems highly likely they were killed by ‘off leash’ dogs. Furthermore, fencing along this seemingly significant wildlife corridor should be repaired immediately and routinely checked and maintained. A Companion Animals Committee has been established to address companion animal issues and a dedicated Ranger for Companion Animal issues is to be employed by Council in July 2007.

7.9 Rehabilitate the riparian zone along the Cooks River from Marrickville Golf Course to Kendrick Park

Marrickville Council has begun this process, but advice from appropriate botanists and ecologists should be sought prior to further works so a suitably planned wildlife corridor can be tailor-made for the native species likely to use it.

7.10 Plan and implement Wildlife corridor

Marrickville Council currently support the objectives of the Green Web Sydney Action Plan and the concept of corridor. The Planting the Seed GIS Vegetation Database can be used to identify areas of potential relevance for inclusion in wildlife corridors. As outlined above, expert advice should be sought from appropriately qualified scientists for the planning and implementing of a wildlife corridor. Planning and implementing of contiguous wildlife corridors within the locality (and beyond) should be considered a high priority for Marrickville Council.

7.11 Develop a PoM for the relocation of the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog to Dibble Ave

Cohen (1996) recommended the development of a Plan of Management (PoM) for relocation of the Green and Golden Bell Frog to Dibble Ave and Marrickville Council has not implemented this Plan of Management for the Dibble Ave Waterhole. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that the small population of endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs were translocated form the Arncliffe Stormwater basin to Dibble Ave. AMBS strongly advises against the translocation of the Green and



34

Golden Bell Frog to Dibble Ave, or any site within the Marrickville LGA for the following reasons:

• Bell Frogs are ecological specialists that require a combination of pond and refuge characteristics that must be considered when designing/recreating optimum habitat. No survey sites within the Marrickville LGA are currently suitable for translocation of this species,

• Dibble Ave is currently severely degraded and polluted and is not considered viable Bell Frog habitat due to its close proximity to high density residential development,

• Translocation is only a ‘last resort’ option and when dealing with a threatened species requires permits from DECC. Only suitable qualified ecologists trained in the behavioural ecology of the species should undertake translocations, and

• Translocation between waterbodies can spread bacterial pathogens (like Myobatrachydiosis) and introduced pest species such as Gambusia or Carp.

8 Conclusion and Summary of Recommendations The 2007 desktop and field surveys used to determine the fauna species present in the survey sites (and within Marrickville LGA) have demonstrated that some of these remnants are used by a wide range of species, including two of conservation significance (the Eastern Bentwing Bat and the Grey Headed Flying Fox). The potential for a greater number of species to occur within the wider study area may be realised with ongoing management of key threatening processes (e.g. minimising impacts of development and control of cats and dogs) and bush regeneration designed to increase the biodiversity of suitable native plant species. This in turn provides a variety of habitats for different fauna groups. However, determining management guidelines for biodiversity within urban landscapes presents convoluted issues, and highlights the need for site-specific analysis when recommending an appropriate suite of management actions. Each fauna species has its own specific and highly complex interactions with its environment, and these interactions can change between seasons and years, as well as being subject to variations in climatic conditions such as drought or flood. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the goals of biodiversity conservation within an urban environment cannot be met. The success of any implemented management actions will need to be constantly monitored to ensure positive outcomes are achieved, and this process should include enhanced survey methodology with sampling conducted across more than one season, and an increased survey effort (replication). AMBS has identified several key management recommendations that are applicable to the Marrickville LGA and consistent with the objectives of the Natural Conservation and Restoration Strategy for the Cooks River Foreshore Strategic Plan (Clouston 1997). These management recommendations have been outlined in Section 6 under the relevant taxa and are summarised below in order of highest priority.

8.1 Introduced Animal control

It is strongly recommended that control of introduced predatory species is given priority within the wider Marrickville LGA to improve the potential for increased



35

biodiversity of fauna species. As long as potential predation by dogs and cats is controlled, Brushtail and Ringtail Possums and other non-flying mammal species will continue to exist or could potentially migrate into suitable areas within Marrickville LGA if they are not already there. Additionally, consideration should be given to the control of introduced fauna species (such as the Fox) at survey sites where they occur, and within the wider Marrickville LGA. Marrickville Council currently have on leash/off leash areas with varied policing but this could be more heavily enforced in ecologically sensitive areas such as Johnson Park (near Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor). Furthermore, fencing along this seemingly significant wildlife corridor should be repaired immediately and routinely checked and maintained.

8.2 Repeat Fauna Survey

To minimise the threat of potential impacts on the biodiversity, and the establishment and updating of baseline information about the flora and fauna within the Marrickville LGA, AMBS recommends regular and continuing surveys to provide the data necessary for effective evaluation of management strategies. Preferably, a biodiversity monitoring program should be on-going with surveys conducted seasonally and the time interval between surveys not greater than five years. Additional survey methods should also be considered in order to target fauna groups such as small mammals and reptiles that are difficult to detect. Further Anabat ultrasonic bat call detection surveys and capture surveys are recommended to get a clearer picture of the total number of microchiropteran bats that utilise the locality

8.3 Retention and Improvement of habitat

AMBS recommends the retention and protection of stands of native vegetation, especially those with hollow-bearing trees and large, mature trees that will provide hollows in the future. While mature trees can pose a risk to public safety with falling limbs, management actions can include minimising risk to public safety and assets through diversion of pedestrian access and creation of landscape buffers, and substitution of hollows with nest boxes of appropriate size, height and location for targeted species. However, nest-boxes must be actively monitored for the presence of pest species such as Common Mynas, which are known to colonise artificial nest boxes. Planting of native grass, shrub and trees (in particular food tree species and those with decorticating bark) is imperative if bird species diversity is to be maintained or even improved upon. Similarly, improvements in reptile diversity could be made by providing additional habitat features. Clusters of rocks, fallen branches, logs, bark and leaf litter, small boulders or bricks from locations immediately adjacent to some of the survey sites (and cleaned to prevent the introduction of pathogens or weeds) could be placed, particularly in sunny aspects, or near water bodies, which may provide alternative shelter sites for lizards and snakes.

8.4 Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor

With the detection of Long Nosed Bandicoots in the Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor in the 2007 fauna survey, Marrickville Council should give greater consideration to the role of the Rail Corridor within the urban landscape. Linking a



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fragmented landscape by establishing or protecting existing vegetation corridors between remnants of bushland is considered an important conservation priority. AMBS strongly recommends the future implementation of research projects on the Long Nosed Bandicoots in Dulwich Hill which could provide detailed information on the animals occurring in the area, including population size and age and breeding status of animals, through techniques such as radio tracking.

9 References Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS 2000) Assessment of Little Grassbird Habitat and recommendations for Habitat Creation at Tempe. (unpublished report for Marrickville Council) Bennett, A.F. (1990) Habitat corridors: their role in wildlife management and conservation. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne Australia. Catling, P.C, Burt R.J, and Forrester R.I. 2000. Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forest of north-eastern New South Wales in relation to habitat variables. Wildlife Research 27, 639-654. Christidis L and Boles WE (1994). The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories. RAOU Monograph No. 2. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne. Churchill, S. (1998) Australian Bats. (New Holland Publishers: Sydney). Clouston Landscape Architects (1997) Cooks River Foreshores Strategic Plan Vols 1-3. (unpublished report for Cooks River Foreshores Working Party) Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (6th Ed). (Reed New Holland: Sydney). Cohen, B. (1996) Marrickville Council- A Fauna Study (unpublished report for Marrickville Council) DECC (2007) Long Nosed Bandicoot population at North Head Manly-Profile. url: http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10589 Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia (Oxford University Press, UK)

Reynolds, P. (1999) Wildlife corridors and the mitigation of habitat fragmentation: European and North American Perspectives.(unpublished report by Capreolus Wildlife Consultancy) Tidemann, C.R, and Roscoe, T.J. 2006. A report prepared for the Life In the Suburbs project using data from the Lower Sullivans Creek Ecological Survey. (unpublished report for ANU, Canberra)


E:\ambs-new\contract\2006-2007\Ecology\E06029\Report\Draft Report\Appendix A- Fauna database Records and survey results.doc

Appendix A – Fauna Database Records and Species List for Marrickville LGA

Scientific Name Common Name

Con

serv

atio

n St

atus

DE

C

Rec

ords

5km

Tempe Lands

Kendrick Park

Mackey Park

Warren Park &

Richardson Lookout

Steel Park HJ Mahoney Reserve


Dibble Ave Water Hole

Dul

wic

h H

ill F

R C

Cm

pdow

n C

emet

ery

1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Amphibia Hylidae Tree Frogs Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E, V1 Litoria dentata Bleating Tree Frog P Litoria fallax Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog P Litoria jervisiensis Jervis Bay Tree Frog P Litoria peronii Peron's Tree Frog P Litoria phyllochroa Green Stream Frog P Myobatrachidae Southern Frogs Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet P Limnodynastes dumerilii Bullfrog P Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog P Bufonidae Toads Bufo marinus* Cane Toad U Reptilia Scincidae Skinks Cryptoblepharus virgatus Fence Skink P Ctenotus robustus Robust Ctenotus P Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Ctenotus P Cyclodomorphus michaeli Eastern She-oak Skink P Eulamprus quoyii Copper Water Skink P Eulamprus tenuis Bar-sided Forest-skink P Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink P Lampropholis guichenoti Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink P Saiphos equalis Yellow-bellied Three-toed Skink P Saproscincus mustelina Weasel Shadeskink P Tiliqua scincoides Common Bluetongue P Agamidae Dragons Physignathus lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon P Amphibolurus muricatus Jacky Lashtail P Pygopodidae Legless Lizards Lialis burtonis Burton's Snake-lizard P Pygopus lepidopodus Southern Scaly-foot P Gekkonidae Geckos Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern Stone Gecko P Oedura lesueurii Lesueur's Velvet Gecko P Phyllurus platurus Broad-tailed Gecko P Underwoodisaurus milii Thick-tailed Gecko P Varanidae Goannas Varanus varius Lace Monitor P Chelidae Freshwater Turtles Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake-necked Turtle P Typhlopidae Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops proximus Proximus Blind Snake P Boidae Pythons




Con

serv

atio

n S

tatu

s

DE

C

Rec

ords

5km

Tempe Lands

Kendrick Park

Mackey Park

Warren Park &

Richardson Lookout




Dul

wic

h H

ill F

R C

Cm

pdow

n C

emet

ery

1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Morelia spilota spilota Diamond Python P Elapidae Elapid Snakes Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake P Furina diadema Red-naped Snake P Suta dwyeri Dwyer’s Black Headed Snake P Vermicella annulata Eastern Bandy-bandy P Aves Phasianidae Quail Excalfactoria chinensis King Quail P Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail P Anseranatidae Magpie Geese Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose V Anatidae Ducks Anas castanea Chestnut Teal P Anas gracilis Grey Teal P Anas platyrhynchos* Mallard U Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck P Aythya australis Hardhead P Biziura lobata Musk Duck P Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck P Cygnus olor* Mute Swan U Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck P Podicipedidae Grebes Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe P Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe P Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe P Columbidae Pigeons Columba livia* Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) P Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove P Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove P Lopholaimus antarcticus Topknot Pigeon P Macropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove P Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon P Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-Dove V Streptopelia chinensis* Spotted Turtle-Dove U Podargidae Frogmouths Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth P Apodidae Swifts Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail P Anhingidae Darters Anhinga melanogaster Darter P Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant P Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant P Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant P Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant P Pelicanidae Pelicans




Con

serv

atio

n S

tatu

s

DE

C

Rec

ords

5km

Tempe Lands

Kendrick Park

Mackey Park

Warren Park &

Richardson Lookout




Dul

wic

h H

ill F

R C

Cm

pdow

n C

emet

ery

1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican P Ardeidae Herons

Ardea alba Great Egret P Mig (J&C)

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret P Mig (J&C)

Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret P Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron P Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern V Butoroides striatus Striated Heron P Egretta garzetta Little Egret P Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron P Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern P Nycticorax caledonicus Rufous Night Heron P Threskiornithida Ibis Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill P Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill P Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis P Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis P Accipitridae Hawks Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk P Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk P Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk P Circus approximans Swamp Harrier P Elanus axillaris Black Shouldered Kite P Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle P Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite P Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle P Falconidae Falcons Falco longipennis Australian Hobby P Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon P Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel P Rallidae Rails & Crakes Crex crex Corncrake P Fulica atra Eurasian Coot P Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen P Gallirallus philippensis Buff-banded Rail P Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen P Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake P Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake P Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake P Rallus pectoralis Lewin's Rail P Haematopodidae Oysterpeckers Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher V Recurvirostridae Stilts Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt P Charadriidae Plovers




Con

serv

atio

n S

tatu

s

DE

C

Rec

ords

5km

Tempe Lands

Kendrick Park

Mackey Park

Warren Park &

Richardson Lookout




Dul

wic

h H

ill F

R C

Cm

pdow

n C

emet

ery

1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover P Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand-plover V Charadrius melanops Black Fronted Dotterel P Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand-plover V Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover P Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover P Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel P Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel P Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover P Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing P Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing P Scolopacidae Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper P

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper P Mig (J&C)

Calidris alba Sanderling V Calidris bairdii Baird's Sandpiper P Calidris canutus Red Knot P

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper P Mig (J&C)

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper P Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint P Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot V

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe P Mig (J&C)

Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler P Heteroscelus incanus Wandering Tattler P Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper V

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P Mig (J&C)

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit V Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew P Numenius minutus Little Curlew P Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper P Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank P Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper P Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper V Turnicidae Button-quails Turnix velox Little Button-quail P Laridae Gulls Larus dominicanus Kelp Gull P Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull P Larus pacificus Pacific Gull P Sternidae Terns

Sterna albifrons Little Tern E Mig (J&C)

Sterna hirundo Common Tern P




Con

serv

atio

n S

tatu

s

DE

C

Rec

ords

5km

Tempe Lands

Kendrick Park

Mackey Park

Warren Park &

Richardson Lookout




Dul

wic

h H

ill F

R C

Cm

pdow

n C

emet

ery

1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern P Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern P Sterna bergii Crested Tern Mig (J) Sterna caspia Caspian Tern P Cacatuidae Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo P Cacatua galerita Sulphur Crested Cockatoo P Eolophus roseicapillus Galah P Cacatua tenuirostris Long-billed Corella P Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella P Psittacidae Parrots Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot P Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet P Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E1 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar P Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella P Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella P Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot P Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly Breasted Lorikeet P Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet P Cuculidae Cuckoos Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo P Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo P Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo P Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo P Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo P Eudynamys scolopacea Common Koel P Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo P Strigidae Hawk-owls Ninox boobook Southern Boobook P Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V Alcedinidae Kingfishers Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher P Halcyonidae More Kingfishers Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra P Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher P Coraciidae Rollers Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird P Maluridae Fairy-wrens Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren P Stipiturus malachurus Southern Emu-wren P Pardalotidae Pardalotes Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote P Acanthizidae Australian Warblers Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill P Acanthiza nana Yelow Thornbill P Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill P




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1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone P Sericornis magnirostris White-browed Scrub Wren P Meliphagidae Honeyeaters Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill P Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird P Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird P Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat P Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater P Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater P Lichenstomus penicillatus White Plumed Honeyeater P Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater P Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner P Manorina melanophrys Bell Miner P Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater P Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater P Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird P Phylidonyris nigra White-cheeked Honeyeater P Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater P Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater E1 Campephagidae Cuckoo-shrikes Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike P Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller P Pachycephalidae Whistlers Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush P Falcunculus frontalis Crested Shrike-tit P Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler P Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler P Oriolidae Orioles Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole P Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian Figbird P Artamidae Magpies Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow P Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow P Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow P Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird P Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie P Strepera graculina Pied Currawong P Dicruridae Drongos Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo P Rhipiduridae Fantails Rhipidura fugliginosa Grey Fantail P Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail P Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail P Corvidae Crows Corvus coronoides Australian Raven P Monarchidae Monarch Flycatchers Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher P




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1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher P Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher P Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch P Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark P Petroicidae Australian Robins Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin P Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter P Petroica rosea Rose Robin P Eopsaltaria australis Eastern Yellow Robin P Alaudidae Larks Alauda arvensis* Eurasian Skylark U Cisticolidae Warblers Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola P Acrocephalus Reed-warblers Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed-Warbler P Megaluridae Warblers Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird P Megalurus timoriensis Tawny Grassbird P Timaliidae White-eyes Zosterops lateralis Silvereye P Hirundinidae Swallows Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow P Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin P Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin P Pyconotidae Bulbuls Pycnonotus jocosus* Red-whiskered Bulbul U Turdidae Thrushes Turdus merula* Common Blackbird U Sturnidae Starling Acridotheres tristis* Indian Mynah U Sturnus vulgaris* Common Starling U Dicaeidae Flowerpeckers Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird P Estrildidae Finches Lonchura punctulata* Nutmeg Mannikin U Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch P Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch P Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch P Lonchura castaneothorax Chestnut Breasted Mannikin P Passeridae Sparrows Passer domesticus* House Sparrow U Motacillidae Pipits Anthus australis Australian Pipit P Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's pipit P Fringillidae Buntings Carduelis carduelis* European Goldfinch U




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1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Mammalia Monotremes (Tachyglossidae) Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna P Bandicoots (Perameloidea) Perameles nasuta Long-nosed Bandicoot P Possums and Gliders (Phalangeridae) Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum P (Pseudocheiridae) Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Common Ringtail Possum P

Pigmy-Possums

(Acrobatidae) Acrobates pygmaeus Feathertail Glider P Kangaroos and Wallabies (Macropodidae) Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby P Muridae Rodents Hydromys chrysogaster Water-rat P Mus musculus* House Mouse U Rattus norvegicus* Brown Rat U Rattus rattus* Black Rat U Pteropodidae Flying Foxes Pteropus poliocephalus Grey Headed Flying Fox V,V1 Molossidae Bats Mormopterus sp. Mastiff-bat P Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat P Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat P Def Def Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat P Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V Prob Myotis adversus Large-footed Myotis V Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat P Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's Long-eared Bat P Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat P Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat P Carnivores Canidae Canis lupus familiaris* Dog U Vulpes vulpes* Fox U Felidae Felis catus* Cat U Introduced Herbivores Oryctolagus cuniculus* European Rabbit U




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1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 1996 2007 2007 2007 Fish (Poeciliidae) Gambusia holbrooki* Gambusia U N/A (Tetraodontidae)Tetraodontid sp. Toadfish U N/A

Gastropoda (Bradybaenidae) Bradybaena simliaris* Asian Bush Snail U

KEY � � * introduced species � � first record of species within Marrickville LGA �

E1 Endangered (TSC and EPBC ACT)

E Endangered (TSC Act) P Protected

V1 Vulnerable (EPBC Act) V Vulnerable (TSC Act)

Mig Migratory Species � � J Listed on JAMBA international agreement � � C Listed on CAMBA international agreement

Def Definite microchiropteran call detected through ultrasonic recording Prob Probable microchiropteran call detected through ultrasonic recording



NSW Database Records considered unreliable by AMBS and unlikely to occur within the Marrickville LGA. Scientific Name Common Name Status (TSC Act/EPBC Act) Reason Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet Vulnerable (TSC Act) Confined to ‘Wallum Country’, only Sydney record is from Kurnell Peninsula (DECC 2007) Tiliqua rugosa Shingleback Lizard P Outside normal distribution-not indigenous to Sydney (Cogger 2000) Pygopus schraderi Eastern Hooded Scaly -Foot P Well beyond known distribution (Cogger 2000) Hydrophis elagans Elegant Sea Snake P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus Prong-snouted Blind Snake P Well beyond known distribution (Cogger 2000) Cygnus olor Mute Swan U No populations in NSW Pterodroma macroptera Great-winged Petrel P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA Pterodroma mollis Soft-plumaged Petrel P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater P No marine waters within 5km of study area Eudyptula minor Little Penguin P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk Endangered (TSC Act) Hasn’t occurred below the Clarence River for over 100 years, and is very rare in NSW (DECC 2007)

Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher Vulnerable (TSC Act) No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Pluvialis dominica Lesser Golden Plover P Only 1 record from Ballina, northern NSW (Dion Hobcroft pers.comm.)

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper P No Australian records (Christidis and Boles 1994) Larus pipixcan Franklin’s Gull P Only 1 record for NSW from 1982 (Christidis and Boles 1994) Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black Cockatoo Vulnerable (TSC Act) Historical record only, no longer occurring in Sydney Metropolitan area. Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck P Outside normal distribution-not indigenous to Sydney (Simpson and Day 1996) Platycercus icterotis Western Rosella P West Australian endemic (Simpson and Day 1996) Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot Vulnerable (TSC Act) No suitable habitat within Marrickville LGA Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl Vulnerable (TSC Act) No Records for Sydney Metropolitan area for decades (Christidis and Boles 1994) Neochmia phaeton Crimson Finch P Tropical species, not known from NSW. Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll Endangered (TSC Act) Not seen in NSW for many years (DECC 2007)

Arctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur Seal Vulnerable (TSC Act) No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Hydrurga leptonyx Leopard Fur Seal P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Dugong dugon Dugong Endangered (TSC Act) No marine waters within Marrickville LGA

Delphinus delphis Common Dolphin P No marine waters within Marrickville LGA


E:\ambs-new\contract\2006-2007\Ecology\E06029\Report\Draft Report\Appendix B- Survey Site Register_print version.doc

Appendix B Survey Site Register



Tempe Tip

Description: Three large constructed water bodies with macrophytes, edged by sandstone rocks and plantings

Tempe Tip rehabilitation site facing west

Tempe Tip rehabilitation site facing northwest



Tempe Tip

2007 Community Type Plant/ Bush Regeneration Soils Rehabilitated landfill GPS Easting 330 219 GPS Northing 6 244 216 Canopy Cover (%) 1 - 2 Dominant Species Fig Eucalyptus Casuarina Shrub Cover (%) 15 Dominant Species Acacia sp. Casuarina Ground Cover (%) 10 Dominant Species Lomandra longifolia Phemeda sp. Bare ground (%) 5 -10 Leaf Litter (%) 0 - bark chipped Tree Hollows Figs Food Trees Figs Eucalyptus Waterbodies 3 Size/Depth 300m x 30m Description Deep, with surrounding macrophytes (Cumbungi) Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Pollution (stormwater)

Leaching of landfill contaminates

Soil erosion



Kendrick Park

Description: Grassy open picnic area and playground on the Cook's River, beside the Princess Highway

Kendrick Park facing southwest to Fatima's Island at high tide

Kendrick Park facing southeast

Kendrick Park facing southwest Fatima's Island at low tide



Kendrick Park

2007 Community Type Parkland Soils Sandy with sandstone outcrops Integrity Parkland, with scattered trees GPS Easting 329 555 GPS Northing 6 244 199 Canopy Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Casuarina Melaleuca Fig Mangroves Eucalyptus Swamp Mahogany Shrub Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Lomandra longifolia Ground Cover (%) 80 Dominant Species Grass: Kikuyu / introduced grasses and herbs Bare Ground (%) 10 Leaf Litter (%) 5 Tree Hollows 0 - 2

Details Radiata pine providing for cockatoos

Food Trees Eucalyptus Figs Melaleucas Waterbodies 2: Cooks River, Saline Size/Depth Large: >50m wide Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Soil erosion Pollution in the Cook's River



Mackey Park

Description: Open, grassy playing/recreational field

Mackey Park facing east

Mackey Park facing south

Mackey Park facing west



Mackey Park

2007 Community Type Planted Soils Red-sandy GPS Easting 329 333 GPS Northing 6 244 747 Canopy Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Callistemon Eucalyptus Maples Shrub Cover (%) Casuarina Dominant Species Melaleuca Black Poplars Fig Plum Pine Ground Cover (%) 0 Dominant Species N/A Bare Ground (%) 5 Leaf Litter (%) 2 Tree Hollows 0 Food Trees Callistemon Melaleuca Fig Plum Pine Waterbodies 0 Size/Depth N/A Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Soil erosion Pollution (Cook's River) Runoff



Warren Park & Richardson Lookout

Description: Small planted recreational Park / Picnic Area

Richardson Lookout facing south

Richardson Lookout facing south west

Boulders and plantings at Warren Park



Warren Park & Richardson Lookout

2007 Community Type Planted Soils Rehabilitated landfill GPS Easting 328 849 GPS Northing 6 244 756 Canopy Cover (%) 40 Dominant Species Fig Acacia (Black Wattle) Shrub Cover (%) 20 Dominant Species Banksia Serata Lomandra Grevillea Acacia Gymea Lilies Ground Cover (%) 90 Dominant Species Grass Dandelions Dianella spp Bare Ground (%) 5 Leaf Litter (%) 5 Bark chips Tree Hollows A few in Fig trees Food Trees Figs Waterbodies 0 Size/Depth N/A Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Erosion Pollution Vandalism Soil erosion



Steel Park

Description: Large, open ground playing area

Steel Park Site facing south east

Steel Park Site facing west

Steel Park facing north west Steel Park facing east



Steel Park

2007 Community Type Planted/Remnant Soils Sandy GPS Easting 328 449 GPS Northing 6 244 878 Canopy Cover (%) 10 Dominant Species Poplars Casuarinas Mangroves Eucalypts Shrub Cover (%) 0 Dominant Species N/A Ground Cover (%) 90 Dominant Species Grass - Kikuyu & Dandelion Bare Ground (%) 5 Leaf Litter (%) 5 Tree Hollows 0 Food Trees Poplars Casuarinas Mangroves Eucalypts Waterbodies 1 Size/Depth Cook's River Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Salination Pollution Soil erosion



HJ Mahoney Reserve

Description: Large, open playing field bordered by the Cook's River and Marrickville Golf Course

HJ Mahoney Memorial Park facing east

HJ Mahoney Memorial Park facing south



HJ Mahoney Reserve

2007 Community Type Planted/ Remnant floodplain Soils Sandy/Clay GPS Easting 328 099 GPS Northing 6 244 778 Canopy Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Black Poplar Eucalyptus Casuarina Melaleuca Fig Mangroves Swamp mahogany Shrub Cover (%) 0 Dominant Species Oleander: 1 plant Ground Cover (%) 20 Dominant Species Grass-kikuyu Bare Ground (%) 80 (turf pulled up by council) Leaf Litter (%) 1 Tree Hollows 3 trees Food Trees Fig Melaleuca Casuarina Swamp Mahogany Waterbodies 1 Size/Depth Cook's River Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Pollution Soil erosion Human disturbance




Description: Golf course green bordered by Cooks River

Marrickville Golf Links facing east

Marrickville Golf Links facing northwest




2007 Community Type Planted/ Mangroves Soils Sandy GPS Easting 327 918 GPS Northing 6 245 478 Canopy Cover (%) 50 (river-edge) 5 (golf fairways) Dominant Species Mangroves (river-edge) Casuarina (river-edge) Shrub Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Black Wattle Ground Cover (%) 95 Dominant Species Kikuyu - grass for golf manicured lawns Bare Ground (%) 5 Leaf Litter (%) 5 Tree Hollows 1 stag

(hit by lightning near front gate)

Food Trees Eucalyptus Acacias Waterbodies 1 Size/Depth Cook's River Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes

Pollution from herbicide/pesticide

Human disturbance Mowing / Horticulture




Description: Large ephemeral waterbody surface choked by blue-green algae and duckweed

Dibble Ave entrance





2007 Community Type Mixture of natives and weeds Soils Sandy GPS Easting 327 975 GPS Northing 6 245 612 Canopy Cover (%) Perimeter 90% Dominant Species Willow Casuarina Lillipilli Melaleuca Shrub Cover (%) 10 Dominant Species Weeds Ground Cover (%) 5 Dominant Species Weeds Bare Ground (%) 10 Leaf Litter (%) 5 Casuarina leaves, branches Tree Hollows 0 Food Trees Melaleuca Casuarina Lillipilli Waterbodies present (y/n) 1 Size/Depth 30m wide x 200 metres long Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Pollution from humans Eutrophication from nutrient run-off Invasive aquatic weeds choking water Rubbish in water Willows causing bank destabilisation

Gambusia holbrooki present in waterbody



Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor Description: Bush regeneration site on the opposite side of the Rail Corridor outside of the 'Flour Mill' units (Area 3) and right hand side of railway line next to bridge (Area 1)

DHFRC (Area 3) facing northeast

DHFRC (Area 1) facing northeast



Dulwich Hill Freight Rail Corridor

2007 Area 1 Area 3 Community Type Planted/mixed Planted/mixed Soils Sandy/clay Sandy/clay GPS Easting 327 885 327 885 GPS Northing 6 247 274 6 247 274 Canopy Cover (%) 5 2 Dominant Species Eucalyptus melliodora Eucalyptus melliodora Callitris glaucopylla Callitris glaucopylla Shrub Cover (%) 10 10 Dominant Species Lantana Black Wattle Hakea tephrosperma Leptospermum spp Casuarina Melaleuca Ground Cover (%) 5 50 Dominant Species Weeds Grasses, Kangaroo Grass Kenedia spp Bare Ground (%) 0 2 Leaf Litter (%) Bark Chips Bark Chips Tree Hollows 0 0 Food Trees Eucalypts Melaleuca Eucalypts Black Wattle Waterbodies No 1 Size/Depth N/A 20cm Drainage line (artificial) Level of Disturbance High High Current Threatening Soil Erosion Soil Erosion Processes Pollution Pollution

Revegetation/Human disturbance Revegetation

Invasive Weeds Invasive Weeds

Removal of woodpiles/debris Removal of woodpiles/debris



Camperdown Cemetery

Description: Cemetery with remnant Sydney Turpentine –Ironbark Forest (EEC), tall Palms, Poplars, Eucalypts and Brushbox

Camperdown Cemetery looking east

Camperdown Cemetery looking west



Camperdown Cemetery

2007

Community Type Remnant Sydney Turpentine –ironbark Forest (EEC). Mixed understory and overstory

spp. Melaleuca

Soils Sandstone, silt and some gravel

GPS Easting 331 503 GPS Northing 6 247 864 Canopy Cover (%) 60-70 Dominant Species Tallowwood Brushbox Palm trees Figs Shrub Cover (%) 10-20 Dominant Species All introduced species Ground Cover (%) 80 Dominant Species Grass kikuyu Kangaroo grass Bare Ground (%) 10 Leaf Litter (%) 10

Tree Hollows 3 plus the Belfry and Tombstones for possible microbat habitat

Food Trees Tallowwood Brushbox Palm trees Figs Waterbodies 0 Size/Depth N/A Level of Disturbance High Current Threatening Processes Horticulture - mowing Digging for new graves

Removal of old headstones/habitat

Documents

Fauna Study Marrickville