1. Bilby records from Fortescue’s Mainline monitoring (2013-ongoing)
Bruce Greatwich – Zoologist

2. Presentation Overview
Introduction to monitoring
Results of 2013 monitoring
Broad-scale location
Population fine-scale habitats
Vegetation associations
Summary and questions

3. Fortescue’s Mainline monitoring
Additional Rail Infrastructure Project – duplication and sidings along existing rail between Herb Elliott Port and the Cloudbreak Mine (Mainline)
Fortescue have developed the Additional Rail Infrastructure: EPBC Fauna Management Plan
Have implemented the fauna management plan and conducted initial year of monitoring for EPBC listed species
Goal of ongoing monitoring and long-term protection and management of conservation significant fauna associated with the Project

4. Location and previous records
Mainline
(NatureMap 2013)

5. Results of 2013 monitoring Desktop assessment of previous records
Searches for secondary evidence within suitable habitat
Where evidence was recorded, detailed searching of area
Motion camera on burrows to confirm presence
23 active burrows from four active populations recorded
Confirmation through motion cameras recorded from two sites and seven burrows (only)

6. Evidence of secondary evidence

7. Motion Camera records. Bilbies were recorded from 7 of the 23 active burrows on camera. Limitations in determining actual number of individuals except for obvious discrepancies as photo examples.

8. Broad-scale location of populations
Isolation of Bilby population due to rocky barriers. Chichesters to south and west. Un-named rocky ranges to the east (Marble Bar) and narrow channel to the north inbetween Wodjina mine.

9. Population Fine-scale habitats
Consistency in habitats of locations where populations recorded. Upper reaches of lower order streams. One location on advice from Martin at DPaW, then investigation of similar habitats.

10. Population Fine-scale habitats
Four populations consistent in their fine-scale habitat features
Fringing sand (plain) immediately adjacent to minor drainage line
Surrounding areas too rocky (granite), drainage line itself (and larger order streams?) too sandy
Deposition over time has formed small patches of ideal habitat
Drainage lines utilised as dispersal routes?
Hedland sandplain - old burrows recorded but no active burrows

11. Population aerial map
Close proximity to rail indicating tolerance to disturbance post construction? Rehabilitated area of previous tracks and drilling operations (>15 years ago). Proximity to granite rocky areas. Number of Active burrows with few camera trap records, of which no obvious captures of Bilby entering/exiting burrow. Looked like same individual (male) on all burrows.

12. Population Fine-scale habitats
Acacia stellaticeps. Minor drainage line. Rocky areas. Degradation at bottom site from cattle.

13. Vegetation associations
Strong feeding association with Acacia bivenosa
Habitat association with Acacia stellaticeps
Mulgara – also recorded at all four populations
Bivenosa roots or insect association? Common species of Pilbara so not an indicator. Growth form of stellaticeps, open on ground but cover from above. Enables Bilbies to move around. Spinifex too dense makes moving around difficult? Mulgara less habitat specific but good Bilby habitat = good Mulgara habitat. Mulgara in Bilby hole – didn’t record any Bilbies at that site despite obvious very fresh evidence.

14. Summary and Questions?
Relatively isolated broad-scale location (rocky barriers)
Consistency in populations recorded of fine-scale habitat (minor upper drainage lines)
Importance of ongoing monitoring for increased knowledge, address current limitations to allow greater management