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Carpentarian Pseudantechinus (Pseudantechinus mimulus)

The Carpentarian Pseudantechinus is a small, nocturnal, ground-dwelling marsupial restricted to rocky sites in north-western Queensland and the Gulf region of the Northern Territory. On development sites, rocky outcrops, boulder fields, stony hillsides, spinifex and rock crevices should be treated as potential habitat, even where the species has not previously been recorded.

Conservation status

Northern Territory, Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976: Near threatened.

Breeding season

The seasonal pattern is based on limited records from islands and the Mount Isa region. August to November should be treated as the period of greatest potential sensitivity because births, pouch development and recently weaned young have been recorded during this period.

Seasonal records are sparse and may not represent all parts of the range. Obtain project-specific advice where works cannot avoid rocky habitat during August to November.

  • Breeding and births: Young have been reported in August and September. Females had enlarged teats in October.
  • Pouch young and dependent young: Recently weaned juveniles were trapped near Mount Isa in November. The duration of pouch dependence is not documented.
  • Nocturnal activity: The species is nocturnal throughout the year. Remote cameras and trapping should account for night-time activity.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing and rock removal are most likely to harm the species from August to November because breeding, pouch young and recently weaned juveniles may be present. This timing is based on limited records.

Identification

This is a very small dasyurid with a flattened head, pointed muzzle, large ears and brown upperparts. It is usually associated with rocky ground and may carry a carrot-shaped, fat-storing tail when food is plentiful.

The Carpentarian Pseudantechinus has a head and body length of 63 to 91 mm and a tail length of 56 to 76 mm. It is generally brown above and pale below, with a patch of reddish fur around the ears.

The species is the smallest of the Pseudantechinus species covered in the source material. Males average about 16 g and females about 18 g.

Head and body: 63 to 91 mm

Tail: 56 to 76 mm

Average weight: Males 16 g; females 18 g

Diagnostic colour: Reddish fur around the ears

Identification: Similar species

It can resemble the Sandstone Antechinus, Pseudantechinus bilarni, the Ningbing Antechinus, P. ningbing, and the Fat-tailed Antechinus, P. macdonnellensis. These species also have a flattened head, pointed muzzle, large ears and brown upperparts.

The Carpentarian Pseudantechinus is generally smaller, with a relatively shorter tail than similar species. Positive identification may require skull characteristics or confirmation by a competent field investigator.

  • Do not rely on overall colour alone when separating this species from other small dasyurids.
  • Confirm unusual records with photographs, measurements and, where authorised, hair or tissue sampling for specialist or molecular identification.

Identification: Field signs and detection

The species is nocturnal and has been detected by live trapping and remote cameras. Camera surveys at the Dugald River Mine detected it in low numbers, and camera traps may detect it more readily than standard live trapping in some areas.

Species-specific descriptions of tracks, scats, calls, nests or eyeshine are not provided in the supplied documents. Daytime searches should nevertheless inspect rocks, ledges and crevices for tracks or scats, and should record shelter features before disturbance.

  • Use remote cameras near rocky passages, boulder fields and the bases of sandstone ranges.
  • Use Elliott A or Elliott E traps where trapping is permitted and safe, with methods approved by the relevant jurisdiction.
  • Avoid assuming that a non-detection proves absence, particularly where rocky habitat is extensive or survey effort is limited.

Distribution: National range

The known range is disjunct and extends across parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Much of the potentially suitable rocky country has not been surveyed adequately, so records should be assessed with care and absence should not be inferred from a small number of surveys.

In Queensland, the species is known from the Mount Isa region, including the Selwyn Ranges, and may occur at Cravens Peak south of the main distribution. The relevant bioregion is the Mount Isa Inlier.

In the Northern Territory, it is known from North, Vanderlin, Centre and South West Islands in the Sir Edward Pellew group, and from mainland rocky hills between Pungalina Creek and the Calvert River. These records fall within the Gulf Coastal bioregion.

  • The original Alexandria Station record on the Barkly Tablelands has not been repeated and the type locality appears atypical.
  • The species has not been recorded in the Lawn Hill, or Boodjamulla, area despite substantial sampling.
  • Reports from Wollogorang Station were subsequently considered more likely to represent Sandstone Antechinus.

Distribution: Known strongholds and subpopulations

The main known areas are the Sir Edward Pellew Islands, Pungalina-Seven Emu Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mount Isa and Selwyn Range area, and possibly Cravens Peak. The 2024 study identified the possibility of two disjunct populations, while also extending the known Queensland range.

The species has been recorded at the Dugald River Mine in the Knapdale Range, where repeated camera monitoring detected it in low numbers and suggested high turnover of individuals.

Distribution: Population information

There is no reliable population estimate and no empirical evidence of a current increase or decrease. Monitoring on the Pellew Islands has not shown a pronounced trend, apart from a possible decline on North Island.

The Australian Government assessment inferred that there were likely more than 10,000 mature individuals, but rated that estimate as low reliability. It also inferred at least five subpopulations, with some likely to contain more than 1,000 mature individuals.

Estimated extent of occurrence: 139,000 km2, based on records from 1997 to 2017

Estimated area of occupancy: 320 km2 using a 2 by 2 km grid, considered a substantial underestimate

Potentially suitable area: Mapped upper limit up to 96,000 km2, although actual occupancy is considered lower

Mature individuals: Likely more than 10,000, low reliability estimate

Generation length: Estimated at 1 to 2 years

Population trend: No empirical evidence of increase, decline or extreme fluctuation

Habitat: Overall habitat

The species occurs in rugged, rocky country rather than in a particular vegetation type. Rocky structure appears to be the most consistent habitat requirement, with vegetation and ground cover influencing where prey and shelter are available.

Records are associated mainly with sandstone formations, including boulders, outcrops, rubble, scarps, rocky hills and the slopes or bases of sandstone ranges. Some recent records were from limestone formations.

The species has been recorded in several vegetation types, but all records have been from rocky sites. It occurs in rocky areas with spinifex, shrubby open woodland and open forest.

Habitat: Vegetation and structure

In the Selwyn Range, massive rock features were key predictors of presence. Sites with boulders, outcrops, rubble and scarps were more likely to support the species.

Low woodland to open forest dominated by Lancewood, Acacia shirleyi, was associated with higher detection rates in the Selwyn Range. Hummock grass, including Triodia species, and scattered low woodland or shrubland are characteristic of other described habitat.

  • Map and ground-truth boulder fields, rock pavements, outcrops, scree, scarps, ledges and crevices before clearing.
  • Retain connected rocky features and their surrounding spinifex, shrub and low woodland cover where practicable.
  • Treat isolated rocky patches as potential habitat even if the surrounding vegetation is disturbed.

Habitat: Elevation and climate

The supplied documents do not provide a defined elevation limit or climatic threshold. The known distribution is in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Mount Isa region, including seasonally dry rocky country.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding sites

The Carpentarian Pseudantechinus is a nocturnal generalist predator. It forages on or among rocky ground and associated vegetation, but the supplied documents do not define its foraging distance or home range.

The diet probably includes a range of invertebrates and small vertebrates. Earlier field guidance describes the species as insectivorous.

Foraging habitat is expected to include rocky ground, spinifex hummocks, rubble, boulders, ledges and the adjoining shrubby woodland or open forest where prey occur.

  • Inspect rocky habitat and nearby ground cover for prey resources and signs of activity before works begin.
  • Avoid removing rock piles, rubble and dense hummock grass where these features form part of a connected rocky habitat patch.

Foraging habitat: Food plants and foraging range

No particular food plant has been identified for this species. The 2024 study found associations with 11 plant taxa, but the supplied abstract does not name those taxa or establish that they are food plants.

No reliable information is provided on home-range size, nightly movement distance or the distance individuals travel between shelter and feeding sites.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding is seasonal, but poorly documented. Sites with connected rock shelter and nearby spinifex or low woodland should be retained during the breeding and young-rearing period.

The limited records indicate that young are born in August and September. Females captured in July and August on the Pellew Islands did not have pouch young, while females captured in October had enlarged teats. Recently weaned juveniles were trapped near Mount Isa in November.

The documents do not provide a confirmed litter size, gestation period, age at maturity or species-specific maximum lifespan. Generation length is estimated at 1 to 2 years, based on longevity of at least 2 years in the similar Sandstone Antechinus.

Breeding season: Seasonal; births reported in August and September

Litter size: Not documented in the supplied sources

Gestation: Not documented in the supplied sources

Age at maturity: Not documented in the supplied sources

Lifespan: Not confirmed; generation length estimated at 1 to 2 years

Weaning evidence: Recently weaned juveniles recorded near Mount Isa in November

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat

The documents do not identify a separate breeding habitat type. The best-supported approach is to protect the rocky habitat used by adults, including boulders, rock crevices, ledges, rubble and nearby spinifex or low woodland.

Avoid clearing or blasting rocky shelter features during August to November, when births, pouch young and recently weaned juveniles may be present.

Sheltering habitat: Rock shelters

Shelter is provided by complex rocky ground rather than trees or purpose-built nests. The species has no documented requirement for tree hollows, burrows or large logs.

Known habitat includes pebbles, boulders, rubble, rock outcrops, stony hillsides, escarpments, ledges and rock crevices. These features are likely to provide daytime refuges for a nocturnal animal.

The supplied documents do not give minimum crevice dimensions, den dimensions, shelter density or the size of an individual refuge.

  • Search rock piles, boulder bases, crevices, ledges and overhangs during daytime habitat inspections.
  • Do not dismantle or fill rocky shelter features before a fauna assessment and any required wildlife handling plan are in place.
  • Retain surrounding spinifex and low shrub cover because shelter use is associated with both rock structure and nearby vegetation.

Sheltering habitat: Survey and handling implications

Pitfall trapping may be unsuitable where boulders and rock crevices prevent safe excavation. Elliott A and Elliott E traps have been identified as appropriate options for rocky habitat, subject to permits and jurisdictional requirements.

Remote cameras are also appropriate, especially where live trapping is impractical or where rocky ground limits trap placement.

  • Use a stratified design that samples each rocky habitat type and its associated vegetation.
  • For sites up to 5 ha, combine daytime habitat searches with searches for tracks or scats, camera trapping and permitted Elliott trapping.
  • Use competent field investigators for identification and follow approved animal welfare and wildlife handling procedures.

Threats: Clearing and mining

The main project risks are loss of rocky habitat, altered fire regimes and increased exposure to predators. The Australian Government delisting advice states that uncertainty remains about population size and trends, and that mining impacts remain relevant in parts of the range.

Mining and other works can remove rocky outcrops, boulders, rubble, scarps, spinifex and adjoining woodland. Habitat loss from mining was identified as a current threat, including in areas being considered for heap-leach mining and in the Pungalina-Seven Emu area.

A Northern Territory mining assessment found potential habitat within a mineral lease, but only 4.1 ha of 2,676.3 ha of mapped potential habitat was proposed for clearing. The species was not detected there by Elliott trapping or remote cameras, and the project assessment rated the likelihood of impact as low because the species was considered unlikely to occur locally.

  • Avoid rocky habitat during site selection and use existing disturbed corridors where practicable.
  • Map the full rocky habitat unit, not just the proposed clearing polygon, before finalising access tracks, laydown areas and borrow areas.
  • Treat a non-detection in a small work area as evidence about that survey only, not proof that the wider rocky habitat is unoccupied.

Threats: Fire and invasive grasses

Frequent, extensive or intense fires are a plausible threat. Severe fire effects have been demonstrated for the similar Sandstone Antechinus, although the Carpentarian Pseudantechinus was detected at seven of 18 Selwyn Range sites that had burnt within the previous two years.

Invasive grasses may increase fire intensity and frequency, replace native grasses and reduce prey availability. Buffel grass is identified in the supplied material as a broader threat through fire and vegetation change.

  • Prevent avoidable ignition and manage hot, continuous fuel around rocky habitat in accordance with the relevant fire authority and land manager.
  • Do not assume that rocky ground removes fire risk, because fire can affect surrounding spinifex, shrubs, prey and predator behaviour.
  • Control invasive grasses where authorised, particularly where they increase fuel continuity through rocky habitat.

Threats: Predators, grazing and other pressures

Predation by feral cats is a plausible threat. Cats may hunt more intensively in recently burnt areas, creating a possible interaction between fire and predation.

Cane toad poisoning is also considered plausible, although the species has been recorded after cane toads invaded parts of its range. Pollution, including lead and other deposits around Mount Isa, has been associated with changes in native mammal communities, but effects on this species are unknown.

The supplied documents do not identify species-specific effects from roads, vehicle strikes, disease or hydrology change. These pressures should still be considered where works alter access to rocky habitat, surface drainage, prey resources or predator activity.

  • Keep food waste and other attractants away from rocky habitat and construction camps.
  • Use feral cat and grazing-animal controls where they form part of an approved land management programme.
  • Inspect rock habitat before any chemical, earthworks or pollution-generating activity and prevent contaminated runoff from reaching occupied rocky sites.

Survey methodology: 1. Habitat searches and mapping

The Carpentarian Pseudantechinus is a small, nocturnal, ground dwelling marsupial associated with rocky habitat. Surveys must target boulders, rock crevices, stony hillsides, rocky outcrops, hummock grass and shrubby open woodland, including habitat that may be difficult to trap safely.

Before trapping, inspect the full subject area and map rocky outcrops, boulder fields, scree, ledges, crevices, stony hillsides and adjacent hummock grass or shrubby woodland.

Use aerial photographs, topographic maps, vegetation mapping and satellite imagery to plan coverage, then ground truth the mapped habitat.

For small sites, use systematic transects spaced 50 to 100 metres apart, or quadrats in representative habitat. Record the search area, transect length, spacing, observers and time spent.

Target area for the species profile methods: Sites up to 5 hectares

Recommended transect spacing for habitat searches: 50 to 100 metres

  • Search beneath and around rocks, boulders and ledges for shelter sites, tracks, scats and other signs of activity.
  • Stratify the survey across all rocky habitat types and across the ecotones between rocky features and adjacent vegetation.
  • Do not dig pitfall traps where rocks, boulders or shallow soils make excavation unsafe or could damage habitat.

Survey methodology: 2. Nocturnal searches and signs

Conduct searches after dark because the species is nocturnal. Search rocky ledges, crevices, boulder fields and stony slopes for animals, tracks and scats.

Record the date, start and finish time, weather, moon or light conditions, observer effort, location and habitat at every search.

Use spotlighting where safe access allows, while keeping observers and vehicles clear of unstable rocks and crevices.

  • Search the same rocky features during the day for signs that may be difficult to detect at night.
  • Record non-detections as well as detections, because the species has a poorly understood and disjunct distribution and can occur at low trapping rates.
  • Treat any small Pseudantechinus record as requiring competent identification because the species may be confused with Sandstone Antechinus and Fat-tailed Antechinus.

Survey methodology: 3. Elliott and pitfall trapping

Use an intensive small mammal survey based on Elliott traps and, where ground conditions permit, pitfall traps. The survey guideline identifies Elliott A and Elliott E traps as suitable options for the species and notes that an Elliott A trap has captured an individual previously.

Place traps beside suitable rocky habitat, including boulders, rock crevices and ledges, rather than distributing them only through vegetation types.

Apply the Northern Territory standard survey approach where relevant and document trap type, number of traps, trap nights, spacing, bait, checking times and weather.

Recommended survey unit in the species profile: Areas up to 5 hectares

Known trap result: One Carpentarian Pseudantechinus was captured in an Elliott A trap

  • Check traps at first light and as often as required by the permit and animal welfare conditions to prevent exposure, dehydration or heat stress.
  • Close or remove traps during unsuitable heat, rain or other conditions that could compromise animal welfare.
  • Use pitfall traps only where they can be installed safely without damaging rocks, crevices or other habitat features, and provide suitable drift fencing, shade and escape protection.

Survey methodology: 4. Cameras and supplementary evidence

Use remote cameras around rocky outcrops, boulder fields, ledges and likely movement routes where trapping is unsafe or where additional detection evidence is needed.

Position cameras to view gaps between rocks, approaches to crevices and edges of rocky habitat, and record camera location, height, orientation, bait or lure and deployment period.

Collect predator scats, owl casts or remains from predator nests and dens where this can be done lawfully and without disturbing the predator or its den.

Recent research effort demonstrating camera use: 631 camera stations at 227 independent sites, 28,767 trap nights over four years

Recent research records: 111 records during the study, within a database of 292 records

  • Use cameras as a supplement to targeted trapping and searches, not as evidence that unsurveyed rocky habitat is unoccupied.
  • Retain clear photographs or specimens for verification when the animal could be confused with another Pseudantechinus species.
  • Consider tissue or hair sampling only under the relevant permit and licensing arrangements, and only when identification or future genetic analysis requires it.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Cover every patch of suitable rocky habitat within the disturbance footprint and representative retained habitat, using a documented stratified design.
  • Use the species profile methods for sites up to 5 hectares and replicate the survey across larger or heterogeneous areas rather than treating the whole project area as one sample.
  • Schedule surveys in suitable weather and record any conditions that could reduce detection, including heat, rain, wind, access restrictions and trap disturbance.
  • Have a competent mammal ecologist confirm records where identification is uncertain, particularly where Sandstone Antechinus or Fat-tailed Antechinus may occur.
  • Report survey effort and results in the project ecological report, including maps, raw records, photographs, trap effort, camera effort, habitat descriptions, weather, observer details and limitations.
  • Submit confirmed records, including reliable non-detections where requested, to the relevant Northern Territory or Queensland wildlife database and provide records to the project regulator or land manager.
  • Check the current state species status, survey guidance and database requirements before fieldwork because the Australian Government advice states that the species was deleted from the EPBC Vulnerable list on 22 February 2019.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Avoiding rocky habitat is the most reliable way to reduce the risk of harm. The species is recorded from the Sir Edward Pellew Islands, Pungalina to Seven Emu and the Mount Isa region, but suitable rocky habitat also occurs outside confirmed populations.

  • Redesign the footprint to retain boulder fields, rocky outcrops, scree, ledges, crevices and stony hillsides with hummock grass and shrubby open woodland.
  • Retain connected areas of rocky habitat between the disturbance footprint and nearby known or potential habitat.
  • Keep access tracks, laydown areas, stockpiles and drainage works out of rocky habitat wherever practicable.
  • Avoid removing rocks or changing drainage, fire protection, grazing access or vegetation structure around retained rocky habitat.
  • Treat all suitable rocky habitat as potential habitat where the species has not been recorded, because its distribution remains poorly understood.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

State status supplied for this profile: Northern Territory, Near Threatened

Current EPBC position in the supplied Australian Government advice: Deleted from the Vulnerable category effective 22 February 2019

  • Confirm the current EPBC Act status before works begin. The supplied Australian Government advice records deletion from the Vulnerable category in 2019, while state and territory legislation may apply separately.
  • Check Northern Territory and Queensland threatened species requirements, permits, animal ethics conditions, scientific licences and fauna handling authorities before surveying or clearing.
  • Obtain project specific advice on whether an EPBC referral is required for other listed matters or for a changed species status, rather than relying on the historical listing in an environmental report.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies mapped rocky habitat, survey methods, authorised personnel, stop-work triggers, rescue arrangements, reporting and incident contacts.
  • Stage clearing so that habitat is cleared in small, supervised work areas and retained rocky habitat remains available while each stage is completed.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance preparation

  • Complete the targeted habitat and fauna survey before finalising the clearing boundary.
  • Mark rocky outcrops, boulder fields, crevices, ledges, movement routes and retained habitat on construction plans and on the ground.
  • Install exclusion fencing around retained habitat where it can be erected without damaging rocks or blocking animal movement.
  • Brief machine operators and fauna spotter catchers on the species, likely habitat, identification issues and the stop-work procedure.
  • Inspect machinery, access routes and stockpile areas for trapped or sheltering fauna before work starts each day.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and spotter coordination

Clearing must be supervised in suitable rocky habitat. The fauna spotter catcher should control the sequence of work around rocks and crevices and must have authority to stop machinery when an animal or occupied shelter is found.

  • Hold a daily pre-start briefing covering mapped habitat, the day’s clearing boundary, weather, machinery movements, spotter locations and emergency contacts.
  • Keep the fauna spotter catcher within clear view of the active clearing area and stop machinery when the spotter cannot safely inspect the next section.
  • Clear progressively in small sections, allowing the spotter catcher to inspect exposed rocks, crevices, ledges, debris and ground cover before machinery advances.
  • Use low speed and controlled movements around boulders, rocky outcrops and other potential shelter features.
  • Keep cleared material, spoil, fuel, vehicles and construction waste outside retained rocky habitat and exclusion areas.

During habitat disturbance: Handling habitat and fauna

  • Do not move rocks, boulders, logs or other potential shelter features until the fauna spotter catcher has inspected them and authorised the move.
  • Do not place a person into a crevice or under an unstable boulder to retrieve an animal; use safe, licensed methods and specialist assistance.
  • If an animal is found, stop work in the immediate area, protect it from machinery and heat, and keep people and dogs away.
  • Only an appropriately authorised and experienced person may capture, handle, identify or relocate the animal.
  • Relocate a healthy animal only under the relevant permit and fauna management plan, and place it in nearby retained rocky habitat with suitable shelter, away from active machinery.
  • Take photographs and record the exact find location, habitat feature, time, condition, action taken and release location.

During habitat disturbance: Injured animals and stop-work triggers

  • Place an injured animal in a secure, ventilated container with appropriate temperature protection and obtain veterinary or licensed wildlife carer advice without delay.
  • Stop work if a Carpentarian Pseudantechinus is found, if an occupied crevice or shelter is identified, if the spotter catcher cannot inspect the work area safely, or if required permits or controls are not in place.
  • Stop work and reassess if clearing exposes a concentration of rocky shelters, repeated signs, or more animals than predicted.
  • Do not resume in the affected area until the fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist confirm that the response is complete and any regulator or permit conditions have been met.

During habitat disturbance: Records and incident reporting

  • Maintain a daily clearing log with the area cleared, habitat features removed, personnel, machinery, weather, inspections, animals found, handling, relocations, injuries and incidents.
  • Map every confirmed record and every occupied or potentially occupied shelter feature in the project geographic information system.
  • Notify the project environmental officer and relevant authority of a confirmed record, injury, mortality, permit breach or stop-work event in accordance with the fauna management plan.
  • Retain photographs, identification evidence, permits, veterinary advice and release details with the project environmental records.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks should confirm that no animal remains in the work area and that retained rocky habitat has not been damaged. Monitoring should focus on the habitat features and populations most exposed to the project.

  • Inspect the cleared area and the boundary of retained habitat after each clearing stage for live animals, carcasses, tracks, scats and newly exposed crevices.
  • Check temporary exclusion fencing, access controls and erosion or drainage structures for trapped or blocked fauna.
  • Remove unused materials and make safe any excavations, pipes, trenches or pits that could trap a small ground dwelling mammal.
  • Document the final cleared footprint and any unplanned disturbance to rocky habitat.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and controls

  • Monitor retained rocky habitat with repeat searches, cameras or targeted trapping where the project risk assessment identifies a need for post-clearance data.
  • Use the same mapped sites, methods and effort between monitoring events so that results can be compared over time.
  • Continue weed, feral cat, grazing and fire controls where these threats are relevant to the retained habitat.
  • Maintain exclusion fencing, habitat protection zones, access controls and rehabilitation measures until the project environmental officer signs them off.

After habitat disturbance: Reporting and offsets

  • Provide the regulator, land manager and relevant state wildlife database with confirmed records, mortalities, relocations, survey results and monitoring results where required.
  • Compare the area of rocky habitat removed with the approved footprint and investigate any exceedance immediately.
  • Apply any approval condition, offset requirement or conservation contribution required by the relevant jurisdiction or project approval.
  • Review the fauna management plan after each clearing stage and update controls if detections, injuries or habitat impacts differ from predictions.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore rocky shelter and ground cover

Rehabilitation should recreate the rocky shelter structure and ground cover used by the species. Recovery will depend on the quality and continuity of retained habitat, not only on planting vegetation.

  • Reinstate locally sourced rocks and boulders in stable arrangements that provide crevices, ledges and shaded shelter, where this is safe and permitted.
  • Retain or replace logs and coarse woody debris where they occur naturally near rocky habitat, without burying crevices or blocking animal movement.
  • Re-establish hummock grass and shrubby open woodland around rocky features using locally appropriate native species and provenance material.
  • Control invasive grasses because they can alter fire behaviour, compete with native grasses and reduce prey availability.

Rehabilitation actions: Fire, predators and site protection

  • Manage fire so that extensive, frequent or intense fires do not remove ground cover across retained or rehabilitated rocky habitat.
  • Use fire planning that recognises the potential interaction between recently burnt areas and feral cat hunting activity.
  • Control feral cats and grazing impacts where they are identified as threats at the site.
  • Prevent vehicles, stockpiles and future maintenance activities from damaging reinstated rocks, crevices and ground cover.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor rehabilitation success

  • Inspect rehabilitated areas for rock stability, crevice formation, hummock grass establishment, shrub recovery, weed cover, erosion and evidence of fauna use.
  • Use repeat cameras, nocturnal searches and targeted trapping where authorised to test whether rehabilitated areas are being used by the species or other rocky habitat fauna.
  • Set success measures before works begin, including survival of planted native vegetation, control of invasive grasses, retention of shelter features, no erosion that exposes or buries crevices, and no fauna mortality attributable to the project.
  • Continue monitoring for the period required by the approval and adapt planting, weed, predator or fire controls when success measures are not met.

Sources