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p: 07 5450 2688
f: 07 5450 2686
www.future-plus.com.au
PO Box 1250, Buddina Q 4575
ABN 23 658 506 336
Our Ref: 3961
4th February 2014 Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) Surveys 2013 Report No. 4 Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A – (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road) Department of Transport and Main Roads
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No.4 1
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A – (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
DOCUMENT CONTROL INFORMATION
File Number: 3961-131217-0.2 Project Manager: Paul Wood Client: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Project Title: Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) Monitoring, Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Project Author: Kieran Aland, Paul Wood Project Summary: 2013 monitoring survey of the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) within and adjacent to the alignment of the proposed Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road). Document Review and Issue Approval
Document Version Document Status Author Reviewed By Approved By
3961-131217-0.1 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood
3961-131217-0.2 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood
Destination Document Version Date Dispatched
Client Copy - digital 3961-131217-0.1 18th December 2013
Client Copy - digital 3961-131217-0.2 4th February 2014
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 2
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS REPORT Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this report, its attachments or appendices may be reproduced by any process without the written consent of Future-Plus Environmental (“FPE”). All enquiries should be directed to FPE. We have prepared this report for the sole purposes of Department of Transport and Main Roads (“Client”) for the specific purpose only for which it is supplied. This report is strictly limited to the Purpose and the facts and matters stated in it and does not apply directly or indirectly and will not be used for any other application, purpose, use or matter. In preparing this report we have made certain assumptions. We have assumed that all information and documents provided to us by the Client or as a result of a specific request or enquiry were complete, accurate and up-to-date. Where we have obtained information from a government register or database, we have assumed that the information is accurate. Where an assumption has been made, we have not made any independent investigations with respect to the matters the subject of that assumption. We are not aware of any reason why any of the assumptions are incorrect. This report is presented without the assumption of a duty of care to any other person (other than the Client) (“Third Party”). The report may not contain sufficient information for the purposes of a Third Party or for other uses. Without the prior written consent of FPE:
(a) this report may not be relied on by a Third Party; and (b) FPE will not be liable to a Third Party for any loss, damage, liability or claim arising out of or incidental to a Third Party publishing, using or relying on the facts, content, opinions or subject matter contained in this report.
If a Third Party uses or relies on the facts, content, opinions or subject matter contained in this report with or without the consent of FPE, FPE disclaims all risk and the Third Party assumes all risk and releases and indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified FPE from any loss, damage, claim or liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on this report. In this note, a reference to loss and damage includes past and prospective economic loss, loss of profits, damage to property, injury to any person (including death) costs and expenses incurred in taking measures to prevent, mitigate or rectify any harm, loss of opportunity, legal costs, compensation, interest and any other direct, indirect, consequential or financial or other loss.
Signed on behalf of Date: 4
th Feb 2014
Future-Plus Environmental
Paul Wood Director
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 3
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 6
1.2 SPECIES DESCRIPTION - GIANT BARRED FROG ................................................. 6
1.3 SURVEY AND MONITORING OVERVIEW ..................................................................... 8
2.0 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 9
2.1 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................. 9
2.2 MONITORING TRANSECT LOCATION & SURVEY TIMING.........................................12
3.0 RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................16
3.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................16
4.0 DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................21
4.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................21
4.1.1 Cooroy Creek ..........................................................................................................21
4.1.2 Six Mile Creek .........................................................................................................22
4.1.3 Skyring Creek ..........................................................................................................22
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON SURVEYS ...........................................................22
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION .....................................................................23
5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS RELEVANT TO PROPOSED WORKS .....................................23
5.2 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................23
5.2.1 Cooroy Creek ..........................................................................................................24
5.2.2 Six Mile Creek .........................................................................................................24
5.2.2 Skyring Creek ..........................................................................................................24
6.0 REFERENCES & ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS. ...............................................................25
FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS ...............................................................................29
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 LOCATONS OF ONGOING MONITORING AND REFERENCE TRANSECTS AND
STATUS OF GIANT BARRED FROG POPULATIONS AT BASELINE STUDY (2011-
2012). SECTION A C2C
TABLE 2 SURVEY EVENTS THIS 2013 MONITORING STUDY, C2C SECTION A
TABLE 3 RESULTS OF 2013 GIANT BARRED FROG MONITORING. SECTION A C2C
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 4
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 MAP OF STUDY AREA NTH & STH APPENDIX 2 FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
C2C Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade
DEHP Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
TMR Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
FPE Future-Plus Environmental
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
M.iteratus Mixophyes iteratus (Giant Barred Frog)
NC Act Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992
SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
SVL Snout to Vent Length
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 5
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This reports addresses Condition 1d of the approval of EPBC referral 2011/6024,
provided 4th November, 2011 by the Department of Environment (formally
SEWPaC). This approval, subject to conditions, allows the Department of Transport
& Main Roads (TMR) to undertake works to upgrade sections of the Bruce Highway
that are in close proximity to populations of the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes
iteratus). Condition 1d of this approval is specifically concerned with the monitoring
of these populations of the Giant Barred Frog.
Baseline monitoring surveys (conducted during 2011, 2012) confirm that populations
of Giant Barred Frogs occur on several sections of Cooroy Creek and Six Mile Creek.
The results of these surveys are previously reported (Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes
iteratus Baseline Survey Report No. 3). These populations of Giant Barred Frog, in
remnant habitat immediately upstream and downstream of proposed works, are viable
populations. There is recruitment within these populations evidenced by the detection
of tadpoles, recent metamorph frogs, juvenile and subadult frogs and reproductively
active (calling males) adult frogs.
These populations of M.iteratus are associated with sections of stream with riparian
vegetation that provided a closed canopy and leaf-litter cover of the forest floor.
Upper reaches of Skyring Creek within Section A of the proposed highway upgrade
do not appear to support populations of Giant Barred Frogs at this time.
Monitoring surveys conducted early and late 2013 (reported in this document)
confirm that Giant Barred Frogs continue to be present at the upstream and
downstream monitoring transects of Six Mile Creek and Cooroy Creek. Evidence of
recent recruitment (tadpole and juvenile frog stages) was detected within these
populations. At time of writing, the only significant works that have occurred within
Section A of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) upgrade impact on the Skyring
Creek crossing of the existing Bruce Highway alignment. Giant Barred Frogs were
not detected in this area during the baseline work of this study. Giant Barred Frogs
still appear to be absent in this area.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 6
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) is an endangered species, as listed under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Nature
Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006, and the IUCN Red List
(International Union for Conservation of Nature). The species is known to occur along
streams traversing Section A of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) upgrade.
The activities reported in this document specifically address Condition 1d of the
approval of EPBC referral 2011/6024, provided 4th
November, 2011 by the
Department of Environment. This approval, granted to TMR, provides permission to
undertake works to upgrade sections of the Bruce Highway that are in close proximity
to populations of the Giant Barred Frog. Condition 1d of this approval is specifically
concerned with the monitoring of these populations of the Giant Barred Frog. This
report contains the results of 2013 monitoring surveys for this frog. These surveys
were undertaken during periods of warm weather in early and late 2013. This work
follows a series of baseline investigations conducted through 2011 & 2012 (FPE
Reference: 3961-120301-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey & 3961-121214-1.0 M.
iteratus Baseline Survey 2011-2012).
The following information is relevant to Section A only of the Cooroy to Curra
upgrade of the Bruce Highway. Other conditions of the Department of Environment
approval, considered to be relevant to this report, are 1b & 1c. Detail addressing these
conditions is also provided below.
1.2 SPECIES DESCRIPTION - GIANT BARRED FROG The Giant Barred Frog, Mixophyes iteratus (Straughan, 1968) is a large forest-
dwelling native frog. It is strongly associated with permanent streams and once
occurred over a wide altitudinal range through south-eastern Queensland and north-
eastern New South Wales. Along with many species of stream-dwelling frogs, Giant
Barred Frog populations in south-eastern Queensland suffered decline through the
1970’s and 1980’s. The Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Disease, caused by
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been implicated as the cause of these declines.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 7
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Chytrid Fungus is known to infect Giant Barred Frogs (Hines, 2012). Although the
relationship between the current distribution of these frogs and Amphibian Chytrid
Fungus Disease is unknown, the continued absence of Giant Barred Frogs from many
of the higher altitude areas from which it was formerly known indicates that this
disease may still exert a limiting influence on populations of this frog. Populations of
Giant Barred Frog persist at lower altitudes along several streams in south-eastern
Queensland. This pattern of disappearance at higher altitude sites and persistence at
lower altitude is:
a) Shared with a number of other Queensland frog species; and
b) Consistent with certain aspects of the biology of the Chytrid Fungus.
Unfortunately, many suitable streams at low altitude are heavily impacted by
agricultural and urban activity and the Giant Barred Frog is now restricted to isolated
pockets of suitable streamside forest.
A summary of relevant biological information concerning Giant Barred Frogs is
provided below:
Juveniles, sub-adult and adult M. iteratus are typically found along permanent
streams (usually within 20 metres of the bank) with good quality riparian
vegetation, preferably with closed canopy;
Home range size for M. iteratus adults is unknown, as are dispersal
mechanisms or dispersal-related behaviour;
Recruitment is probably seasonal. Calling, amplexus and egg-laying occurs
through the warmer months and is heavily influenced by weather events.
Tadpoles are large (largest specimen found this study total length of 107mm)
and development is slow. Hines (2012) & Anstis (2002) indicate that
metamorphosis may be occurring through late summer and autumn; and our
findings agree with these published accounts; and
The aquatic tadpoles live in-stream and within associated backwaters and feed
on a range of organic matter such as algae and fallen fruit.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 8
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
1.3 SURVEY AND MONITORING OVERVIEW A series of baseline surveys were conducted from December 2011 to December 2012.
Surveys were conducted in accordance with the Department of Environment ‘Survey
Guidelines for Australia’s threatened frogs’ (hereafter referred to as ‘The Survey
Guidelines’) and additional investigations explored suitable aquatic habitat for the
tadpole stages of Giant Barred Frogs. Many of the sites examined were comprised of
habitat fragments that were separated by areas of unsuitable habitat (e.g road surface,
riparian vegetation of cleared pasture). Areas of suitable habitat that were smaller
than suggested transect size in ‘The Survey Guidelines’ were surveyed in-toto. Larger
areas were surveyed to exceed the minimum of 200 metres of stream-side transect.
These surveys were conducted to examine any habitat that:
a) Was deemed suitable for Giant Barred Frogs; and
b) Fell within the construction corridor and is subject to direct impact from
construction activity associated with Section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce
Highway upgrade project.
A series of stream sections upstream and downstream of the project corridor were
identified as suitable for on-going monitoring of Giant Barred frogs for the duration of
the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway upgrade project (section A). An additional series
of stream sections were also identified as suitable reference transects. The location of
these monitoring and reference transects are identified in Table 1 of this report. These
monitoring and reference transects will be surveyed for Giant Barred Frogs on an
annual basis till two years beyond the completion of works. Each annual monitoring
survey series will assess Giant Barred Frog populations at each transect on four
separate occasions, twice in early summer and twice later in the same summer.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 9
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Detection of tadpole, juvenile, sub-adult and adult Giant Barred Frogs is best achieved
by active search along selected transects. This active search technique incorporates
the following elements:
Eye-shine spotlighting during active search. Field experience with this species
(and several other species of Mixophyes) has shown that active specimens can
be readily detected by a specialised spotlight technique that allows the field
biologist to locate specimens by eye-shine. For the purposes of this document
we shall refer to the technique as eyeshine-spotlighting. The advantage of this
technique is that it allows non-calling individuals to be found. On any night
suitable for frog activity, a significant proportion of the adult and sub-adult
population is not calling, cannot be detected by call and cannot be stimulated
to call by call-playback. This non-calling subset of the population includes all
females (sub-adult and adult), all sub-adult males, and non-calling males.
Eyeshine-spotlighting is very well suited to the detection of terrestrial
amphibian specimens that are active and cannot be detected by more
conventional means (location by call);
Call recognition and triangulation to locate the calling individual (if
necessary);
Call playback, when deemed useful as an aid to triangulation; and
Larval (tadpole) detection by bottom trawling with scoop net and combined
use of dip net and spotlight.
The active search techniques described above are applied to stream transects during
suitable conditions for frog activity (moderate to warm temperatures and preferably
following rain events). Giant Barred Frogs (and the other amphibian species of
interest in this area) are best detected after nightfall and only during suitable
conditions as specified earlier. Tadpoles are best detected at periods of low stream
levels and this component of the monitoring work is only conducted during pre-wet
season monitoring surveys
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 10
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
By necessity, survey events are determined by frog biology. Frogs must be active
(calling, feeding etc.) if they are to be found. Inactive frogs hide below leaf litter or
loose soil and cannot be detected by practical means. It should be noted that moisture
levels and other factors (e.g. temperature and moon phase) can influence activity
levels and are considered before each survey effort. Survey events were conducted
during periods suitable for frog activity.
Limited environmental data is collected at the commencement of each transect survey
and survey events were chosen post rainfall and flood information was reviewed
(Bureau of Meteorology Rainfall data: Cooroy Composite station Flood data: Lake
Macdonald Drive AL.). The following environmental data is recorded at the
commencement of each survey event at each transect:
Temperature;
Relative humidity;
Percentage cloud cover;
Wind (approximate);
Moon phase;
Light pollution; and
Substrate condition and moisture.
This data is not reported here but is retained to potentially inform discussions
regarding comparisons of perceived abundance through the monitoring phase of this
project.
The following data is recorded with each Giant Barred Frog find:
Location by GPS (Garmin etrex) and photographed when practical; and
Age/size notes. Frogs are recorded as ‘juvenile’ up to approx. 50mm SVL
(snout-vent length), ‘subadult’ to approx. 70mm SVL (calling males at SVL of
77mm have been located in this study), ‘adult’ above 70mmSVL.
Sex determination in adults is based on several features but is best regarded as reliable
if the individual was observed to call; in which case, it is male. Adult females tend to
be heavier-bodied than males and coloured in shades of grey or brown. Adult males
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 11
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
are leaner-bodied, tend to display more prominent pattern and may have shades of
russet and yellow in the body colour. The back, face and leg markings tend to be more
pronounced on adult male frogs and juvenile and subadult frogs of both sexes (refer to
Photo Plates 1, 2 and 3 in Section 3.0 of this Report).
It is important to note that it remains difficult to accurately assess abundance of
individuals of a highly cryptic species like the Giant Barred Frog. For the purposes of
this project, the detection and monitoring of evidence of recruitment provides the best
assessment of population health. The detection of juvenile and/or subadult frogs or
tadpoles (refer Photo Plate 5) is taken as evidence of recruitment. The detection of
juveniles, subadult and adult frogs is predominately achieved by eye shine. Tadpole
detection is achieved by hand-held net trawls of pools at periods of low water levels.
This is a longitudinal study and comparative comment on adult frog abundance may
be able to be made at each site as work progresses through Construction and Post-
Construction phases of the upgrade project.
All monitoring has been conducted under the following permits:
Scientific User Registration 434 (Biosecurity Qld);
Animal Ethics proposal ref. number CA 2012/01/580 (DPI); and
Scientific purposes permit WISP10732512 (DEHP).
Field work reported here has been conducted by the senior author, Kieran Aland
(B.ScHons). Kieran has in excess of 20 years field experience as a field biologist and
herpetologist. Relevant recent projects include:
CSIRO frog survey Wenlock River, Cape York Peninsula (2009);
Remote area herpetology surveys. Cape York Peninsula (2006, 2008, 2009 &
2010) resulting in a significant range extension for Litoria longirostris and the
discovery and description of two new species of frog, Cophixalus kulakula
(Hoskin & Aland, 2011)and Cophixalus pakayakulangun (Hoskin & Aland,
2011). see Hoskin C. & Aland K.(2011) Zootaxa 3027 pp39-51;
Fauna inventory and land management advice to traditional owners Angkum
Lands, Cape York Peninsula. 2012- ongoing ; and
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 12
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Herpetology surveys (various locations) in conjunction with Dr. Conrad
Hoskin, James Cook University. See recent popular media, Cape Melville and
National Geographic “Lost World”.
The following equipment was used during nocturnal surveys:
Clipboard with field data sheets and map of site (orthophoto);
First aid kit;
Mobile phone (Next G coverage);
Personal GPS EPIRB;
Garmin etrex GPS;
Canon G11 compact camera with speedlight 270EX flash;
Compact binoculars;
Vernier caliper (plastic)/Stainless steel rule;
Head-mounted spotlight (purpose built);
Spare torch; and
Spray bottle with Chytrid sterilising agent (F10 or Sodium Hypoclorite).
Tadpole searches were conducted with scoop and dip net, sterilised with bucket
solutions of Sodium Hypochlorite. To further minimise risk of chytrid transport
between catchments, single catchments were surveyed each evening.
2.2 MONITORING TRANSECT LOCATION & SURVEY TIMING
The monitoring and reference transects that are examined in this on-going monitoring
work were identified during extensive baseline work conducted during 2011 and
2012. These sections of stream were selected on the basis of:
a) Presence of suitable habitat, sufficient to satisfy the ‘survey guidelines’;
b) Practical access and suitability for eye-shine spotlighting; and
c) Continued access through the project.
Decisions regarding transect selection also considers proximity to residential
dwellings, especially those properties with dogs. Table 1 describes the location of
these monitoring and reference transects and their Giant Barred Frog populations.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 13
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Table 1. Locations of ongoing monitoring and reference transects and status of Giant
Barred Frog populations at time of baseline study. Section A C2C.
Transect ID Watercourse & Transect
M. iteratus status
(Baseline study)
Coordinates Upstream
End of transect
Coordinates Downstream
End of transect
1 Cooroy Ck. A reference
Present Recruitment
evident
0489433 E 7076097 S
0489421 E 7076177 S
2 Cooroy Ck. B monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
0490118 7077017
0490093 7077215
3 Cooroy Ck. C monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
0490193 7077452
0490146 7077542
4 Cooroy Ck. D reference
Present 0490676 7078168
0490830 7078233
7 Six Mile Ck. A reference
Present Recruitment
evident
0488117 7077179
0488291 7077157
8 Six Mile Ck. B monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
0489309 7077962
0489169 7077804
9 Six Mile Ck. C monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
0489439 7078203
0489427 7078354
10 Six Mile Ck. D reference
Present Recruitment
evident
0489888 7079236
0489864 7079417
14 Skyring Ck. A reference
Nil detected in baseline
0484957 7080458
0484825 7080581
15 Skyring Ck. B monitoring
Nil detected in baseline
0484055 7080877
0483944 7081054
16 Skyring Ck. C monitoring
Nil detected in baseline
0483454 7081437
0483640 7081421
17 Skyring Ck. D reference
Nil detected in baseline
0482656 7080997
0482462 7081076
Coordinates: UTM Datum: WGS 84 Grid 56L
The monitoring surveys were conducted under conditions deemed suitable for frog
and tadpole detection. The best conditions for detection of surface-active Giant Barred
Frogs are elevated temperatures (preferably 18 degrees C or warmer) and high relative
humidity, preferably following rain events. Ideal conditions follow a significant rain
event and are provided by continued occasional light rainfall. A significant rain event
is needed to saturate topsoil and leaf litter, which results in high levels of frog activity.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 14
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
The disadvantage is the high likelihood of a flooding event that often accompanies
significant rain. The best conditions for detection of tadpoles are when stream levels
are at their lowest (late dry season). Increased stream levels make tadpole detection
practically impossible. If a flooding event occurs during a survey, the survey is
terminated because substantial increase in stream flow makes survey difficult and
potentially dangerous. During the course of a stream transect survey; the stream itself
may be crossed up to eight times.
Table 2. Survey events this 2013 monitoring study, C2C section A.
Transect ID Watercourse & Transect
M. iteratus survey events
1 Cooroy Ck. A reference
1/4/13 12/4/13 18/11/13 30/11/13
2 Cooroy Ck. B monitoring
1/4/13 12/4/13 17/11/13 30/11/13
3 Cooroy Ck. C monitoring
1/4/13 12/4/13 17/11/13 30/11/13
4 Cooroy Ck. D reference
1/4/13 12/4/13 18/11/13 30/11/13
7 Six Mile Ck. A reference
25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13
8 Six Mile Ck. B monitoring
25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13
9 Six Mile Ck. C monitoring
25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13
10 Six Mile Ck. D reference
25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13
14 Skyring Ck. A reference
24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 15
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Transect ID Watercourse & Transect
M. iteratus survey events
18/11/13
15 Skyring Ck. B monitoring
24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13
16 Skyring Ck. C monitoring
24/313 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13
17 Skyring Ck. D reference
24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 16
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 GENERAL
Results of recent monitoring surveys for Giant Barred Frogs has been provided in
Table 2. It provides a summary of M. iteratus findings at each stream section
examined during these monitoring surveys. These findings are also summarised in
note form here:
Populations of Giant Barred Frogs persist on sections of Cooroy Creek and Six
Mile Creek adjacent to the current alignment of the Bruce Highway;
These populations include frogs of different age classes. Recent evidence of
recruitment is provided by the detection of tadpoles and/or juvenile and/or
sub-adult frogs. In some sections of suitable habitat, Giant Barred Frogs were
found to be abundant;
These populations were all associated with sections of stream with riparian
vegetation that provided closed or closing canopy. Some portions of Cooroy
Creek immediately downstream of proposed works show evidence of recent
revegetation works (within last 5 years) involving Camphor Laurel
(Cinnamomum camphora) removal and replanting. These areas were included
within survey transects as they were found to contain Giant Barred Frogs.
Additional damage to the remaining canopy occurred during severe storm
events in 2012 and early 2013 (in particular at Cooroy Ck.). This has resulted
in increased weed and grass growth under the damaged canopy. Giant Barred
Frogs do not appear to favour, and were not able to be found, in these areas
with increased grass and weed ground cover;
Upper reaches of Skyring Creek Section A of proposed Highway upgrade,
including sections immediately upstream and downstream of the crossing of
the Bruce Highway do not appear to support populations of Giant Barred
Frogs; and
Photographic documentation of each specimen is recorded when the frog is in
a situation that allows close access for photography. Each photo record
includes GPS displaying location (refer Photo Plate 6). These images can be
made available to TMR for record verification purposes. Requests for this
image series by other parties should be made to TMR.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 17
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Table 3. Results of monitoring surveys for Giant Barred Frogs 2013. Section A C2C.
Transect ID Watercourse & Transect
M. iteratus status
(Baseline)
M. iteratus status (2013 Monitoring)
1 Cooroy Ck. A reference
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident (juv)
2 Cooroy Ck. B monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident
(tadpole, juv & subadults)
3 Cooroy Ck. C monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident (juv
& subadult)
4 Cooroy Ck. D reference
Present Present Recruitment evident (juv)
7 Six Mile Ck. A reference
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident
(subadult)
8 Six Mile Ck. B monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident
(subadult)
9 Six Mile Ck. C monitoring
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident
(tadpole, juv & subadult)
10 Six Mile Ck. D reference
Present Recruitment
evident
Present Recruitment evident (juv)
14 Skyring Ck. A reference
Nil detected in baseline
Nil detected
15 Skyring Ck. B monitoring
Nil detected in baseline
Nil detected
16 Skyring Ck. C monitoring
Nil detected in baseline
Nil detected
17 Skyring Ck. D reference
Nil detected in baseline
Nil detected
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 18
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Photo Plate 1: Adult female M. iteratus Cooroy Ck.
Photo Plate 2: Adult male M. iteratus Six Mile Ck.
Photo: K. Aland, FPE
Photo: K. Aland, FPE
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 19
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Photo Plate 3: Juvenile M. iteratus Six Mile Ck.
Photo Plate 4: Metamorph. M. iteratus Cooroy Ck.
Photo: K. Aland, FPE
Photo: K. Aland, FPE
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 20
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Photo Plate 5: Tadpole M.iteratus Six Mile Ck.
Photo Plate 6: Example of monitoring record M.iteratus during this study.
Photo: K. Aland, FPE
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 21
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
4.0 DISCUSSION
4.1 GENERAL
The following discussion is provided as site-specific notes (for locations of transects
refer to Appendix 1):
4.1.1 Cooroy Creek
The sections of Cooroy Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the
Bruce Highway (current position), Transects 2 and 3, support healthy breeding
populations of Giant Barred Frogs. These populations are persisting in small
patches of suitable habitat with very poor connectivity to other suitable
habitat;
The population of frogs at Transect 3 is persisting despite evidence of
significant recent disturbance. The vegetation of this area was largely
dominated by Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), the majority of
which has recently been removed. The Camphor Laurel removal and
associated revegetation projects are ongoing. The riparian vegetation is still
recovering and can be expected to improve the quality and area of habitat
available to this population of Giant Barred Frogs. The extreme storm event
and flooding that occurred in early 2012 further degraded the suitability of
available habitat for Giant Barred Frogs. This weather event resulted in the
loss of leaf litter substrate, further canopy damage and deposition of large
areas of coarse gravel. Subsequent increased growth of annual weeds and
grasses has reduced habitat suitability for Giant Barred Frogs and fewer
specimens were detected in the 2013 monitoring surveys. Recovery of canopy
cover with natural regeneration is expected and should result in increased
habitat quality;
Works associated with the Highway Upgrade have not commenced at this
time. and
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 22
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
4.1.2 Six Mile Creek
Six Mile Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce Highway
(current position), Transects 8 and 9 (refer Appendix 1 for location) support
healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs. With the exception of the
pre-existing barrier presented by Mary River Road the riparian vegetation (and
population of frogs) has good connectivity to downstream sections of suitable
habitat; and
Works associated with the Highway Upgrade have not commenced at this
time.
4.1.3 Skyring Creek
These monitoring surveys confirm findings of earlier baseline investigations in
that Giant Barred Frogs appear to be absent from the sections of Skyring
Creek within Section A of Cooroy to Curra.
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON SURVEYS Transect 4 was impacted by an extreme storm event in early 2012 and resulted in
near-complete removal of canopy. Subsequent annual weed and grass growth has
reduced the suitability of habitat for Giant Barred Frogs. Few Giant Barred Frogs
were detected during these 2013 surveys. As at Transect 3, recovery of canopy cover
by natural regeneration is expected and should result in increased habitat quality.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 23
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS RELEVANT TO PROPOSED WORKS
Canopy & Vegetation Condition 1c of the Department of Environment approval is required with
revegetation of disturbed areas. All revegetation within 50 metres of the full bank
level of Cooroy, Six Mile and Skyring Creeks must be suitable for Giant Barred
Frogs. Observations of Giant Barred Frogs during these baseline surveys confirm that
these frogs prefer a closed canopy with relatively little complex vegetation at ground
level. Selection of plant species should favour those that rapidly provide canopy (e.g.
Macaranga) and use of dense groundcover species (e.g. Lomandra spp.) should be
kept to a minimum.
Noise & Vibration Although Giant Barred Frogs appear to tolerate road noise well (specimens are often
located in close proximity to the existing Bruce Highway, this study), they may be
relatively intolerant of high levels of dust. The senior author has observed the
disappearance of a population of Mixophyes fasciolatus (a related species with similar
tadpoles to M. iteratus) after silt loading of a watercourse. This unpublished
observation corroborates those of other experienced herpetologists (C. Hoskin pers.
com).
Light Nocturnal activity of Giant Barred Frogs may be adversely affected by light. If this is
the case, additional lighting associated with works may reduce detection rates in
proposed monitoring transects 2, 3, 8 & 9 (Cooroy Creek and Six Mile Creek) once
construction commences. If reduced detection is noted, shading may be required on
work lights to reduce light pollution of nearby riparian zones.
5.2 CONCLUSION
The following statements regarding known or suspected Giant Barred Frog
populations within section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade are
supported by the data presented in this report.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 24
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
5.2.1 Cooroy Creek
The sections of Cooroy Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce
Highway (current position), Transects 2 and 3 (refer Appendix 1 for location),
continue to support healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs despite
evidence of significant recent disturbance due to natural phenomena (storm).
5.2.2 Six Mile Creek
Six Mile Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce Highway (current
position), Transects 8 and 9 (refer Appendix 1 for location) continue to support
healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs.
5.2.2 Skyring Creek
These monitoring surveys confirm findings of earlier baseline investigations in that
Giant Barred Frogs appear to be absent from the sections of Skyring Creek within
Section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade project.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 25
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
6.0 REFERENCES & ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS.
Aland & Wood, 2013. Baseline surveys 2011-12 (this study) available online
www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/.../frogmonitoringsurveyref3961part5.pdf
Anstis M. (2002) Tadpoles of south-eastern Australia. New Holland Publishers
Australia
Calvert D. (2011) Decision maker & approver of action proposed in referral EPBC
2011/6024. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities (THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT)
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
(2010). Survey Guidelines for Australia’s threatened frogs. Available online
<http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/survey-guidelines-
frogs.pdf>
Environmental Protection Agency. (2008). Hygiene protocol for handling
amphibians. Queensland Government. Brisbane.
Future-plus Environmental (2012) 3961-120301-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey
2011_Report No. 1
Future-plus Environmental (2012) 3961-121214-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey 2011-
2012_Report No. 2
GHD Flora and Fauna Report extract Job No. 128/10A/901 Invitation NCHD2267
(complete document not sighted) & Willis D. 2011 EPBC Referral of proposed action.
Hines H. (2002) Giant Barred-frog Mixophyes iteratus Straughan, 1968 in National
recovery plan for Stream Frogs of South-east Queensland 2001-2005. Available
online
<http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/strea
m-frogs/appendix1-giant.html>
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 26
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
Hines H. (2012) Giant Barred-frog Mixophyes iteratus Straughan, 1968 in
Queensland’s threatened animals. Curtis Lee K. (ed). CSIRO publishing.
Collingwood, Australia.
Lemckert, F. & T. Brassil (2000). Movements and habitat use of the endangered Giant
Barred River Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) and the implications for its conservation in
timber production forests. Biological Conservation. 96:177-184.
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 27
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
APPENDIX 1
MAPS OF STUDY AREA NORTH AND SOUTH
14
15
16
12
17
18
19
Skyring Creek
Unnamed Creek
Area surveyed for M. IteratusDecember 2011 - February 2012
Legend:
Figure Measurements to TakePrecedence Over Scale MeasurementsClient:FPE Reference Number:
Site:
Scale:M. Iteratus Baseline Survey (Northern Section)
Bruce Highway UpgradeCoory to Curra (Section A)
1:35,000 @ A4
Area surveyed for M. Iteratus
2011, 2012 & 2013
13b13a
3961-121214-1.1 DTMR
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 28
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
APPENDIX 2 FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS
FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2
February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 29
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)
FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS Due to the possible presence of the introduced Chytrid Fungus in watercourses in the
study area, standard hygiene protocols will be applied when moving between each
watercourse. These protocols eliminate the possibility of any cross-site contamination
by the survey activity. The following procedures will be observed.
Adult frogs are not handled (none of the species in the study area should need
to be handled to effect identification). Measurement can be effected by
holding calipers (vernier) over stationary frogs. Frogs rarely “spook” and
jump, no frogs are pursued or restrained for measurement;
Larvae (tadpoles) are examined while held in dip net and released immediately
or examined in single-use plastic bags (freezer bags) or sterilisable plastic
trays;
Dip net and caliper sterilisation (Sodium Hypochlorite) occurrs between
transects on each watercourse and between watercourses;
Double sets of scoop & dip nets are used to allow sterilisation time if tadpole
surveys between watercourses occur in close succession; and
Wet footwear is also to be cleaned (physical) and surface sterilised (F10 or
Sodium Hypochlorite) between watercourses.