Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Platypus Investigation
November 2015
ECOSMART ECOLOGY
48 Streeton Parade
Everton Park QLD 4053 Australia
INTENDED USE: EcoSmart Ecology has prepared this report at the request of
Energex. Information and recommendations contain herein are purpose and
project specific and EcoSmart Ecology accepts no liability for the use or
interpretation of any information contained in this report for any other
purposes other than intended.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIGURES
Figure 3.1. Property access along the proposed powerline easement ....................................................................... 6
Figure 3.2. Sections of Eudlo Creek subject sit-and-wait watches and camera trap locations ................................... 7
Figure 4.1. Platypus sightings and comparative creek suitability ............................................................................. 10
TABLES
Table 1.1. Study team and qualifications................................................................................................................... 1
Table 3.1. Databases sources .................................................................................................................................... 4
Table 3.2. Eudlo Creek Platypus habitat assessment ................................................................................................. 8
Table 4.1. Location of Platypus observation .............................................................................................................. 9
This report provides a brief dossier of the Platypus and its ecology, as well as providing information on
the field survey team, survey methodology and survey results.
The primary focus of the study has been to characterise the local population of Platypus, other
vertebrates were noted during the work, but were not targeted and are not considered in this report.
Vertebrates observed during the surveys are documented in Appendix A.
Study Team and Qualifications
Consistent with Eyre et al. (2014), Table 1.1 below outlines the study team, their qualifications and
respective tasks.
Although a relatively solitary species, multiple individuals can reside within small water bodies such as
dams. Adults can travel at least three kilometres in a single activity period in search of resources
(Serena et al. 2001). While most activity occurs in low light conditions, particularly around dusk and
dawn, sometimes individuals can be observed foraging throughout the day (Carrick et al 2008).
Activity patterns vary depending on day length, locality, water and air temperatures, stream
productivity and disturbance (Kolomyjec Pers. Comm).
Platypus construct burrows in steep banks of creeks and rivers, preferring areas with a well-established
riparian zone. Burrow entrances are positioned just above the water line and are usually concealed
behind vegetation or debris. Breeding females construct a more elaborate burrow that can be up to 30
m long, include earth plugs at intervals, and terminating in a chamber containing a nest of herbage
collected from the stream environment and riparian habitats (Carrick et al 2008).
Latitudinal gradients are highly influential on Platypus morphology. Individuals are much larger in the
southern portion of their range (Tasmania) and decrease in size the further north (Queensland) they
occur. The breeding season starts earlier in northern latitudes (late July-August) and can be over a
month later in Tasmania (Carrick et al 2008). Two offspring are usually laid in eggs, hatching after 10
days, young feed by licking milk patches from the abdominal surface of their mother for up to four
months (Carrick et al 2008).
Threats: Platypus rely on healthy productive freshwater systems, with overhanging banks and ample
freshwater invertebrates, making them highly susceptible to changes in water quality. Alterations to
stream flow, decreases in water quality and ecosystem health can quickly reduce the suitability of
streams for Platypus (Woinarski et al 2012). Impacts upstream can cause significant threats to habitat
suitability away from the area of impact.
Threats to Platypus are diverse and include construction works, (e.g. dams, weirs and culverts),
forestry, mining and industrial activities (land clearing, soil erosion), farming practices (herbicides and
pesticides, land clearing, soil erosion, introduced herbivores), pollution (discharge of stormwater and
drainage systems), mortality associated with fishing (rope, barbed and non-barbed wire, fishing line,
fishing hooks, fishing nets), introduced pests (i.e. foxes and domestic dogs), disease (murcorycosis,
Tasmania only) and road mortality (Woinarski et al. 2012).
In addition to providing evidence of Platypus occurrence, compiling the databases provides an estimate
of recorded frequency for Platypus in the local area. This may later assist in evaluating the likelihood
of Platypus occurring within the Project site.
Once compiled the desktop database was plotted using ArcGIS (where coordinates were available) in
order to spatially represent known Platypus locations.
with those landholders initially not available; a process which was repeated on two further occasions
after which, if unsuccessful, no further attempt was made. No property was accessed without explicit
landholder permission. Access permission was again reaffirmed with most landholders the day prior to
survey and many landholders met to discuss Platypus and provide a guided walk around their property.
After assessment of the properties, sites were selected for further watching and assessment as
outlined in Section 3.3.1.
4 RP127114
6 RP234117
2 RP100852
5 SP169832 RP70991
2
4 SP105547
2 RP219843
2 RP211637
18 RP845421
7 RP163058 7 RP27914
1 RP159787
3 RP52570
1 RP213261
20 RP230944
8 RP149454
Legend
No Access
Access
3 RP154277
Proposed Easement
0 0.5 1 2 3
Client: Energex Project: Eudlo Creek Platypus Investigation Kilometers
± Eu
dl
o
F la
ts
R
d
Rd
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Bru c
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yd
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oo
ar
Hig h
M
w ay
Nambour Con
nection Rd
#
#
##
# #
# Cha vellu
m Rd
Legend
# Camera trap
Creekline
Sit-and-wait observations
Remote sensor cameras (Reconyx HC600 and Bushnell Trophy Cams) were experimentally used in this
survey. The use of remote cameras for Platypus detection is not common and although detection
rates were likely to be very low (Herrin 2009), this method was used in an attempt to improve
Platypus detection.
Camera traps were deployed for three nights at seven locations, and two nights at two locations. This
resulted in nine sites being camera trapped; a total camera trap effort of twenty-five trap nights.
Cameras were focused on sections of stream that appeared highly suitable for Platypus.
4.1 Platypus
Platypus were located at four locations along Eudlo Creek (Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1). While one
individual was observed on two separate occasions, once during the day, all observed Platypus was
detected during either the morning or evening sit-and-wait observations. None were recorded on the
IR cameras. Despite there being average to good habitats upstream (~2.5km) of Bruce Highway, all
observations were recorded downstream except one, located approximately 100-150m upstream from
the highway. With the exception of one record downstream of Maroochydore Road, all our records
coincided with previous documented observations. A description of all Platypus observations and
locations is provided in Sections 4.1.1 to 4.1.4 below.
The creek at this location includes a deep, long and comparatively wide body of water and it is possible
that individuals spend the majority of their foraging time constrained to this area. Based on the size of
this waterbody, we expect water to be permanent. It represents the most upstream confirmed
Platypus record during our surveys.
The section of creek line where the Platypus was observed includes a series of sharp ‘switchbacks’
where the scouring process of water has created deeper pools. These pools are separated by short
stretches of shallow (<~0.4m) riffles. Individuals are likely to move between these pools (as
observed) frequently while foraging. Based on landholder discussion most of these deeper pools are
likely to be permanent.
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3
!
1
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Cha vellu
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Legend
Good
Average
Poor
Unknown
Saline
Numbers correspond to locations provided in Table 4.1
0 0.5 1 2 3
Client: Energex Project: Eudlo Creek Platypus Investigation Kilometers
SunCoast Power Project
Platypus Investigation
Energex
To our knowledge Platypus have not been directly recorded in this section of Eudlo Creek, though
habitat here is perhaps amongst the best encountered with many close or interconnected deep pools,
undercut banks, abundant fallen trees, and clear flowing water. The Riparian vegetation in this area
was also in very good condition. We would expect that more Platypus would be located along this
section of creek with further survey effort.
A notable increase in the frequency of deep pools and therefore habitat value, occurs around the
Chavellum Road Crossing. This change is marked by a large deeper section of stream on the west
branch of Eudlo Creek which extends upstream from the Chevallum Road for a short distance (starting
near Lot 1, RP213261), but some considerable distance downstream (>100m). Some landholders
have indicated that Platypus were historically known from this pool (c.a. early 1990’s), but are unware
of recent observations. We also failed to locate any Platypus in this pool.
Our surveys located only one Platypus in the section of Eudlo creek between the Bruce Highway and
Chavellum Road - in a large pool to the immediate west of the Bruce Highway (near Lot 18,
RP845421). However sections of both average and good habitat occur along this section of the
catchment. Landholders from Lot 2 RP219843 report recent Platypus sightings a further ~500m
upstream of our observations. If necessary for planning or conservation purposes, further work would
be required between the Chavellum Road crossing and the Bruce Highway to confirm and characterise
the extent of Platypus in this section of the catchment as one-off surveys can overlook shy taxa (Eyre
et al 2014).
Long sections of Platypus habitat extend downstream of the Bruce Highway to Eudlo Flats Road,
particularly downstream of Maroochydore Road. We would expect Platypus to be present throughout
this section of the catchment.
The value of habitats further downstream of Eudlo Flats road is unclear as we did not seek property
access due to its deviation from Energex’s area of interest. Aerial photography and on-ground
inspection off Eudlo Flats road suggest the creek alignment may have been altered. This may not
necessarily exclude Platypus if deep pools suitable for foraging are present, however at some point
Platypus will no long occur due to saline intrusion.
• Upstream of Chavellum crossing where Platypus values are, on balance, low and there is little
confirmed or anecdotal evidence of Platypus records. It seems unlikely that Platypus will be
resident through this section of the catchment.
• Between Chavellum Road and Lot 18 RP 845421 (~300m upstream of the Bruce Highway). We
failed to locate Platypus along this section of stream, and none were noted in previous studies
(e.g., Energex 2008). However recent landholder observations suggest some individuals may be
present. While there are deep pools, these are separated by shallow water and it remains unclear
if there is sufficient habitat during drought to support the species. Anecdotal evidence suggests
Platypus were once present along the upper reaches of this section, but may have declined in
recent decades. If understanding of the species distribution is required, this section of stream
should be the main area of focus.
• Downstream of Lot 18 RP 845421 where there are numerous confirmed and well documented
Platypus sightings. Historic records of Platypus and the likelihood that permanent water is
present even during drought suggest this section of the catchment supports a permanent Platypus
population.
6.0 REFERENCES
Eyre, T.J., Ferguson, D.J., Hourigan, C.L., Smith, G.C., Mathieson, M.T., Kelly, A.L., Venz,
M.F., Hogan, L.D., Rowland, J. (2014). Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Monitoring Assessment
Guidelines for Queensland. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the
Arts, Queensland Government, Brisbane.
Energex (2008). Report on SunCoast Power Project: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). April
2008.
GHD (2010). Report for SunCoast Power Flora and Fauna Assessment of Lots 7 RP27914 and 2
RP219843. Report for Energex.
Herrin, R.O. (2009) Distribution and individual characteristics of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus
anatinus) in the Plenty River, Southeast Tasmania. Msc Thesis. Lund University.
Menkhorst, P.W., Knight, F. (2007). A field guide to the mammals of Australia. Oxford University
Press, Melbourne.
Scheich, H., Langner, G., Tidemann, C., Coles, R.B., Guppy, A. (1986). Electroreception and
electrolocation in Platypus. Nature. Vol 319. Pp 401-402
Serena, M., Worley, M., Swinnerton, M., Williams, G.A. (2001). Effect of food availability and
habitat on the distribution of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) foraging activity, Australian
Journal of Zoology, 2001, 49, 263–277.
Carrick, F. N., Grant, T. R., and Temple-Smith, P. D. (2008). Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
In Van Dyck, S., and Strahan, R. The Mammals of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney.
AMPHIBIANS N=5
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
HYLIDAE
Litoria peronii Emerald Spotted Treefrog LC
Litoria fallax Eastern Sedgefrog LC
Litoria gracilenta Graceful Treefrog LC
LIMNODYNASTES
Adelotus brevis Tusked Frog VUL
BUFONIDAE
Rhinella marina Cane Toad I
*Species listings under EPBC Act and NC Act, LC = Least Concern, VUL = Vulnerable, I = Introduced
REPTILES N=5
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
CHELIDAE
Emydura macquarii krefftii Krefft's River Turtle LC
AGAMIDAE
Intellagama lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon LC
VARANIDAE
Varanus varius Lace Monitor LC
COLUBRIDAE
Tropidonophis mairii Freshwater Snake LC
Dendrelaphis punctulatus Green Tree Snake LC
*Species listings under EPBC Act and NC Act, LC = Least Concern
BIRDS N = 72
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
MEGAPODIIDAE
Alectura lathami Australian Brush-turkey LC
ANATIDAE
Anas platyrhynchos Northern Mallard I
Cygnus atratus Black Swan LC
COLUMBRIDAE
Macropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove LC
Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon LC
Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove LC
Chalcophaps indica Emerald Dove LC
Columba leucomela White-Headed Pigeon LC
Geopelia humeralis Bar-Shouldered Dove LC
PELICANIDAE
Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican LC
ANHINGIDAE
Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter LC
PHALACROCORACIDAE
Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant LC
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant LC
Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant LC
ARDEIDAE
Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret LC Mig
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret LC
THRESKIORNITHIDAE
Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis LC
ACCIPITRIDAE
Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite LC
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-Bellied Sea-Eagle LC
Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk LC
CHARADRIIDAE
Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen LC
Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen LC
Fulica atra Eurasian Coot LC
CHARADRIIDAE
Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing LC
CACATUIDAE
Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-Tailed Black-Cockatoo LC
Eolophus roseicapillus Galah LC
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
PSITTACIDAE
Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus Rainbow Lorikeet LC
CUCULIDAE
Eudynamys orientalis Eastern Koel LC
Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo LC
Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-Tailed Cuckoo LC
ALCEDINIDAE
Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher LC
HALCYONIDAE
Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher LC
Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher LC
Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra LC
MEROPIDAE
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater LC Mig
CLIMACTERIDAE
Cormobates leucophaea White-Throated Treecreeper LC
PTILONORHYNCIDAE
Ailuroedus crassirostris Green Catbird LC
MALURIDAE
Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy-wren LC
ACANTHIZIDAE
Sericornis frontalis White-Browed Scrubwren LC
Gerygone albogularis White-Throated Gerygone LC
Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone LC
Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill LC
PARDALOTIDAE
Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote LC
MELIPHAGIDAE
Myzomela sanguinolenta Scarlet Honeyeater LC
Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird LC
Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird LC
Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner LC
Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater LC
NEOSITTIDAE
Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella LC
POMATOSTOMIDAE
Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler LC
PSOPHODIDAE
Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird LC
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Coracina novaehollandiae Black-Faced Cuckoo-Shrike LC
Coracina papuensis White-Bellied Cuckoo-Shrike LC
Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird LC
PACHYCEPHALIDAE
Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler LC
Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-Thrush LC
Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler LC
ARTAMIDAE
Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird LC
Strepera graculina Pied Currawong LC
RHIPIDURIDAE
Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail LC
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail LC
Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail LC
CORVIDAE
Corvus orru Torresian Crow LC
MONARCHIDAE
Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-Lark LC
Monarcha melanopsis Black-Faced Monarch LC
Symposiarchus trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch LC
Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher LC
DICRURIDAE
Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo LC
DICRURIDAE
Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo LC
TIMALIIDAE
Zosterops lateralis Silvereye LC
NECTARINIIDAE
Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird LC
HIRUNDINIDAE
Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow LC
TURDIDAE
Zoothera heinei Russet-Tailed Thrush LC
ESTRILDIDAE
Neochmia temporalis Red-Browed Finch LC
Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin LC
*Species listings under EPBC Act and NC Act, LC = Least Concern, Mig = Migratory, I = Introduced
MAMMALS N=5
FAMILY Status*
Scientific Name Common Name NCA EPBC
ORNITHORHYNCHIDAE
Ornithorhynchus anatinus Platypus SLC
DASYURIDAE
Antechinus sp Antechinus sp. LC
MACROPODIDAE
Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo LC
MURIDAE
Hydromys chrysogaster Water Rat LC
Melomys cervinipes Fawn-Footed Melomys LC
*Species listings under EPBC Act and NC Act, LC = Least Concern, SLC = Special Least Concern