Mt Porter. Standard Operating Procedure Flora and Fauna Identification. July 2016 Ark Mines Limited

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1 Mt Porter Standard Operating Procedure Flora and Fauna Identification July 2016 Ark Mines Limited

2 Species Identification SOP 2 Species Identification SOP 1. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed to assist all staff employed at the Mt Porter Operation in the identification of key fauna species and weed species (flora) which may be present within the mining lease area or receiving environment. The threatened fauna species included in this SOP have a high likelihood of occurrence within a 35km radius of the site as determined by the Protected Matters Search Tool and the flora and fauna surveys/reports completed to date. The primary purpose of this SOP is to clearly detail steps in the identification of species and associated reporting requirements or management actions following positive identification within the project area. The procedure/ guide will be implemented during operations to maintain compliance with commitments contained within the Mining Management Plan and general environmental duties of the site. Ark Mines will include details extracted from this SOP within the site induction and will ensure that the SOP is available for all staff to view during operations. Further details regarding the implementation of this SOP through site inductions and training is provided in the following sub sections of this report. 2. Induction Arrangements for Staff and Contractors Methods and Purpose of Inductions All Ark Mines staff and contractors employed at the Mt Porter site for the duration of the operations will be inducted to this SOP. The primary purpose will be to ensure that all personnel understand the importance of key species that may be present at the site. Staff will be required to acknowledge steps in the identification of each species and the reporting processes at Mt Porter during the General Site Induction. All personnel undertaking the General Site Induction will be provided with a copy of this SOP for their own reference for the duration of their employment at the Mt Porter site. Ark Mines Management will create posters for each of the key species in this SOP including: - Partridge Pigeon - Gouldian Finch - Fawn Antechinus

3 Species Identification SOP 3 - Northern Quoll - Grey Falcon - Gamba Grass - Bellyache Bush - Mimosa Shrub The posters will include reproduced photography from this SOP, and the species identification text from this SOP. These posters will be displayed in locations with high levels of staff traffic, such as crib rooms, offices and bathrooms. A small booklet of laminated photographs and species identification pointers for the fauna species identified in this guide will be created and stored in the glove box of each vehicle operating on site for ease of reference in the field. Induction Materials Applicable to the Implementation of this SOP The inductions materials applicable to the implementation of this SOP will include: - The Mt Porter General Site Induction (Ark Mines), which will include a section on the species in this SOP, during which the identification and reporting process will be explained, and a copy of this SOP given to each member of staff being inducted. - Species identification posters to be displayed in high traffic areas. - This SOP, to be provided to each employee and contractor. - A laminated glovebox reference guide to fauna species including photographs from this SOP and the species identification pointers under each photograph. 3. Training Arrangements for Staff and Contractors Methods and Frequency of Training Training in the identification of the species listed in this SOP and the reporting obligations and procedures will be delivered to staff and contractors at the Mt Porter Site through the General Staff Induction and follow ups will be delivered in routine toolbox meetings/ talks. Toolbox talks will be prompted by positive sightings of any of the species identified in the SOP, or will be undertaken on a quarterly basis and will incorporate the following: - A review of at least one key species from this SOP, - Reporting scenarios for identification. Effectiveness Review To test the effectiveness of the species identification training, management at Mt Porter will undertake routine reviews incorporating the following: - Staff quizzes through toolbox talks, which require the identification of species through PowerPoint images. - Review of incident records to ensure no harm has occurred to key species.

4 Species Identification SOP 4 - Review of reporting records following the positive identification of key species. Should this effectiveness review indicate staff cannot identify key species, further training delivered through intensive toolbox sessions will be provided. 4. What To Do If You Identify a Threatened Species If you see a threatened fauna species in the Mt Porter project area, you must report the sighting to the site Environmental Officer. You should provide the following details: - Number of individuals seen - Date and time of the sighting - Location where the sighting occurred (with GPS coordinates if possible). The site Environment Officer can then initiate appropriate management strategies to ensure impacts to this this species are avoided. Penalties and enforcement actions can be applied for harm to listed species and contraventions of environmental approval conditions. 5. Identification of Key Threatened Fauna Species Partridge Pigeon The Partridge Pigeon is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the TPWC act. There are multiple records of this species in the local area and the Mt Porter Project area is within its known range. The species is likely to occur within the project area, as suitable habitat is present in some areas. Based on this, all staff employed at Mt Porter are required to be able to identify the Partridge Pigeon. The following sub section is provided to detail tips for successful/ accurate identification. Identifying the Partridge Pigeon Partridge Pigeons are brown birds that are approximately 25cm high. They have a distinctive head pattern, characterised by prominent red facial skin outlined in white (Figure 1). In the Northern Territory, the Partridge Pigeon is usually seen in pairs or small flocks, but it has been recorded in large flocks late in the dry season.

5 Species Identification SOP 5 Figure 1: Photograph of Partridge Pigeon showing diagnostic red facial skin (Photo: M Armstrong, taken from Threatened Species Information Sheet: Partridge Pigeon [NTPWC 2006])

6 Species Identification SOP 6 Gouldian Finch The Gouldian Finch is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and vulnerable under the TPWC Act. Although not previously sighted within the project area, there are multiple sightings of this species in the broader local area in ecological surveys. Preferred habitat is Eucalypt woodland with an understory of Sorghum and grasses. Based on this the species has the potential to occur at Mt Porter due to the presence of suitable habitat. Identifying the Gouldian Finch The Gouldian Finch is a distinct small bird, the following points can assist in identification: - Mature adults have a purple chest, yellow breast and green back, with an intensely vivid pale blue upper collar (see Figure 2). - Three colour morphs exist in the wild: black face, red face and yellow face. - Females are similarly patterned to males, but are duller and paler overall. - Juveniles are less distinct, with completely olive-brown-grey plumage, and can be easily confused with juveniles of other finch species. The juvenile plumage of the Gouldian Finch can be distinguished from the juvenile plumages of the other species by its olivegreen tinge. The Gouldian Finch may be seen singly, in twos and in small or large flocks. It often occurs in mixed flocks with other finch species, so flocks of finches should be observed carefully to determine if Gouldian Finches are present. Gouldian Finches may congregate around waterholes when coming to drink. Figure 2: Photograph of Gouldian Finch, showing distinct colour pattern as well as dull plumage of juvenile birds (photo by NT Parks and Wildlife/Milton Lewis, taken from National Recovery Plan for the Gouldian Finch 2006)

7 Species Identification SOP 7 Fawn Antechinus The Fawn Antechinus is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and endangered under the TPWC Act. This species was recorded within the project area during early ecological baseline surveys conducted in This species is found in savannah woodland and tall open forest of the Top End of the Northern Territory. This species is generally active at dusk and dawn and shelters in tree hollows and fallen logs. Identifying the Fawn Antechinus The Fawn Antechinus is a small (30-60 g) dasyurid (a mouse sized marsupial) that is pale to medium grey-brown above, sometimes with a brownish tinge, cream or light grey below (Figure 3). The chin and feet are white and there is a pale eye-ring. The tail is uniformly brown, slightly darker above and is shorter than the head-body length. Figure 3: Photograph of a Fawn Antechinus (Photo: K Brennan, taken from Threatened Species Information Sheet: Fawn Antechinus [Published by NT Department of Land and Resource Management 2012])

Species Identification SOP 8 Northern Quoll The Northern Quoll is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and critically endangered under the TPWC Act.

8 Species Identification SOP 8 Northern Quoll The Northern Quoll is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and critically endangered under the TPWC Act. This species has not been recorded within the project area during any of the studies conducted to date. However, this species is known to occur in the broader region and there are areas of potentially suitable habitat within the project area. Identifying the Northern Quoll The Northern Quoll is a distinctive carnivorous marsupial. It is the size of a small cat, with prominent white spots on a generally dark body, with a long sparsely furred tail (Figure 4). Figure 4: Photograph of a Northern Quoll (Photo: M Armstrong, taken from Threatened Species Information Sheet: Northern Quoll [Published by NT Department of Land and Resource Management 2012])

9 Species Identification SOP 9 Grey Falcon The Grey Falcon is not listed under the EPBC Act, but is listed as vulnerable under the TPWC Act. This species has not been recorded within the project area during any of the studies conducted to date. However, this species is known to occur in the broader region and it therefore may occur within the project area or fly over the area from time to time. Identifying the Grey Falcon The Grey Falcon is a medium-sized pale-coloured falcon. The head and upperparts are a light blue-grey, with darker grey flecking on the wings and barring on the tail. The wing-tips are black and the underparts are white with fine dark streaks. The bill is grey with a dark tip and the eyering and legs are bright yellow (Figure 5). Figure 5: Photograph of a Grey Falcon (Photo: P McDonald, taken from Threatened Species Information Sheet: Grey Falcon [Published by NT Department of Land and Resource Management 2012])

Species Identification SOP 10 6. Identification of Weed Species Establishment of weed species within the Mt Porter project site has potential to impact native flora and fauna.

Some significant environmental weed species have potential to occur within the project area, but have not been recorded in surveys conducted to date.

10 Species Identification SOP Identification of Weed Species Establishment of weed species within the Mt Porter project site has potential to impact native flora and fauna. Some weed species are known to be established within the project area, and these will be monitored and managed accordingly. Some significant environmental weed species have potential to occur within the project area, but have not been recorded in surveys conducted to date. Observations from site personnel and contractors could enable early detection of these significant weed species and improve eradication success. The following species are listed as Weeds of National Significance (WONS): - Gamba Grass - Bellyache Bush - Mimosa pigra shrub These weeds have the potential to occur within the project area. Tips on identifying each of these weed species is provided in the following sub-sections. If you see any of these weeds species you must notify the site Environment Officer of their location. Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) Gamba Grass is an African grass species that is drought and fire tolerant and found in north Australian savannas. It grows rapidly to form tussocks that are bigger, taller and denser than native grasses. It can create high fuel loads, which cause late and intense fires dramatically altering the structure of native plant communities. Identifying Features Diagnostic feature of Gamba Grass are: - Flowers and seeds occur in a V shape (Figure 6) - Leaves have a distinctive white mid-rib (Figure 6) Figure 6: Seed head and leaf of Gamba Grass showing diagnostic features described

Species Identification SOP 11 Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) Bellyache Bush is an invasive shrub native to tropical America that can out-compete native vegetation and reduce pasture growth.

Identifying Bellyache Bush Diagnostic features of this species include: - Mature leaves are lobed and vary from bright green to purplish red (Figure 7) - Stems, leaf stalks and leaf margins covered

11 Species Identification SOP 11 Bellyache Bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) Bellyache Bush is an invasive shrub native to tropical America that can out-compete native vegetation and reduce pasture growth. Its fruit is poisonous to animals, and bellyache bush has caused many stock deaths. Identifying Bellyache Bush Diagnostic features of this species include: - Mature leaves are lobed and vary from bright green to purplish red (Figure 7) - Stems, leaf stalks and leaf margins covered with coarse, sticky, gland tipped, brown hairs - Thick stems which exude a sticky sap when damaged - Small red flowers with yellow centres in small clusters in upper part of the plant (Figure 7) - Smooth, green, oval fruit about the size of a cherry (Figure 7) - Seed pods with three to four seeds Figure 7: Leaf shape, flowers and fruit of Bellyache Bush

12 Species Identification SOP 12 Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) Native to tropical America, the Mimosa shrub spreads aggressively in moist environments and establishes dense thickets that smother other vegetation. Identifying Mimosa shrub Diagnostic feature of this species include: - Bright green fern-like leaves - Round pink fluffy flowers - Rose-like thorns Figure 8: Diagnostic features of Mimosa

SOUTH-EASTERN LONG-EARED BAT, Nyctophilus corbeni. SQUIRREL GLIDER, Petaurus norfolcensis

SOUTH-EASTERN LONG-EARED BAT, Nyctophilus corbeni South-eastern long eared bats occur in a range of inland woodlands. Their distribution is quite large, but the animals themselves are rare and thus little