Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program ... Web viewGolden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring ... Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program ... 100

Prepared for: Parks and Conservation Service / Environmental Offsets

Date: April 2016

Golden Sun Moth Population andHabitat Monitoring Program

2015 Report

www.smec.com

Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring| SMEC

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Title Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program

Prepared for Parks and Conservation Service/Environmental OffsetsProject Ref 3002494

Name Position Signed/Approved DateOriginator Natasha Crook Ecologist

Review David Moore Senior Scientist

Approval Dr Robert Jessop Principal Scientist Dr Robert Jessop 24/03/2016

Details of RevisionsRev Date Description Approved1 29042016 Final Report Dr Robert Jessop

CONTACT DETAILSSMEC Australia Pty Ltd | www.smec.com

Level 5, 20 Berry StreetNorth Sydney NSW 2060Tel: 02 9925 5555Fax: 02 9925 5566

Representative: Robert JessopP: 02 6234 1924E: [email protected]

SMEC | Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program| 2 | Page


TABLE OF CONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................ 4

1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................51.1 Project Overview.......................................................................................................5

1.2 Golden Sun Moth......................................................................................................51.2.1 Description...............................................................................................................51.2.2 Life History and Breeding.........................................................................................51.2.3 Habitat...................................................................................................................... 61.2.4 Distribution...............................................................................................................61.2.5 Conservation Status and Threats.............................................................................7

1.3 Study Area................................................................................................................. 7

2. METHODS.............................................................................................................................. 82.1 Golden Sun Moth Monitoring...................................................................................82.1.1 Field Surveys............................................................................................................82.1.2 Transect Survey.......................................................................................................8

2.2 Habitat Assessment..................................................................................................82.2.1 Step Point Transects................................................................................................82.2.2 Photograph Monitoring Points..................................................................................9

3. RESULTS............................................................................................................................. 103.1 GSM Survey Results...............................................................................................103.1.1 Throsby North.........................................................................................................113.1.2 Kinlyside.................................................................................................................123.1.3 Bonner 4 East.........................................................................................................12

3.2 Vegetation monitoring............................................................................................133.2.1 Throsby North.........................................................................................................133.2.2 Kinlyside.................................................................................................................13

4. CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................... 17

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

APPENDICES............................................................................................................................... 27



EXECUTIVE SUMMARYParks and Conservation Service and Environmental Offsets (Territory and Municipal Services) engaged SMEC Australia to undertake baseline Golden Sun Moth (GSM) population surveys and habitat monitoring across Throsby North, Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East environmental offset areas during spring and summer 2015. The surveys are intended to meet monitoring requirements established for Throsby North and Kinlyside by the Offset Strategy in the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment Biodiversity Plan (Umwelt, 2013) and for Bonner 4 East by Commonwealth approval conditions for the development of Ngunnawal Residential Estate 2C (EPBC 2010/5648).

GSM and habitat monitoring was undertaken in accordance with the Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government, 2010) and the Draft ACT Golden Sun Moth Monitoring Plan (ACT Government, 2013) to determine if GSM persist in these sites, and to ensure that management actions and the habitat remain suitable to support viable GSM populations into the future.

Results of GSM surveys and habitat monitoring were recorded and are presented in a form suitable for incorporation into future analyses. The surveys had the following general outcomes:

GSM were recorded, generally in low numbers at each of the three sites during the first surveys in November

Numbers dropped significantly by mid-December, with no moths observed during the second surveys at Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East; this is likely to be due to very low night time minimum temperatures inhibiting GSM emergence

GSM numbers and distribution in Throsby North are consistent with the previous surveys, with the majority of moths observed in the southern part of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects in Throsby North was variable, with a high proportion of exotic annual grasses

GSM numbers and distribution in Kinlyside were broadly consistent with previous surveys, with the majority of observations observed in grassy areas in the central and south west of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects was generally good, with high proportions of native perennial grasses present

GSM were observed across the majority of Bonner 4 East, with the highest abundance in the centre of the offset area



1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project OverviewParks and Conservation Service and Environmental Offsets (Territory and Municipal Services) engaged SMEC Australia to undertake Golden Sun Moth (GSM) population surveys and habitat monitoring across Throsby North, Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East environmental offset areas during spring and summer 2015. Figure 1 shows the study site locations.

The Throsby North and Kinlyside offsets areas were established under the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment (i.e. approved by the Australian Government Environmental Minister in June 2013) for future urban development in Gungahlin (Australian Government, 2013; Umwelt, 2013). The offsets were proposed as part of the Offset Strategy in the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment Biodiversity Plan (Umwelt, 2013) to compensate for the significant impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance (i.e. Commonwealth listed ecological communities and threatened species) due to urban development. This includes the adverse impact of development on 180 ha of GSM habitat (Umwelt, 2013).

Bonner 4 East was included in the monitoring project to meet the Commonwealth approval conditions for the development of Ngunnawal Residential Estate 2C (EPBC 2010/5648).

Annual monitoring of Throsby North and Kinlyside is scheduled for the first three years after offset establishment and then once every three years. Monitoring at Bonner 4 East is currently scheduled to occur once every five years.

The following report presents the 2015 monitoring results, providing baseline information on GSM population and habitat condition for ongoing monitoring requirements.

1.2 Golden Sun Moth

1.2.1 DescriptionGolden Sun Moth (GSM) (Synemon plana) is a medium size, diurnal moth. The upper-side of the female’s forewing is dark grey with paler grey patterning, while the hindwing is bright orange with black spots along the edges. The under-side of both wings is white with small black spots along the margins. Adult males have a wingspan of 34 mm and have dark brown upper forewings with patterns of pale grey scales. Male hindwings are bronze or brown with dark brown blotches and the underside is pale grey with dark brown spots (Australian Government, 2009).



1.2.2 Life History and BreedingGSM have two distinct life stages. Larvae spend two to three years underground consuming the roots of native Wallaby grass (Rytidoperma spp.) and exotic Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) (Ritcher et al., 2013). Age cohorts are distinguished by size. Small larvae (6 – 13 mm long) are from eggs 12 months earlier, medium size (>13-20 mm long) are from the second year and large larvae (>20 mm long) are approaching pupation (Ritcher et al., 2013). Pupation occurs in spring and adults emerge from October to January to live for 1- 4 days (Ritcher et al., 2013).

Adult moths do not have functional mouthparts and therefore are unable to feed, spending much of their time searching for mates and breeding. During the GSM flight season, adult moths emerge continuously in cohorts and males are seen actively flying low (to 1 metre) and fast, usually in a zig-zag pattern over the grassland in search of females (Australian Government, 2009). The females, which only fly irregularly, position themselves on the ground in a conspicuous location (i.e. usually inter-tussock spaces), flashing their brightly coloured hind wings to attract males. Females walk between tussocks and lay 100-150 eggs between grass tillers or between tillers and the soil (Australian Government, 2009).

Adults are most active during the hottest part of the day (i.e. between 10am and 2pm) on warm to hot, windless and cloudless days (Ritcher et al., 2009); however, previous surveys (e.g. Biosis Research, 2011) recorded active male moths in more variable weather conditions. Such conditions include: cooler days (i.e. less than 20ºC), days with partial or full cloud cover, on days within 24 hours after rainfall, during periods of moderate to strong wind conditions and also at times earlier and later in the day than previously expected. Activity during these conditions typically involved smaller moth numbers than those observed during ‘optimal’ conditions.

Male GSM cannot travel more than 100 m away from suitable habitat patches and therefore populations separated by distances greater than 200 m can be considered effectively isolated. Sites from which the species has gone extinct are unlikely to be naturally recolonised (Australian Government, 2009).

1.2.3 HabitatGSM occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and open grassy woodlands. Previous GSM habitat definitions that required the area to be 40% Rytidosperma cover (O'Dwyer and Attiwell, 1999) are no longer considered accurate. GSM have been identified to reside in degraded grasslands dominated by exotic Chilean needle grass, a Noxious Weed of National Significance (Brady and Dunford, 2006). It is believed that tall, dense grasslands are not suitable for moth activity as it can inhibit detection of female moths by flying male moths.

GSM occurs in two threatened ecological communities listed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act); the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (Australian Government, 1999) and the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory(ACT) (Australian Government, 2009). In the ACT, GSM have also been detected within secondary grassland, predominantly those derived from Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland.



1.2.4 DistributionHistorically, GSM was distributed in native grasslands and open grassy woodlands across NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia (TSSC, 2013). Since European settlement, GSM is now only known in 125 sites across its range (TSSC, 2013). Forty-eight sites occur in NSW, 46 in Victoria, 39 in the ACT. The species is now extinct in South Australia (TSSC, 2013).

1.2.5 Conservation Status and ThreatsGSM are listed as Endangered under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act), endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). The species is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act.

The main threat to GSM is the loss of Natural Temperate Grasslands, which have been cleared for urban and agriculture development (DEWHA, 2009). In addition, habitat degradation through overgrazing, which changes the soil structure, reduces native grass species and promotes weed invasion, has further threatened GSM (DEWHA, 2009). GSM populations have become highly fragmented and isolated.

1.3 Study AreaThe Throsby North and Kinlyside offset areas were identified as supporting Commonwealth listed threatened species and ecological communities through the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment process (Umwelt, 2013).

Throsby North is located between Mulligan’s Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve on north of the proposed suburb of Throsby, to the north-east of Horse Park Drive. The area supports GSM and has large areas of Box-Gum Woodland (Umwelt, 2013). Eco Logical (2011) identified the area as supporting ‘moderate to high’ quality GSM habitat. Over time, Throsby North will be added to the Mulligan’s Flat – Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve complex. Throsby North is managed in accordance with the management plans for both Mulligan’s Flat and Goorooyaroo Nature Reserves (ACT Government, 2014).

The Kinlyside offset area covers 201 ha north-east of Hall, and is adjacent to the eastern boundary of One Tree Hill. Kinlyside is dominated by Box-Gum Woodland with patches of native grasslands and derived grasslands (Eco Logical, 2011). The grassland areas include moderate to high quality GSM habitat.

The Throsby North and Kinlyside offset areas combined support approximately 148 ha of GSM habitat. The primary land use within both offset areas is light grazing by sheep and cattle.

Bonner 4 East is 21 ha of land on the south-western boundary of Mulligan’s Flat Nature Reserve. Bonner 4 East was established as an offset for adverse impacts on GSM due to the development of Ngunnawal Estate 2C. Territory and Municipals Service (TAMS) and the Land Development Agency (LDA) selected the site, which was identified to have high ecological values including the presence of GSM (ACT Government, 2011).

Bonner 4 East has a history of woodland clearing and long-term stock grazing (ACT Government, 2011). The area comprises secondary grassland and wet Themeda secondary grassland (ACT Government, 2011), which supports GSM. Weeds are dense



in the north-eastern part of the area (ACT Government, 2011). Over time, the area will be incorporated into Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and currently has an offset management plan which involves biomass management and weed control (ACT Government, 2014).



2.METHODS

2.1 Golden Sun Moth Monitoring

2.1.1 Field SurveysSurvey methods were in accordance with the guidelines set by Conservation Planning and Research Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government, 2010) and the Draft ACT Golden Sun Moth Monitoring Plan (ACT Government, 2014).

Surveys must be undertaken during the GSM emergence period or ‘flying season’, which is usually from October to December in the ACT.

The guidelines also require GSM surveys to be conducted during certain preferred conditions, specifically:

On a warm to hot day (i.e. above 20ºC by 10am)

During the warmest part of the day (i.e. 10am – 2pm)

When there is a clear or mostly cloudless sky

In still or nearly still wind conditions

When there has been at least two days since rain.

Two surveys were undertaken at each offset site at least one week apart.

Incidental observations of female moths and pupae cases were also recorded during the survey and the location recorded with GPS.

While the weather conditions were checked on the survey day, more detailed information was recorded from the Bureau of Meteorology web site (i.e. www.bom.gov.au) to inform the results post survey.

2.1.2 Transect SurveyThe ‘walked transect’ method was used to provide quantitative information on GSM abundance and distribution. The entire site is walked in parallel transects 100 m apart using a GPS and compass. The total number of GSM within 25 m either side of the transect line over 100 m sections of each transect is recorded. The surveys are repeated on at least two suitable flying days in a season.

Conservation Research and Planning provided the GPS coordinates of each transect. Transect and transect segment locations are provided in Appendix A.

2.2 Habitat Assessment

2.2.1 Step Point Transects

Vegetation assessments were conducted on 3 (i.e. Throsby North) and 8 (i.e. Kinlyside) December 2015 using the ‘Step Point Transect’ method. The vegetation survey was undertaken during the flying season.



The vegetation transects were undertaken along a 100 m measuring tape placed along each transect. Conservation Research and Planning provided the GPS coordinates of each transect. The same transects can be monitoring in subsequent years facilitating vegetation condition comparisons between years.

The ground cover at each metre interval along a tape was recorded. Ground cover included:

Bare earth Rock Cryptograms (e.g. moss / lichen) Litter / dead vegetation Perennial native grass Chilean Needle Grass Perennial exotic grass Annual exotic grass Exotic forbs Other native vegetation (e.g. forbs).

The ground cover records are tallied and the proportions expressed as percentages. Any changes to habitat extent and management actions were noted.

Vegetation surveys were undertaken for Thorsby North and Kinlyside offset areas. Vegetation surveys were not requested for Bonner 4 East under this contract.

2.2.2 Photograph Monitoring PointsPhotographs were taken at the start of each vegetation transect for Throsby and Kinlyside offset areas in association with the vegetation transect monitoring.

Two photographs were undertaken at each point:

Cover photograph: A photograph facing along the vegetation transect was taken of the ground in front of the observer with the lower edge of the camera near the observer’s feet. A marker was placed flat on the ground in the direction of the transect 10 cm from the observer’s feet and appeared in the centre of the photograph.

Landscape photograph: A photograph was taken with the observer standing and facing along the transect. A black and white marker was placed vertically in the ground. The photograph was then taken approximately 3 m from the marker along the vegetation transect with the marker in the centre of the photograph.



3.RESULTS

3.1 GSM Survey Results Complete GSM survey results from the transect surveys are presented in Appendix B. Survey details and total moth numbers are summarised for each site in Table 1. Calculated metrics required under the brief including the average number of GSM per transect segment, per hectare and per hour are summarised in Table 2. All opportunistic sightings are reported in Table 3.

Table 1. Summary of 2015 GSM counts at the three survey sites.

Date Site SurveyNo.

Time(mins)

Total transectlength (m)

Total Area(ha)*

Total #Flying GSM

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 30 2,100 10.5 28

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 85 2,100 10.5 11

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 110 4,000 20.0 55

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 30 2,100 10.5 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 63 2,100 10.5 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 100 4,000 20.0 9

*Total area is estimated based on the total length of transects multiplied by an approximate effective survey width of 50 m.

Table 2. Calculated 2015 GSM abundance at the three survey sites.

Date Site SurveyNo.

Mean #GSM/100 m

Max # GSM

/100 m

Mean #GSM/ha

Mean #GSM/hour Abundance rating

(Hogg, 2010)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 1.3 7 2.7 56 Low

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 0.5 3 1.0 8 Low

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1.4 15 2.8 30 Low to moderate

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 N/A

12/18/2015 Kinlyside 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 N/A

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 0.1 5 0.5 5 Low

Table 3. Summary of opportunistic sightings at the 3 survey sites.

Date SiteSurvey

No.Female moths(opportunistic)

Pupae cases(opportunistic)

Male moths(opportunistic)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1 0 19

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0



11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 0 0 0

12/03/2015 Throsby Veg 1 0 17

While GSM surveys were conducted in suitable weather conditions in accordance with the Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government 2014), night time temperatures during the survey period were unseasonably low with minimums of as low as 0.5°C (27 November) in November and 3.8°C in December (12 December) (BOM, 2015). This is likely to have reduced the number of moths emerging and therefore the abundance and distribution of GSM observed during suitable survey days. The reduced GSM activity due to cool night time temperatures was also noted by other consultants surveying GSM in ACT during the 2015 flying season (A. Rowell pers. comm.).

3.1.1 Throsby NorthFive transects of varying length were established in the Throsby North survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 2). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 4 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on 30 November 2015 and 14 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 4.

Table 4. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Throsby North.

SurveySurvey Date

Survey Time Temperature Wind Weather

1 30 Nov 2015

1110 - 1245 24 - 27⁰C 5.6-8.8 km/h NWIncreasing to moderate gusts.

Hot, sunny, clear. No cloud cover. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm).

Max temp. 28.4⁰C, Min temp 7.9⁰C

2 14 Dec 2015

1035 - 1215 25.8 – 31.8⁰C 3.7-7.9 km/h W

Some cloud cover, and hot. Last rain 9 Dec 2015 (0.4 mm).Max temp. 32.2⁰C, Min temp 6.5⁰C

Fifty-five moths were observed in 110 minutes during the first survey and 9 moths were observed in 100 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). The majority of the sightings were along transects one and two in the south of the offset site. Similarly, all opportunistic sightings were observed in the southern part of the offset site. No moths were observed along transects 3 to 5.

During the first survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 1.4 moths per 100 m transect segment and during the second survey at an average rate of 0.1 moths per 100 m transect segment on the second survey. The highest number of moths observed in a single transect segment was 15 moths on 30 November 2015. The levels of moth activity observed correspond to low levels of activity according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010), with moderate levels of activity in restricted area on 14 December 2015. Figure 3 shows the maximum number of moths observed in each transect section.

During the first survey (i.e. 30 November 2015), opportunistic sightings of 22 male moths were recorded, with 21 moths found in the southern part of the survey area and one moth was observed between transects two and three (Table 3, Figure 4). All



opportunistic sightings were recorded in mixed native and exotic grasses. One female moth was observed in the southern part of the survey area on 30 November 2015 and one female was identified between transect TT1_D and TT1_E on 3 December 2015 (Figure 4). An additional seventeen male GSM and one female GSM were recorded around the vegetation transects on 3 December 2015 while completing the vegetation survey (Figure 4).

3.1.2 KinlysideFive transects of varying length were established in the Kinlyside survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 5). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 2.1 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on 21 November 2015 and 18 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 5.

Table 5. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Kinlyside.

Survey no.

Survey Date

Time of Survey

Temperature Wind Weather

1 27 Nov 2015

1315 - 1440

18 - 24⁰C 4-13 km/h NIncreasing to moderate gusts.

Sunny, no cloud. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm).Max temp. 22.9⁰CMin temp 0.5⁰C

2 18 Dec 2015

1137 - 1240

28 - 30⁰C 1.7-4.1 km/h WNW

Sunny with some cloud. Last rain 17 Dec 2015 (16 mm).Max temp. 33.6⁰CMin temp 13.6⁰C

Eleven moths were observed over 85 minutes during the first survey (Table 1). No moths were recorded over 63 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). During the first survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 0.5 moths per 100 m transect segment. The highest number of moths observed in a single transect segment was 3 moths. The level of moth activity observed corresponds to low levels of activity according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010). Figure 6 shows the maximum number of moths observed in each transect section.

No opportunistic sightings of male or female moths, or of pupae cases were recorded during the surveys (Table 3).

3.1.3 Bonner 4 EastFour transects of varying length were established in the Bonner 4 East survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 2). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 2.1 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on the 30 November 2015 and 14 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 6.

Twenty eight moths were observed over 30 minutes during the first survey (Table 1). No moths were observed over 30 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). During the first survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 1.3 moths per 100 m transect segment. GSM records were distributed across the majority of the site, although in low numbers in the north of the site. The highest number of moths observed in a single



transect segment was 7. The level of moth activity observed corresponds to low levels of activity according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010). Figure 8 shows the maximum number of moths observed in each transect section.

Table 6. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Bonner 4 East.

SurveySurvey Date

Survey Time Temperature Wind Weather

1 30 Nov 2015

1330 - 1400

26 - 28⁰C 5.6-12 km/h NW

Hot, some cloud. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm).Max temp 28.4⁰CMin temp 7.9⁰C

2 14 Dec 2015

1315 - 1345

29 - 31.9⁰C 2.5-7.1 km/h W

Hot, sunny and clear. Last rain 9 Dec 2015 (0.4 mm).Max temp 32.2⁰CMin temp 6.5⁰C

No opportunistic sightings of male moths, female moths or pupae cases were recorded during the surveys (Table 3).

3.2 Vegetation monitoring

3.2.1 Throsby North

Table 7 presents the results of the vegetation survey at Throsby North. All transects had at least 50% annual exotic grass cover. Litter and dead vegetation was common where scattered Blakely’s Red Gum trees were present. Native grass cover varied across the transects (15% to 51%) and perennial exotic grasses were sparse (0% to 12%).

Photographs of transects are provided for vegetation monitoring purposes in Appendix C.

The southern part of the offset area supports dense annual exotic grasses such as Vulpia sp. and Briza sp. Scattered Yellow-box and Blakey’s Red Gum are within the area in which the moths were sighted. Eco Logical (2011) identified this area as ‘High’ quality GSM habitat; however, annual exotic grasses dominate the area during early summer. The habitat condition assessment undertaken by Eco Logical (2011) was based on observation of the relative abundance of key habitat features on a broad scale while the step-point transects examines habitat features and vegetation structure variation on a small scale.

The northern part of the Throsby North offset area comprises native grasses and suitable GSM feed species (e.g. Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.)) and was identified as ‘Moderate-High’ habitat by Eco Logical (2011); however, no moths were observed in this area. This area has slightly denser tree cover, which may reduce its suitability as GSM habitat. Past land use such as intensive grazing may also have excluded the moths from these areas.

3.2.2 Kinlyside

Table 8 presents the results of the vegetation survey at Kinlyside. All transects had a >40% annual exotic grass cover. Litter and dead vegetation was prevalent where



transects passed through woodland. Native grasses were common along all transects, occurring at between 36% and 67% while perennial exotic grasses were sparse (0% to 24%).

Photographs of transects are provided for vegetation monitoring purposes in Appendix C.

Eco Logical (2011) classified the vegetation as good quality Box Gum Woodland with patches of native grasslands and derived grasslands. Noxious weeds such as Serrated Tussock and Patterson’s Curse, which are present, particularly in the south-western part of the offset area, are a developing issue. Briar Rose is also increasing in distribution and abundance.

Transects that have a high native grass cover (i.e. KT4 G-H and KT4 B-C) are in habitat that has been deemed unsuitable for GSM due to canopy cover, as it is Box-Gum Woodland.

The area had little vegetation and low biomass; bare patches are common and grass is sparse. This could be due to extensive kangaroo grazing. The current management plan does not prescribe monitoring GSM or its habitat but does prescribe maintaining biomass at about 2 t/ha (ACT Government, 2014). Monitoring in future years would help to determine whether this management specification is appropriate to maintain the GSM population.



Table 7. Throsby North vegetation assessments in each 100 m transect.

TransectBare Earth (%)

Rock (%)

Cryptograms (%)

Litter / Dead Vegetation

(%)

Perennial Native

Grasses (%)

Other Native

Vegetation (%)

Chilean Needle

Grass (%)

Perennial Exotic

Grasses (%)

Annual Exotic

Grasses (%)

Exotic Forbs

(%)Comments

TT1 D-E 0 0 0 33 15 0 0 10 76 13

Transect crosses track at 66 m. Scattered Blakey’s Red Gum. Annual exotic grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.) common.

TT2 D-E 0 0 0 44 21 1 0 3 53 25Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Area comprises annual exotic grass cover.

TT3 D-E 0 0 0 24 48 3 0 2 62 48

Transect crosses track at 37 m. Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Predominately exotic annual grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.) and exotic forbs (e.g. Catsear).

TT3 I-J 0 0 0 14 51 9 0 0 70 30

Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Predominately exotic annual grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.). Weeds such as Briar Rose present.

TT4 G-H 0 0 0 30 29 0 0 12 62 56

Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Mixed exotic annual grasses and forbs. Transect crosses track at 80 m.



Table 8. Kinlyside vegetation assessments in each 100 m transect.

TransectBare Earth (%)

Rock (%)

Cryptograms (%)

Litter / Dead Vegetation

(%)

Perennial Native

Grasses (%)

Other Native

Vegetation (%)

Chilean Needle

Grass (%)

Perennial Exotic

Grasses (%)

Annual Exotic

Grasses (%)

Exotic Forbs

(%)Comment

KT1 B-C 3 0 0 32 48 0 0 21 25 18

Sheep still grazing. Mixed exotic and native grasses with predominantly exotic forbs (e.g. Catsear)

KT3 D-E 11 0 1 30 54 0 0 0 39 3

Areas of bare ground. Scattered Blakely’s Red Gum saplings. Weeds such as Briar Rose present.

KT3 E-F 1 0 0 42 54 1 0 6 20 6

Scattered young Red Stringybark. Noxious weeds such as Serrated Tussock and Patterson’s Curse present. Briar Rose scattered in the area.

KT4 B-C 0 0 0 1 36 2 0 24 15 42

Transects falls into dry creekline at 34 m. Young and mature Blakely’s Red Gum scattered in the area. Briar Rose is scattered in the area.

KT4 G-H 1 1 2 15 67 1 0 3 31 16

Patches of rocks with lichen within the area. Scattered young Red Stringybark is present.



4.CONCLUSIONThis is the first survey of the annual GSM and GSM habitat monitoring program for Throsby North and Kinlyside which will be conducted over the next three years as part of the Biodiversity Offsets Package arising from the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment (Umwelt, 2013). Similarly, this is the first GSM monitoring survey for the Bonner 4 East offset site. Further GSM surveys would be undertaken at Bonnet 4 East every five years.

The surveys had the following general outcomes

GSM were recorded, generally in low numbers at each of the three sites during the first surveys in November

Numbers dropped significantly by mid-December, with no moths observed during the second surveys at Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East, and this is likely to be due to very low night time minimum temperatures inhibiting GSM emergence

GSM numbers and distribution in Throsby North are consistent with the previous surveys, with the majority of moths observed in the southern part of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects in Throsby North was variable, with a high proportion of exotic annual grasses

GSM numbers and distribution in Kinlyside were broadly consistent with previous surveys, with the majority of observations observed in grassy areas in the central and south west of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects was generally good, with high proportions of native perennial grasses present

GSM were observed across the majority of Bonner 4 East, with the highest abundance in the centre of the offset area.



REFERENCESACT Government (2010). Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth. Conservation Planning

and Research, Land Management and Planning Division, ACT Government, Canberra.

ACT Government (2014). Draft Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth. Conservation Planning and Research, Land Management and Planning Division, ACT Government, Canberra.

Australian Government (2009). Background Paper to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 - Nationally Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Government, Canberra.

Biosis Research (2011). Sub-regional fauna surveys: Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana 2009/2010. Melbourne: A report for Growth Areas Authority.

Braby, M. F. and Dunford, M. (2006). Field observations on the ecology of the golden sun moth, Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). Australian Entomologist, 33: 103 - 110.

Bureau of Meteorology (2015). December Daily Acitivity Observations. Bureau of Meteorology. Accessed 2 January 2016. Accessed from: <http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf>.

Bureau of Meteorology (2015) November Daily Acitivity Observations. Bureau of Meteorology. Accessed 2 January 2016. Accessed from: <http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf>.

Eco Logical Australia (2011). Golden Sun Moth Surveys at One Tree Hill, Kinleyside and Throsby. Prepared for Conservation Planning and Research, ACT Government, Canberra.

Hogg, D. M. (2010). Semi-quantitative assessment of golden sun moth sites. David Hogg Pty Ltd, Canberra.

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwell, P. M. (1999). A comparative study of habitats of the golden sun moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castnidae): implications for restoration. Biological Conservation, 89: 131 - 141.

Richter, A.; Osborne, W.; Hnatiuk, S. and Rowell, A. (2013). Moths in fragments: insights into the biology and ecology of the Australian endangered golden sun moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants. Journal of Insect Conservation, 17: 1093–104.

Territory and Municipal Services (2011). Plan to protect and manage the offset area at Part Block 13 Section 2 Bonner (Bonner 4 East) to protect Golden Sun Moth Habitat. ACT Government, Canberra.

Umwelt (2013). Gungahlin Strategic Assessment-Biodiversity Plan. Final report for ACT Economic Development Directorate and ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate. Umwelt, Canberra.


http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf


















APPENDICES





APPENDIX A: GSM SURVEY TRANSECT LOCATIONS

Throsby North transect and transect segment waypoints

Transect Waypoint Easting Northing

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_A 697400 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_B 697500 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_C 697600 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_D 697700 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_E 697800 6105000






Throsby Transect 2 TT2_F 697900 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_G 698000 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_H 698100 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_I 698200 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_J 698300 6105200











Throsby Transect 3 TT3_K 698400 6105400










Transect Waypoint Easting Northing




Throsby Transect 4 TT4_K 698400 6105600

Throsby Transect 4 TT4_L 698500 6105600








Kinlyside transect and transect segment waypoints

GSM_Kinleyside Waypoint Easting Northing

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_A 689400 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_B 689500 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_C 689600 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_D 689700 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_E 689800 6106400








Kinlyside Transect 3 KT3_F 690000 6106800






Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_F 690500 6107000

Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_G 690600 6107000

Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_H 690700 6107000



GSM_Kinleyside Waypoint Easting Northing






Bonner 4 East transect and transect segment waypoints

GSM_Bonner Waypoint Easting Northing

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_A 696300 6108346

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_B 696300 6108250

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_C 696300 6108150

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_D 696300 6108050

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_E 696300 6107950

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_F 696300 6107850

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_G 696300 6107778





















APPENDIX B: GSM TRANSECT MONITORING DATA

Date Site Survey No.

Transect No.

A (0 m- 100 m)

B (100 m - 200 m)

C (200 m - 300 m)

D (300 m - 400 m)

E (400 m - 500 m)

F (500 m - 600 m)

G (600 m - 700 m)

H (700 m - 800 m)

I (800 m - 900 m)

J (900 m - 1000 m)

K (1000 m - 1100 m)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 1 0 1 2 1 0 0

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 2 0 0 7 4 1

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 3 1 0 3 2 0

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 4 3 1 5 1 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 1 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 2 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 3 0 1 2 3 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 5 2 0 0 1

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1 0 0 3 12

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 2 1 2 8 3 15 8 3 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0



Date Site Survey No.

Transect No.

A (0 m- 100 m)

B (100 m - 200 m)

C (200 m - 300 m)

D (300 m - 400 m)

E (400 m - 500 m)

F (500 m - 600 m)

G (600 m - 700 m)

H (700 m - 800 m)

I (800 m - 900 m)

J (900 m - 1000 m)

K (1000 m - 1100 m)

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 1 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 2 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 3 0 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 5 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 1 0 0 0 5

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0



APPENDIX C: VEGETATION MONITORING PHOTOGRAPHS

Throsby North

TT1DE_G

TT1DE_L



TT2DE_G

TT2DE_L



TT3DE_G

TT3DE_L



TT3IJ_G

TT3IJ_L



TT4GH_G

TT4GH_L



Kinlyside

KT1BC_G

KT1BC_L



KT3DE_G

KT3DE_L



KT3EF_G

KT3EF_L



KT4BC_G

KT4BC_L



KT4GH_G

KT4GH_L


Documents

Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program ... Web viewGolden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring ... Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program ... 100