23.8 Eastern osprey EPBC Act legal status. Marine Migratory (Bonn) Biology and ecology. Characteristics

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23.8 Eastern osprey 23.8.1 EPBC Act legal status Marine Migratory (Bonn) 23.8.2 Biology and ecology Characteristics The Eastern osprey is a medium-sized raptor (length 50 to 65 cm, wingspan 145 to 170 cm, weight 1.

1 23.8 Eastern osprey EPBC Act legal status Marine Migratory (Bonn) Biology and ecology Characteristics The Eastern osprey is a medium-sized raptor (length 50 to 65 cm, wingspan 145 to 170 cm, weight 1.0 to 1.1 kg in adult males and 1.2 to 1.9 kg in adult females) (DSEWPaC 2012aa). Adults are mainly dark-brown to blackish-brown above and white below with a white head and neck, streaked blackish-brown, a dark-brown to blackish-brown crest, a black stripe across the eye and ear, a band of reddish-brown, brown or dark-brown streaking across the breast (sparse or absent in males), a white and pale greyish-brown underwing with black carpal patches and black trim, a white to pale greyish-brown undertail, yellow irides, a black bill and white to pale grey legs and feet (Johnstone & Storr 1998, Marchant & Higgins 1993). The sexes are similar in appearance but can be distinguished when together by differences in size and plumage (females are typically larger than males and usually have darker and more distinct streaking on the breast). Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but can be distinguished by multiple differences in plumage and their darker, yellow-orange irides (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Eastern osprey (Source: Psylexic 2007) Page 2-244

Known distribution The total range (breeding plus non-breeding) around the northern coast is more widespread, extending from Esperance in Western Australia to NSW, where records become scarcer

2 Known distribution The total range (breeding plus non-breeding) around the northern coast is more widespread, extending from Esperance in Western Australia to NSW, where records become scarcer towards the south, and into Victoria and Tasmania, where the species is a rare vagrant (Barrett et al 2003, Blakers et al 1984, Johnstone & Storr 1998, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Morris et al 1981). The distribution of the species around the northern coast (south-western Western Australia to south-eastern NSW) appears continuous except for a possible gap at Eighty Mile Beach (Barrett et al 2003, Blakers et al 1984). There are no published estimates of the extent of occurrence of the Eastern osprey within Australia (DSEWPaC 2012aa) although the area of occupancy for this species in Australia is estimated at 117,400 km 2 (DSEWPaC 2012aa). The Eastern osprey is considered to be moderately common in Australia (Olsen 1998). The species is most abundant in northern Australia, where high population densities occur in remote areas (Garnett 1992, Johnstone & Storr 1998). Figure Distribution range of the Eastern osprey (DSEWPaC 2012aa) Known species populations and their relationship with the GTP footprint Suitable habitat for this species within KP312 to KP and KP to KP of the GTP and ancillary areas is considered to be limited and to areas used during migration/flyover. Biology and reproduction In Australia, Eastern ospreys mainly feed on fish, especially mullet where available, and rarely take molluscs, crustaceans, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals (DSEWPaC 2012aa). Eastern ospreys typically breed in monogamous pairs (Marchant & Higgins 1993, Olsen 1995). The Eastern osprey breeds from April to February in Australia (DSEWPaC 2012aa). Page 2-245

3 Eastern osprey nests vary in size and shape but they are generally large and are mostly composed of sticks (Bischoff 2001, Clancy 2006, Johnstone & Storr 1998, Kennard & Kennard 2006, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Rose 2000). They are constructed in a variety of natural and artificial sites including in dead or partly dead trees or bushes, on cliffs, rocks, rock stacks or islets, on the ground on rocky headlands, coral cays, deserted beaches, sandhills or saltmarshes and on artificial nest platforms, pylons, jetties, lighthouses, navigation towers, cranes, exposed shipwrecks and offshore drilling rigs (Bischoff 2001, Clancy 2006, Dennis 2007a, Dennis & Baxter 2006, Johnstone & Storr 1998, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Olsen 1995, Rose 2000). Nest sites may be used over many years by one or more pairs (DSEWPaC 2012aa). Females lay clutches of one to four (but typically two or three) eggs (Hollands 2003, Johnstone & Storr 1998, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Olsen 1995). The eggs are white to buff with brownish (and sometimes also underlying purple or grey) spots and blotches (Hollands 2003, Johnstone & Storr 1998, North 1912). They are incubated by both sexes, but mainly by the female, for a period of 33 to 38 days (Clancy 2006, Hollands 2003, Johnstone & Storr 1998, Kennard & Kennard 2006, Rose 2000). The nestlings are brooded by the female and by the male when the female is absent from the nest. To begin with they are mainly fed by the female on food delivered by the male, but later both parents gather and supply food (Hollands 2003, Kennard & Kennard 2006, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Rose 2000). The young fledge approximately seven to eleven weeks after hatching (Dennis 2007b, Holsworth 1965, Kennard & Kennard 2006, Maciejewski 1993, Rose 2000) but continue to return to the nest for some time thereafter to be fed. The period of post-fledging dependence probably ranges from about one to two months in duration (Dennis 2007b, Hollands 2003, Kennard & Kennard 2006, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Rose 2000). Pairs usually rear one brood but are capable of rearing two broods per season (Clancy 2006, Marchant & Higgins 1993). Pairs tend not to breed each year; breeding attempts may be separated by periods of up to three years (Dennis 2007a) Habitat Eastern ospreys occur in littoral and coastal habitats and terrestrial wetlands of tropical and temperate Australia and offshore islands. They are mostly found in coastal areas but occasionally travel inland along major rivers, particularly in northern Australia (Johnstone & Storr 1998, Marchant & Higgins 1993, Olsen 1995). They require extensive areas of open fresh, brackish or saline water for foraging (Marchant & Higgins 1993). They frequent a variety of wetland habitats including inshore waters, reefs, bays, coastal cliffs, beaches, estuaries, mangrove swamps, broad rivers, reservoirs and large lakes and waterholes (DSEWPaC 2012aa). They exhibit a preference for coastal cliffs and elevated islands in some parts of their range (Boekel 1976, Domm 1977), but may also occur on low sandy, muddy or rocky shores and over coral cays (Marchant & Higgins 1993). They may occur over atypical habitats such as heath, woodland or forest when travelling to and from foraging sites (DSEWPaC 2012aa). Eastern ospreys occur sympatrically and sometimes interact with White-bellied sea-eagles (Barrett et al 2003, Clancy 2006, Dennis & Baxter 2006, Kennard & Kennard 2006), which is also listed as Marine and Migratory under the EPBC Act. Page 2-246

4 Habitat assessment Information obtained from BPA (ie Brigalow Belt South Fauna Expert Panel Report (EPA 2006)), together with expert advice, site based species records and pre-clearance survey data has been used to define a set of assumptions that have been used to identify areas of habitat that are consistent with the definitions of core habitat, essential habitat and general habitat that have been presented in Part 1 of this SSMP. These assumptions are presented in this section. General assumptions The following general habitat assumptions have been made based on current scientific knowledge of this species: Species inhabits coasts, estuaries, bays, inlets, islands and surrounding waters, coral atolls, reefs, lagoons, rock cliffs and stacks (Pizzey & Knight 1997) The species also ventures far inland and ascends larger rivers, large permanent waterbodies (such as larger farm dams) (Pizzey & Knight 1997) Core habitat Core habitat consists of essential habitat in which the species is known and the habitat is recognised under relevant recovery plans or other relevant plans/policies/regulations. Also included within this category are populations that are limited geographically within the region. As the Eastern osprey is a ubiquitous species with an extensive distribution within Australia, it is not considered that core habitat exists for this species within the proposed alignment. Essential habitat Essential habitat is an area containing resources that are considered essential for the maintenance of populations of the species (eg potential habitat for breeding, roosting, foraging, shelter, for either migratory or non-migratory species). Essential habitat is defined from known records and/or expert advice (including the findings of pre-clearance surveys). As the Eastern osprey is a ubiquitous species with an extensive distribution within Australia, it is not considered that essential habitat exists for this species within the proposed alignment. General habitat General habitat consists of areas or locations that are used by transient individuals or where species have been recorded but there is insufficient information to assess the area as essential/core habitat. General habitat may be defined from known records or habitat that is considered to potential support a species according to expert knowledge of habitat relationships, despite the absence of specimen backed records. General habitat may include areas of suboptimal habitat for species. As potential habitat for many species contained within this SSMP may include most of the regional ecosystems of the Brigalow Belt Bioregion, the general habitat category restricts the habitat to a more limited and realistic set of environmental parameters that are supported by literature that field based observation. Page 2-247

5 For the Eastern osprey all areas that are mapped as marine, estuarine, lacustrine and pulstrine Wetland Regional Ecosystems as well as marine, estuarine and lacustrine waterbodies, on the Queensland Wetland Mapping wetlands (Version 3.0) and areas with a stream order of 4 and above as indicated on DERM s watercourse mapping (Version 2.1) are considered to constitute general habitat for this species along with other permanent water resources with suitable feeding attrbutes. KP0 to KP30 No general habitat for this species exists within this section of the GTP. KP30 to KP40 No general habitat for this species exists within this section of the GTP. KP40 to KP130 No general habitat for this species exists within this section of the GTP. KP130 to KP312 No general habitat for this species exists within this section of the GTP. KP312 to KP Pre-clearance surveys identified general habitat for this species at Calliope River (KP352.3), Harper Creek (KP360.3), Larcom Creek (KP378) and a wetland within KP to KP (Santos GLNG 2013). Figure 23.15a and Figure 23.15b shows the location of the general habitat for the Eastern osprey. KP to KP No general habitat for this species exists within KP to KP of the GTP although general habitat for this species exists in close proximity to the ROW and ancillary areas and is shown in Figure 23.15c. KP to KP Pre-clearance surveys did not identify general habitat for this species within this section of the GTP although general habitat was identified within close proximity to the GTP and is shown in Figure 23.15d. Unlikely habitat Unlikely habitat areas are those areas that do not contain records of the particular species and do not contain sufficient habitat features to support the species (ie areas that do not meet the habitat assumptions identified above). Page 2-248

$GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor KP360 Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) Habitat Rating GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas General KP350 KP340 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_325.$

6 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor KP360 Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) Habitat Rating GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas General KP350 KP340 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_325.mxd 24/01/ :40 Map by: RB KP310 KP320 KP330 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Figure 23.15a: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Habitat Ratings Based on Predictive Modelling KP312 to KP A1 scale: 1:65, km GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 24/01/2013 Version: a

7 KP400 KP410 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas Habitat Rating General KP390 KP380 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_325_2.mxd 24/01/ :40 Map by: RB KP360 KP370 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Figure 23.15b: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Habitat Ratings Based on Predictive Modelling KP312 to KP A1 scale: 1:65, km GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 24/01/2013 Version: a

$Habitat Ratings General Habitat P:\Aurecon\215648 Santos\Mapping\221714\221714_Terns_1.$ mxd 02/08/2012 10:56 Map by: ZontaRA Source: Aerial: BING, Feb 2011.

mxd 02/08/2012 10:56 Map by: ZontaRA Source: Aerial: BING, Feb 2011.

8 KP406!R!R!R KP407 Marine Crossing GTP Early Works KP408!R KP409!R!R Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas Proposed Access Road Construction Tunnel Launch Pad Habitat Ratings General Habitat P:\Aurecon\ Santos\Mapping\221714\221714_Terns_1.mxd 02/08/ :56 Map by: ZontaRA Source: Aerial: BING, Feb A1 scale: 1:10,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Date: 06/09/ km Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Figure.1 : Osprey (Pandion haliacetus) Habitat Ratings Based on Predictive Modelling KP to KP Version: a

$02/04/2013 16:30 KP418 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_353.mxd KP419 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr 2012. Aerial: BING, Feb 2011. Map by: RB Figure.$

9 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG Narrows Pipeline Alignment KP415 GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas KP416 Habitat Rating KP413 General KP414 KP417 02/04/ :30 KP418 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_353.mxd KP419 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Map by: RB Figure. G: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Habitat Ratings Based on Predictive Modelling KP to KP A1 scale: 1:10,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Meters Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 02/04/2013 Version: a

23.7 Australian cotton pygmy-goose

23.7 Australian cotton pygmy-goose 23.7.1 EPBC Act legal status Migratory Bonn (Family Anatidae) 23.7.2 Biology and ecology Characteristics The Cotton pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) is a tiny duck