Download APPENDIX B-2A Duchess Paradise Project

REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW APPENDIX B-2A
Duchess Paradise Project – listed threatened and migratory species (Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).
Threatened species (fish):
Freshwater Sawfish Pristis pristis (Vulnerable)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and overall)
Known from the Fitzroy River. May occur at or near the Derby Export Facility and elsewhere
within King Sound.
Distribution
Northern Australia1.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
 Marine/estuarine species that spends its first three–four years in freshwater growing to about
half its adult size (4 m+).
 In northern Australia, this species appears to be confined to freshwater drainages and the
upper reaches of estuaries, occasionally being found as far as 400 km from the sea.
 The preferred habitat of this species is mud bottoms of river embayments and estuaries, but
they are also found well upstream, usually in turbid channels of large rivers over soft mud
bottoms more than 1 m deep, but they will move into shallow waters when travelling
upstream or while hunting prey.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-42 (Chapter Six) for records in Fitzroy River.
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
As for map of all known occurrences although note preference for freshwater environments.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways.
1
This is distribution for Pristis microdon. This species is now included with P. pristis which has a current distribution including the Indo-Pacific (Indonesia
and northern and western Australia), eastern Pacific (Columbia, Nicaragua, and Panama), western Atlantic (Costa Rica and Brazil) and eastern Atlantic
(Guinea Bissau). (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/largetoothsawfish.htm).
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Freshwater Sawfish Pristis pristis (Vulnerable)
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Details of known
threats to the species






Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Gillnet fishing.
Indigenous harvest.
Habitat modification.
Recreational 'trophy' fishing.
The shark fin trade.
Note that the Camballin Barrage prevents migration of this species further upstream within
the Fitzroy River.
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat directly affected).
No indirect impacts (no proposed discharges to the Fitzroy River or King Sound). Water
monitoring of the Fitzroy River and tributaries is proposed.
Discuss any mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact and
its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Freshwater Sawfish.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Northern River Shark Glyphis garricki (Endangered)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and overall)
Known from the Northern Territory (Adelaide and South Alligator Rivers) but more recently
recorded in King Sound. Not recorded in Fitzroy River but, based on habitat preferences, could
occur there.
Distribution
Northern Australia and north west Western Australia.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
 Animals recorded in King Sound were in turbid waters highly affected by tidal movements.
 Record sites had sandy or silt bottoms with little structure in the form of snags or root mats.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-49 (Chapter Six) for Australian records of this species.
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available but could include other estuarine environments across northern Australia.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Details of known
threats to the species
 Barramundi gillnetting (bycatch)
 recreational fishing
 habitat degradation e.g. impoundment of rivers
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of the species
No
 fragment an existing population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of a population
No
 modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat
to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Northern River Shark Glyphis garricki (Endangered)
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or
endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
endangered species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat directly affected).
Indirect impacts: no proposed discharges to the Fitzroy River or King Sound. Potential for coal
spillage during barging and shiploading operations has been considered, as has the potential for
contaminated runoff from the coal stockpiles (see Chapter Seven, Section 7.3.4). Management
actions to reduce these risks have been proposed as has a water and sediment monitoring
program.
Discuss any mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact and
its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Northern River Shark.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Dwarf Sawfish Pristis clavata (Vulnerable)
Abundance (at site,
in the region and
overall)
Not recorded in Fitzroy River but a population is known from King Sound. Overall population not
known.
Distribution
Since European settlement, the species' Australian distribution has previously been considered to
extend north from Cairns around the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, across northern Australian
waters to the Pilbara coast in Western Australia. Eastern Queensland populations may have
contracted.
Known from the Indo-Pacific area but the Australian population is considered likely to comprise the
majority or all of the total global population.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
 Inhabits shallow (2–3 m) coastal waters and estuarine habitats. Does not utilise any purely
freshwater areas and the species' range is restricted to brackish and salt water.
 Estuarine habitats are used as nursery areas.
 Adults are known to seasonally migrate back into inshore waters although it is unclear how far
offshore the adults travel as captures in offshore surveys are very uncommon.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-52 (Chapter Six) for records on the Fitzroy River and King Sound.
Map of all potential
habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
No map available. All potential habitat is likely to be restricted to that shown above but could include
other areas in the Indo-Pacific region.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways although see comment above (Ecology and habitat
preferences).
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Regional habitat comprises the estuarine areas of King Sound. It does not include the Fitzroy River,
beyond the delta environment.
Details of known
threats to the
species
 The main identified threats to the Dwarf Sawfish are being caught as bycatch in commercial and
recreational net fishing, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
 The main potential threats to the Dwarf Sawfish include habitat degradation due to increasing
human development in northern Australia.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Dwarf Sawfish Pristis clavata (Vulnerable)
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat directly affected).
Indirect impacts: no proposed discharges to the Fitzroy River or King Sound. Potential for coal
spillage during barging and shiploading operations has been considered, as has the potential for
contaminated runoff from the coal stockpiles (see Chapter Seven, Section 7.3.4). Management
actions to reduce these risks have been proposed as has a water and sediment monitoring program.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Dwarf Sawfish.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Threatened species (mammals):
Black-footed Rock-wallaby (West Kimberley race) Petrogale lateralis (Vulnerable)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project. Overall
abundance not known.
Distribution
This subspecies is known to occur at scattered localities in the west Kimberley region including
Grant and Edgar Ranges, Mt Wynne, Mt Anderson and Mt Alexander.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
Inhabits sandstone cliffs and escarpments with surrounding vegetation including hummock
grasslands and Acacia scrubs.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-41 (Chapter Six) for recorded locations.
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available but appears restricted to sandstone cliffs and escarpments – unlikely to occur in
other habitats.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Regional habitat comprises sandstone cliffs and escarpments west and south west of the proposed
mine site (see Figure 6-41, Chapter 6). Appears to occur over a distance of about 200 km where
suitable habitat occurs.
Details of known
threats to the species
 Predation by foxes and cats (joeys).
 Degradation of habitat by grazing.
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Black-footed Rock-wallaby (West Kimberley race) Petrogale lateralis (Vulnerable)
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat directly affected).
No indirect impacts: none of the known habitat for this species will be affected by the Duchess
Paradise Project.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact
and its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Black-footed Rock-wallaby.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus (Endangered)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project. Targeted
survey was conducted for the proposed mine and processing area.
Overall abundance not known but the species has been recorded in a number of Western
Australian impact assessment studies in recent years.
Distribution
The Northern Quoll is reasonably widespread across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Also
occurs in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
Northern quolls do not have highly specific habitat requirements. They occur in a variety of habitats
across their range. They are opportunistic foragers that feed on a broad range of items switching
dietary resources according to season and availability. Daytime den sites provide important shelter
and protection for northern quolls from predators and weather. However, shelter sites are also nonspecific; rocky outcrops, tree hollows, hollow logs, termite mounds, goanna burrows and human
dwellings have all been recorded. Therefore habitat critical to survival is that where northern quolls
are least exposed to threats or least likely to be in the future. Given the known threats to the
species (see below), two particular broad habitat types fall into this category: rocky areas and
offshore islands.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-39 (Chapter Six) for recorded locations in Western Australia.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus (Endangered)
Source: National Recovery Plan
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available but rocky areas and offshore islands are considered the key habitats for this
species. Note relationship between species records and areas of higher elevation in the above
figure.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Extensive areas of suitable habitat in Western Australia – primarily the coastal Kimberley and rocky
ranges in the Pilbara.
Details of known
threats to the species




Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
Cane toads (ingestion of cane toad toxin).
Feral cats and, potentially, foxes.
Grazing and habitat degradation.
The National Recovery Plan records a range of other potential threats.
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of the species
No
 fragment an existing population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of a population
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus (Endangered)
 modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat
to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or
endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
endangered species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat directly affected).
No indirect impacts: none of the known habitat for this species will be affected by the Duchess
Paradise Project.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact
and its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Northern Quoll.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis (Vulnerable)
Abundance (at site,
in the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project. Targeted
searches were conducted.
Known to occur east of the project area and near the WA/NT border.
Distribution
Occurs across northern Australia, excluding the tropics and eastern Queensland (see map from the
National Recovery Plan).
Ecology and
habitat preferences
The Greater Bilby occurs in a broad range of habitats. Their current distribution primarily occurs in
three particular vegetation types:
 open tussock grassland (both grasses and forbs) growing on uplands and hills,
 mulga woodland/shrubland (both pure mulga and mixed stands of mulga/witchetty bush) growing
on ridges and rises, and
 hummock grassland growing on sand plains and dunes, drainage systems, salt lake systems and
other alluvial areas.
Feeds on seeds, bulbs and invertebrates, usually obtaining food by digging.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-40 (Chapter Six) for recorded locations in Western Australia.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis (Vulnerable)
Source: National Recovery Plan
The above map shows Greater Bilby records for the period 1991-2004.
Map of all potential
habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
The SPRAT map is likely to represent all potential habitat.
The National Recovery Plan states that “Given the large area in WA over which the greater bilby
occurs and the fragmented nature of its occurrence, identification of habitat critical to the species will
remain difficult until further survey work is carried out”.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis (Vulnerable)
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
The proposed Duchess Paradise mine and processing site contains hummock grasslands which are
suitable habitat for the Greater Bilby. This habitat is very widespread across northern Australia (over
800,000 km2) – see map below.
Source: NVIS database.
Details of known
threats to the
species




Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
Predation by foxes, cats, dingoes and wild dogs.
Habitat degradation by herbivores (rabbits, cattle).
Habitat degradation from a changing fire regime.
Other threats, including vehicle strike.
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis (Vulnerable)
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
Some habitat directly affected but suitable habitat very widespread. No local population recorded
despite targeted survey.
No indirect impacts: management measures are proposed to prevent any proliferation of predator
species as a consequence of the Duchess Paradise Project.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Greater Bilby.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Vulnerable, Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not known from King Sound.
An estimate for the Australian west coast Humpback Whale population was 8,207–13,640 in 1999
using aerial surveys. It is generally recognised that the Australian west coast and east coast
populations appear to be growing consistently at approximately 10% per annum.
Distribution
Found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. In Australia, may be found in all offshore
environments, depending on the time of year.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
Humpback Whale feeding primarily occurs in summer in Antarctic waters with krill forming the major
part of their diet. In general, most feeding occurs between 70° E and 130° E for the west coast
population. Research has shown the peak feeding season is mid-January to February with dispersal
as the season progresses. However, there is a great deal of temporal variability in the maximum
seasonal abundance of Humpback Whales on feeding grounds which is directly related to circumpolar,
regional and local scale processes.
Some feeding has been observed in Australia's coastal waters but this is thought to primarily be
opportunistic and forms only a small portion of their nutritional requirements.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See other maps.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Vulnerable, Migratory)
Map of regional
migration
pathways
Source: Humpback Whale Recovery Plan 2005-2010
Humpback Whales annually migrate between their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to their
tropical breeding grounds in winter. In Australia, there are two migratory populations of Humpback
Whales, a west coast population and an east coast population. During migration, individuals travel
alone or in temporary aggregations of generally non-related individuals (cow-calf pairs being the
exception). The whales aggregate on the breeding grounds where males compete for access to
females in oestrous and females give birth.
The exact timing of the migration period can vary from year-to-year depending on water temperature,
sea ice, predation risk, prey abundance and the location of the feeding ground. In general, Humpback
Whales are sighted in southern Australian waters in May and migrate slowly up the east and west
coasts. By October the majority of whales have started their southward migration and sightings are
rare after November.
See also Figure 6-51 (Chapter 6) for migratory routes and location of calving grounds in the west
Kimberley.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
Not known from King Sound.
Ships carrying coal product will cross migration path and travel through a calving area that covers an
area of 6,750 km2.
Details of known
threats to the
species
 Habitat degradation, including acoustic pollution (e.g. commercial and recreational vessel noise,
and seismic survey activity), entanglement (e.g. in marine debris, fishing and aquaculture
equipment), physical injury and death from ship strike, and changing water quality and pollution
(e.g. runoff from land based agriculture, oil spills, outputs from aquaculture).
 Climate and oceanographic change, affecting habitat and food availability.
 Prey depletion due to over harvesting (depletion of krill through over harvesting may be a potential
future threat).
 The above are listed as the main threats on the assumption that commercial whaling does not
recommence.
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Vulnerable, Migratory)
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat
to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat within proposed mine and processing site or at Derby Export Facility).
Species not known from King Sound. Some potential for strike by bulk cargo vessels.
No indirect impacts.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
Notification will be made to the captain of any bulk cargo vessel operating during periods when
migration may be occurring (July through to September) requesting that a watch be maintained.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Humpback Whale.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Threatened species (birds):
Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Malurus coronatus coronatus (Vulnerable)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project or nearby
riverine habitat.
Total population size was estimated at 12,000 breeding birds in 2000. Thirteen sub-populations are
recognised, the nearest of which to the Duchess Paradise Project is the upper reaches of the
Fitzroy River (< 1,000 individuals).
Distribution
Its distribution includes parts of the Fitzroy River, Drysdale River, Durack River and Ord River
systems in Western Australia, and the Victoria River system in the Northern Territory.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
Inhabits dense, riparian vegetation in the wet-dry tropics of Western Australia and the Northern
Territory. It is found near permanent rivers and springs (or associated billabongs and swamps)
where it occupies dense thickets of Pandanus aquaticus or canegrass and also occurs, less
frequently, in rushes and shrubs.
It feeds primarily on insects.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
See also Figure 6-38 (Chapter Six) for recorded locations in Western Australia.
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available but could occur in riverine habitats where suitable riparian vegetation is present.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No known regional migration pathways. Species is regarded as sedentary.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Nearest possible habitat is at the Fitzroy River, about 5 km south of the proposed mine site.
However, the species was not recorded during surveys and thickets of pandanus do not occur in
the nearest sections of the Fitzroy River.
Details of known
threats to the species
 Degradation of riparian vegetation by cattle.
 Soil erosion leading to destruction of riparian vegetation.
 Burning of riparian habitats.
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Malurus coronatus coronatus (Vulnerable)
 fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
No
 modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming
established in the vulnerable species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat within proposed mine and processing site). Species not recorded in
surveys at Fitzroy River.
No indirect impacts: no runoff from mine site except under extreme rainfall conditions.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact
and its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae (Endangered, Migratory)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project.
There are no known populations within 100 km of the proposed mine site.
The total population size is estimated at 2500 or less adult birds. It is possible that the actual
population size could exceed this estimate because vast areas of potential habitat in remote
regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, which could potentially support additional
significant populations of the species, have not been surveyed.
Distribution
The Gouldian Finch is sparsely distributed across northern Australia from the Kimberley region of
north-western Western Australia to north-central Queensland. It is currently known to occur in
significant numbers (> 50 adult birds) at only 10 locations, including five in Western Australia; and
five in the Northern Territory. It has been recorded less frequently and/or in smaller numbers at
numerous other sites across northern Australia. It is possible that additional significant populations
could remain in vast areas of potential habitat in remote regions of Western Australia and the
Northern Territory in which there has been little or no survey effort.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
The Gouldian Finch inhabits open woodlands that are dominated by Eucalyptus trees and support
a ground cover of Sorghum and other grasses. The critical components of suitable core habitat for
the Gouldian Finch appear to be the presence of favoured annual and perennial grasses
(especially Sorghum), a nearby source of surface water and, in the breeding season, unburnt
hollow-bearing Eucalyptus trees (especially E. tintinnans, E. brevifolia and E. leucophloia). Of these
species, only E. brevifolia occurs in the Kimberley region.
Its breeding habitat is usually confined to ridges and rocky foothills, but the tendency to nest in
these upland areas is probably due to the presence of Sorghum grasses rather than to the actual
topography of the landscape. It often forages in areas that have been burnt by fire which might
reflect the ability of dry season fires to eliminate dense ground cover vegetation and thus improve
the access of the Gouldian Finch and other granivores to fallen seeds.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae (Endangered, Migratory)
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available. However, the distribution of the key hollow-bearing eucalypt, E. brevifolia, is
shown below. This species predominantly occurs in the eastern Kimberley.
Source: Florabase, Western Australian Herbarium.
Map of regional
migration pathways
The Gouldian Finch appears to be a resident, and probably largely sedentary, species that
disperses from breeding areas to nearby sites (up to about 20 km away) during the wet season in
response to local changes in the availability of food.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
The Fitzroy River provides a semi-permanent water source but Eucalyptus brevifolia not recorded
during botanical surveys for the Project.
Details of known
threats to the species
 Inappropriate fire regimes (the contemporary fire regime in northern Australia is dominated by
frequent, extensive, hot, late dry season wildfires, a change from the burning mosaic created
by Aboriginal people).
 Grazing by cattle and feral pigs.
 Ari sac mites.
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population
No
 reduce the area of occupancy of the species
No
 fragment an existing population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of a population
No
 modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat
to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or
endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
endangered species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere with the recovery of the species.
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae (Endangered, Migratory)
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat within proposed mine and processing site). Species not recorded in
surveys at Fitzroy River.
No indirect impacts: species unlikely to occur in the region.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact
and its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Gouldian Finch.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis (Endangered, Migratory)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and
overall)
Not recorded in any of the proposed operational areas for the Duchess Paradise Project.
There are no known populations within 100 km of the proposed mine site.
Based on results of surveys between 2001 and 2009 conducted by Birds Australia, it is thought that
the population is highly unlikely to exceed 2,500 individuals and is more likely to be between 1,000
and 1,500 individuals.
Distribution
The Australian Painted Snipe has been recorded at wetlands in all states of Australia. It is most
common in eastern Australia, where it has been recorded at scattered locations throughout much of
Queensland, NSW, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It has been recorded less
frequently at a smaller number of more scattered locations farther west in South Australia, the
Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
The Australian Painted Snipe is usually found in shallow inland wetlands, either freshwater or
brackish, that are either permanently or temporarily filled. It is a cryptic bird that is hard to see and
often overlooked. Usually only single birds are seen, though larger groups of up to 30 have been
recorded. It nests on the ground amongst tall reed-like vegetation near water, and feeds near the
water’s edge and on mudflats, taking invertebrates, such as insects and worms, and seeds.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No map available. Occasional records from remote places indicate that the species can move long
distances and may be dispersive or migratory, and a north-south migration has been postulated.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No habitat within the Duchess Paradise Project footprint.
Surveys for the Duchess Paradise project did not record the species at nearby waterways. The
survey assessment concluded that “this species may possibly occur in the study area in the small
billabongs, or on the edges of floodplains, though it seems unlikely given that the vegetation is very
sparse and degraded by cattle“.
Details of known
threats to the species
 Loss of wetland habitats, especially in the Murray-Darling Basin.
 Grazing and associated trampling of wetland vegetation by cattle, particularly where grazing
tends to become concentrated around wetlands in the dry season.
Assessment against
significant impact
Will the action:
 lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis (Endangered, Migratory)
guidelines
 reduce the area of occupancy of the species
No
 fragment an existing population into two or more populations
No
 adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
No
 disrupt the breeding cycle of a population
No
 modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat
to the extent that the species is likely to decline
No
 result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or
endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
endangered species’ habitat
No
 introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or
No
 interfere with the recovery of the species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
No direct impacts (no habitat within proposed mine and processing site). Species not recorded in
surveys at Fitzroy River.
No indirect impacts: species unlikely to occur in the region.
Discuss any
mitigation measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact
and its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Australian Painted Snipe.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED Migratory species:
Source: East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, Information Brochure, May 2013
DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Cattle Egret Ardea ibis (Migratory)
Abundance (at site,
in the region and
overall)
Not recorded at the proposed mine and processing site.
The Australian population of the Cattle Egret is thought to be approximately 100 000 birds.
Distribution
Occurs in North and South America, Africa, south-west Europe, and Asia. The Cattle Egret is a
relatively recent colonist of Australia from Asia.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
The Cattle Egret occurs in tropical and temperate grasslands, wooded lands and terrestrial wetlands.
It has occasionally been seen in arid and semi-arid regions however this is extremely rare. High
numbers have been observed in moist, low-lying poorly drained pastures with an abundance of high
grass; it avoids low grass pastures. It has been recorded on earthen dam walls and ploughed fields.
It is commonly associated with the habitats of farm animals, particularly cattle, but also pigs, sheep,
horses and deer. It uses predominately shallow, open and fresh wetlands including meadows and
swamps with low emergent vegetation and abundant aquatic flora.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all potential
habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above (note: breeding recorded across northern Australia – Wyndham to Arnhem land - and
along the east coast – Newcastle to Bundaberg).
Map of regional
migration pathways
No map available but migrates within Australia and to New Zealand.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat at proposed Duchess Paradise minesite and not recorded during surveys.
Details of known
threats to the
species
Within Australia threats include:
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:



Persecution of large colonies in urban areas.
Loss of breeding habitats through wetland degradation and destruction.
Predation by feral cats.
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Cattle Egret Ardea ibis (Migratory)
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour)
of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Cattle Egret.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Cattle Egret.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Migratory)
Abundance (at site,
in the region and
overall)
Not recorded at the proposed mine and processing site.
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway population of the Common Greenshank is thought to be
approximately 60 000, of which 18 000–19 000 spend the non-breeding season in Australia.
Distribution
The Common Greenshank is found in Europe, Africa, Asia, Melanesia and Australasia. The species
breeds in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
The Common Greenshank is found in a wide variety of inland wetlands and sheltered coastal habitats
of varying salinity.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all potential
habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above (note: does not breed in Australia).
Map of regional
migration pathways
See introductory section.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat at proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Known to occur along several hundred kilometres of coastline south of Broome.
Details of known
threats to the
species
Within Australia threats include:
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 Loss/modification of habitat, primarily from residential, farming, industrial and aquaculture/fishing
activities.
 Silt, pollution, weeds or pest invasion.
 Disturbance from human recreational activity.
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour)
of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Migratory)
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Common
Greenshank.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Common Greenshank.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not known from the proposed minesite for the Duchess Paradise Project.
Known from Roebuck Bay near Broome.
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway population is estimated to be between 25,000–100,000 in east
and south-east Asia, New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. The global population is in the order of
2,455,000–4,030,000 individuals.
Distribution
Coastal Australia (see map below). The population that migrates to Australia breeds in the Russian far
east.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The species utilises a wide range of coastal wetlands and some inland wetlands, with varying levels of
salinity, and is mostly found around muddy margins or rocky shores and rarely on mudflats.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above. The species does not breed in Australia.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
See introductory section.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat at proposed minesite. Not known from King Sound but potentially could use some
shorelines environments.
Details of known
threats to the
species
Within Australia threats include:
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 Loss/modification of habitat, primarily from residential, farming, industrial and aquaculture/fishing
activities.
 Pollution.
 Water regulation (e.g. dams).
 Disturbance from human recreational activity.
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Migratory)
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Common Sandpiper.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Common Sandpiper.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
No Australian or global population data.
Distribution
Was recorded overflying the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Recorded all around Australia with scattered records along the coast from south-west Pilbara to the
north and east Kimberley region.
The Fork-tailed Swift leaves its breeding grounds in Siberia from August–September, arriving in
Australia around October. In Western Australia they are common in Broome, with maximum numbers
occurring in February. In north-west Western Australia, most birds have departed by the end of April.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The Fork-tailed Swift is almost exclusively aerial, flying from less than 1 m to at least 300 m above
ground and probably much higher. In Australia, they mostly occur over inland plains but sometimes
above foothills or in coastal areas. They often occur over cliffs and beaches and also over islands and
sometimes well out to sea. They also occur over settled areas, including towns, urban areas and
cities. They mostly occur over dry or open habitats, including riparian woodland and tea-tree swamps,
low scrub, heathland or saltmarsh. They are also found at treeless grassland and sandplains covered
with spinifex, open farmland and inland and coastal sand-dunes.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above – a wide-ranging species.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
No map available but distribution notes above.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
This species has wide-ranging habitat preferences. Difficult to quantify habitat in a meaningful way.
Details of known
threats to the
species
Potential threats include habitat destruction and predation by feral animals.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus (Migratory)
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Fork-tailed Swift.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Fork-tailed Swift.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not known from proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
No estimate for the Australian population.
The global population is estimated to be between 1,200,000 and 3,200,000.
Distribution
Known to occur at the Camballin Floodplain.
Within Australia, the Glossy Ibis is generally located east of the Kimberley in Western Australia and
Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
Outside of Australia, the Glossy Ibis occurs in eastern North America, from the Caribbean region to
Europe, Russia and Siberia, through central Asia, south of the Sahara in Africa, Pakistan, India,
Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The Glossy Ibis' preferred habitat for foraging and breeding are fresh water marshes at the edges of
lakes and rivers, lagoons, flood-plains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice-fields
and cultivated areas under irrigation. The species is occasionally found in coastal locations such as
estuaries, deltas, saltmarshes and coastal lagoons.
Within Australia, the species moves in response to good rainfalls, expanding its range, however the
core breeding areas used are within the Murray-Darling Basin region of NSW and Victoria, the
Macquarie Marshes in New South Wales, and in southern Queensland. The Glossy Ibis often moves
north in autumn, then return south to the main breeding areas in spring and summer.
Map of all known
occurrences
No map available.
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
No map available.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
No map available.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat within the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Details of known
threats to the
species
The main threat is wetland destruction or degradation.
Clearing, grazing, burning, increased salinity, groundwater extraction and invasion by exotic plants
and fish species are also threats to the species through habitat modification.
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Glossy Ibis.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
Protection of downstream water quality.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Migratory)
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Glossy Ibis.
DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Great Egret Ardea modesta (Migratory)
Abundance (at site, in
the region and overall)
Not known from proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
An estimated 25,000 to 100,000 individuals are believed to occur in Australia and 60,000 to
300,000 individuals globally.
Distribution
Recorded at the Camballin Barrage about 5 km south of the proposed Duchess Paradise
minesite.
Known at Camballin Floodplain.
Widespread in Australia. They occur in all states/territories of mainland Australia and in
Tasmania. The largest and greatest concentrations of breeding colonies are located in nearcoastal regions of the Top End of the Northern Territory.
Ecology and habitat
preferences
The Great Egret has been reported in a wide range of wetland habitats (for example inland and
coastal, freshwater and saline, permanent and ephemeral, open and vegetated, large and small,
natural and artificial). These include swamps and marshes; margins of rivers and lakes; damp or
flooded grasslands, pastures or agricultural lands; reservoirs; sewage treatment ponds; drainage
channels; salt pans and salt lakes; salt marshes; estuarine mudflats, tidal streams; mangrove
swamps; coastal lagoons; and offshore reefs. The species usually frequents shallow waters.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all potential
habitat (differentiating
where relevant on the
basis of use)
No map available.
Map of regional
migration pathways
No map available.
Quantification of
suitable habitat onsite
and within the region
No suitable habitat within the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Australian populations are estimated to occur across a total area of 408,400 km².
Details of known
threats to the species
In Australia, the Eastern Great Egret is threatened by loss and/or degradation of foraging and
especially breeding habitat through alteration of water flows (for example harvesting of water for
irrigation purposes that prevents or limits inundation of wetlands), drainage and/or clearing of
wetlands for development, frequent burning of wetland vegetation used as nest sites, salinisation
and invasion by exotic plants.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Great Egret Ardea modesta (Migratory)
Assessment against
significant impact
guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species
becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory
species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting
behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a
migratory species.
No
Quantify and discuss
direct and indirect
impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Great Egret.
Discuss any mitigation
measures
Protection of downstream water quality.
Overall conclusion on
the level of impact and
its acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Great Egret.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not recorded at proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
The Marsh Sandpiper has an estimated East Asian-Australasian Flyway population of 100,000–
1,000,000. The global population is estimated at 186,000–1,242,000.
Distribution
Known at Camballin Floodplain.
The Marsh Sandpiper is a migratory species that breeds in east Europe, southern Siberia and northern
China. The species migrates south for the boreal winter to non-breeding areas from Africa, across
southern Asia to Australia. Birds arrive in Australia from September and apparently move south across
the continent from September–December. In Australia the Marsh Sandpiper begins to migrate north in
March–April.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The Marsh Sandpiper lives in permanent or ephemeral wetlands of varying salinity, including swamps,
lagoons, billabongs, saltpans, saltmarshes, estuaries, pools on inundated floodplains, and intertidal
mudflats and also regularly at sewage farms and saltworks. They are recorded less often at reservoirs,
waterholes, soaks, bore-drain swamps and flooded inland lakes. In north Australia they prefer intertidal
mudflats.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
No map available.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
See introductory section and distribution notes above.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat within proposed Duchess paradise minesite.
Regional habitat would include the Camballin Floodplain (30,000 ha).
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Migratory)
Details of known
threats to the
species
Threats include:
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 Habitat loss - direct losses through land clearing, inundation, infilling or draining. Indirect loss may
occur due to changes in water quality, hydrology or structural changes near roosting sites.
 Habitat degradation including loss of marine or estuarine vegetation, which is likely to alter the
dynamic equilibrium of sediment banks and mudflats.
 Disturbance can result from residential and recreational activities including; fishing, power boating,
four wheel driving, walking dogs, noise and night lighting.
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Marsh Sandpiper.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
Protection of downstream water quality.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Marsh Sandpiper.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
A small number of birds (< 10) were recorded during surveys for the Duchess Paradise Project.
The current world population is approximately 70,000 birds.
Distribution
Recorded within proposed Duchess Paradise minesite where tank water occurred.
The Oriental Plover breeds at scattered sites mainly in northern and eastern Mongolia, and also in
adjacent regions of north-western Manchuria and south-eastern Siberia. In the East AsianAustralasian Flyway, the Oriental Plover is mainly recorded passing through China. It appears that the
entire global population spends the non-breeding season in northern Australia, in both coastal and
inland areas.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
Immediately after arriving in non-breeding grounds in northern Australia, Oriental Plovers spend a few
weeks in coastal habitats such as estuarine mudflats and sandbanks, on sandy or rocky ocean
beaches or nearby reefs, or in near-coastal grasslands, before dispersing further inland. Thereafter
they usually inhabit flat, open, semi-arid or arid grasslands, where the grass is short and sparse, and
interspersed with hard, bare ground, such as claypans, dry paddocks, playing fields, lawns and cattle
camps, or open areas that have been recently burnt.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
No map available but this species does not breed in Australia.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
See introductory section.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
Difficult to quantify but the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite may contain suitable habitat. Based
on the habitat preferences detailed above, suitable habitat is very common across northern Australia.
Details of known
threats to the
species
In Australia, the species occurs in sparsely-settled areas, and there are no immediate threats to its
survival.
With increasing tourist visitation around Broome, and subsequent development, increasing levels of
disturbance from human recreation are likely.
The species often forages on airfields at night, when large numbers may be struck by aircraft.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus (Migratory)
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Oriental Plover.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Oriental Plover.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not recorded at the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
The global population is estimated at 2.5 million birds. A high proportion of this population may occur
at important sites such as Eighty Mile Beach and Roebuck Plains.
Distribution
Not known from proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Known at Camballin Floodplain.
Generally within Australia the Oriental Pratincole is widespread in northern areas, especially along the
coasts of the Pilbara Region and the Kimberley Division in Western Australia, the Top End of the
Northern Territory, and parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is also widespread but scattered inland,
mostly north of 20° S. Key locations include Eighty Mile Beach and Roebuck Plains, south of Broome,
where very large numbers of birds have been recorded.
Oriental Pratincoles breed in southern, south-eastern and eastern Asia, from northern parts of the
Indian subcontinent, east through Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam to southern, eastern and
northern China, Mongolia and adjacent areas of south-eastern Siberia.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
In non-breeding grounds in Australia, the Oriental Pratincole usually inhabits open plains, floodplains
or short grassland (including farmland or airstrips), often with extensive bare areas. They often occur
near terrestrial wetlands, such as billabongs, lakes or creeks, and artificial wetlands such as
reservoirs, saltworks and sewage farms, especially around the margins. The species also occurs
along the coast, inhabiting beaches, mudflats and islands, or around coastal lagoons.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
No map available. Note that breeding does not occur in Australia.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
See introductory section.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No suitable habitat within the proposed minesite.
The area of occupancy of the Oriental Pratincole in Australia has been estimated at 10 000 km².
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (Migratory)
Details of known
threats to the
species
In Australia, the species occurs in sparsely-settled areas, and there are no immediate threats to its
survival. In northern Australia, Oriental Pratincoles often loaf on roads, where they may be struck by
vehicles and birds roosting or feeding on airstrips are often struck by aircraft, sometimes in large
numbers.
With increasing tourist visitation around Broome (where the largest numbers of Pratincoles have been
recorded in Australia) and subsequent development, increasing levels of disturbance from human
recreation are likely.
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Oriental Pratincole.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Oriental Pratincole.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
A small number on individuals has been recorded within the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Regional abundance is not known and there are no population estimates for the Australian population.
Distribution
Occurs across mainland Australia but not Tasmania. Also occurs in south-east Asia.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The Rainbow Bee-eater occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various
cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation. It usually occurs
in open, cleared or lightly-timbered areas that are often, but not always, located in close proximity to
permanent water. It also occurs in inland and coastal sand dune systems, and in mangroves in
northern Australia, and has been recorded in various other habitat types including heathland,
sedgeland, vine forest and vine thicket, and on beaches.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above and habitat preferences.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
No map available as the movement patterns of the Rainbow Bee-eater are complex, and are not fully
understood. Populations that breed in southern Australia are migratory. After breeding, they move
north and remain there for the duration of the Australian winter. However, populations that breed in
northern Australia are considered to be resident, and in many northern localities the Rainbow Beeeater is present throughout the year.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
Within the Duchess Paradise Project area, sand ridges could be used for breeding. However, this
species has very broad habitat preferences and it is not possible to quantify suitable habitat regionally.
Details of known
threats to the
species
The only actual, identified threat to the Rainbow Bee-eater is the introduced Cane Toad (Bufo
marinus). Cane Toads reduce the breeding success and productivity of the Rainbow Bee-eater by
feeding on eggs and especially nestlings, and usurping and occupying nesting burrows.
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus (Migratory)
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Rainbow Bee-eater.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Rainbow Bee-eater.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not known from the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
No data on regional population but the total population size of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle in Australia
is estimated at more than 500 pairs but is believed to be declining.
Distribution
Not recorded within the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite but recorded at the Fitzroy River 5 km to
the south.
Across Australia, it is distributed along the coastline (including offshore islands) of mainland Australia
and Tasmania. It also extends inland along some of the larger waterways.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is found in coastal habitats (especially those close to the sea-shore) and
around terrestrial wetlands in tropical and temperate regions of mainland Australia and its offshore
islands. The habitats occupied by the sea-eagle are characterised by the presence of large areas of
open water (larger rivers, swamps, lakes, the sea).
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
No map available. The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is described as a breeding resident throughout much
of its range in Australia. Breeding adult birds are generally sedentary although they forage over large
areas and are capable of undertaking long-distance movements. They can also move in response to
drought or a shortage of food.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No habitat within proposed Duchess Paradise minesite. The Fitzroy River is used by this species but
this may depend on water and prey availability.
Details of known
threats to the
species
The main threats to the White-bellied Sea-Eagle are the loss of habitat due to land development, and
the disturbance of nesting pairs by human activity.
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (Migratory)
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the White-bellied SeaEagle.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (Migratory)
Abundance (at
site, in the region
and overall)
Not recorded at the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
No abundance data for the region but an estimated 100,000–1,000,000 Wood Sandpipers occupy the
East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The global population is estimated at 3,055,000–4,320,000.
Distribution
Known at Camballin Floodplain.
In Australia, the Wood Sandpiper has its largest numbers recorded in north-west Australia.
The Wood Sandpiper breeds across Eurasia, mostly in Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and Russia.
Ecology and
habitat
preferences
The Wood Sandpiper uses well-vegetated, shallow, freshwater wetlands, such as swamps, billabongs,
lakes, pools and waterholes. They are typically associated with emergent, aquatic plants or grass, and
dominated by taller fringing vegetation, such as dense stands of rushes or reeds, shrubs, or dead or
live trees, especially Melaleuca and River Red Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis and often with fallen
timber. They also frequent inundated grasslands, short herbage or wooded floodplains, where
floodwaters are temporary or receding, and irrigated crops.
Map of all known
occurrences
Source: Species Profile and Threats Database
Note: this map does not appear to take account of known occurrence at the Camballin Floodplain.
Map of all
potential habitat
(differentiating
where relevant on
the basis of use)
See map above.
Map of regional
migration
pathways
See introductory section.
The species arrives in Australia from August and departs in April. Movements within Australia are
poorly known.
Quantification of
suitable habitat
onsite and within
the region
No habitat within the proposed Duchess Paradise minesite.
Quantification of habitat is difficult – mostly restricted to coastal areas and preferences are wideranging.
REY RESOURCES LIMITED DUCHESS PARADISE PROJECT PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (Migratory)
Details of known
threats to the
species
The main threats are:
Assessment
against significant
impact guidelines
Will the action:
 Habitat loss and degradation - loss or degradation of important habitat reduces the availability of
foraging and roosting sites. This affects the ability of the birds to build up the energy stores
required for successful migration and breeding. These losses include direct losses through land
clearing, inundation, infilling or draining. Indirect loss may occur due to changes in water quality,
hydrology or structural changes near roosting sites.
 Disturbance - can result from residential and recreational activities including; fishing, power
boating, four wheel driving, walking dogs, noise and night lighting.
 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering
nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of
important habitat for a migratory species
No
 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming
established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
No
 seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of
an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
No
Quantify and
discuss direct and
indirect impacts
The Duchess Paradise Project will not have any direct or indirect impacts on the Wood Sandpiper.
Discuss any
mitigation
measures
None proposed.
Overall conclusion
on the level of
impact and its
acceptability
The Duchess Paradise Project will not impact on the Wood Sandpiper.