Northern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans minor*).
CURRENT STATUS: VULNERABLE
(Nature Conservation Act 1992).
'As the Project area is located in proximity to the northern extent of the species' range, it is considered that any population of greater glider within the Project is part of an important population. This project contains a mixture of potential and critical habitat for this species.'
'The project will involve the removal of 563.27ha (1391.87 acres), of potential habitat and 56.59ha (139.84 acres) of critical habitat for the greater glider.'
'..the removal of approximately 56.59ha (139.84 acres) of critical habitat is considered likely to constitute a significant impact to the species.'
'Despite the sensitive design measures and the avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures proposed, the project is assessed as having a potential significant residual impact on the northern greater glider.' (^1)
^1 Source: Chalumbin Wind Farm EPBC Act referral.
*Although cited as a sub species in the EPBC application, research published 6th November 2020 establishes the northern Greater Glider is a distinct species.
Source: https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/66099/1/McGregor_etal_2020.pdf
https://www.myscience.org/news/2020/discovery_triples_greater_glider_species_in_australia-2020-anu
NORTHERN GREATER GLIDER
Photo credit: Yu Ota
AAK Nature Watch
Red Goshawk (Erthrotriorchis radiatus)
CURRENT STATUS: ENDANGERED
(Nature Conservation Act 1992).
In a 2009 report on the Red Goshawk , the Qld population of this species was estimated at just 135-140 pairs. (^1) [G. V. Czechura, R. G. Hobson and D. A. Stewart]
A Red Goshawk nest was found on 1 of the properties this development will impact.
'A nest considered highly likely to belong to the red goshawk was observed..' 'The nest was unoccupied (as would be expected in late January), but appeared to have been recently built (no older than the 2019-20 breeding season).'
'The Project may lead to the clearing of 165ha (407.72 acres) of habitat critical to the survival of the species, and 1024.86ha (2532.48), of potential habitat for the species.'
'Despite the sensitive design measures and the avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures proposed, the Project is conservatively assessed as having a potential significant residual impact on the red goshawk.' (^2)
^1 Source: Distribution, status and habitat of the Red Goshawk
Erythrotriorchis radiatus in Queensland G. V. Czechura1, R. G. Hobson2 and D. A. Stewart3
https://absa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Cor-Vol-35-Pg3_10-Red-Goshawk.pdf
^2 Source: Chalumbin Wind Farm EPBC Act referral.
RED GOSHAWK
Photo credit: Doug Herrington
Birdwatching Tropical Australia
Magnificent Brood Frog (Pseudophryne covacevichae)
CURRENT STATUS: ENDANGERED
(IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 2020.2 list)
'This species was observed in six locations.. with two locations recording large groups of male frogs (15-20 individuals).'
'This project may lead to the clearing of 27.03ha (66.79 acres) of habitat critical to the survival of the species and 21.15ha (52.26 acres) of potential habitat for the species.'
'Despite the sensitive design measures and the avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures proposed, the Project is conservatively assessed as having a potential significant residual impact on the magnificent brood frog'. (^1)
I would urge everyone to read Ecologist Carly Starr's Bush Heritage Australia report on this species. (^2) The report, dated 29th March 2021 outlines the critical work required over the next 24 months to protect this species.
That Epuron would proceed with this project, fully aware of the impact this will have, on the restricted habitat of the Magnificent Brood Frog is reprehensible.
^1 Source: Chalumbin Wind Farm EPBC Act referral application section 2.4
^2 Source: Ecologist Carly Starr 'Most Magnificent Broodfrog you've never heard of' Report, Bush Heritage Australia. (2021)
https://www.bushheritage.org.au/blog/magnificent-broodfrog
MAGNIFICENT BROOD FROG
Photo credit: Michael Anthony