Chestnut Dunnart (Sminthopsis archeri)

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Near threatened.

Breeding season

The Chestnut Dunnart is poorly known in Australia, and species-specific breeding months have not been established. For clearing and construction planning, assume that breeding and dependent young may occur in any month, with night activity expected throughout the year.

Breeding mode: Live-bearing marsupial. Young are born and raised in a pouch before becoming independent.

Litter size: Not recorded

Gestation: Not recorded

Weaning: Not recorded

Age at maturity: Not recorded

Breeding or shelter sites: Not recorded. Small dasyurids generally use concealed ground-level shelter, but Chestnut Dunnart breeding places have not been described.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded

Activity and breeding timing may vary across Cape York and between wet and dry years, so site checks should be adjusted to local rainfall, vegetation condition and recent records.

• Potential breeding activity: No reliable month-specific breeding period is available, so breeding should be treated as possible throughout the year.
• Dependent young: The timing of births, pouch young and dependent young is not established for this species.
• Night activity and survey detectability: Plan spotlighting in open country at night and consider pit trapping with drift fences where appropriate and authorised.
• Highest clearing risk: Because breeding timing and breeding places are poorly known, treat clearing and ground disturbance as a potential risk in every month.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Chestnut Dunnart is a small, nocturnal dasyurid. Reliable field identification can be difficult because the species is poorly known and detailed diagnostic features are not established in the available field guidance.

Do not rely on a brief view, body colour or general shape alone for a confident identification. Record clear photographs, body measurements where practicable, and the exact location of any capture or sighting.

A confirmed field size range is not available. Avoid assigning an identification from an indistinct spotlighting observation.

Activity: Primarily encountered during night surveys

Group: Dasyurid marsupial

• Treat small, nocturnal, mouse-like marsupials in suitable Cape York habitat as potential dunnarts until checked.
• Use an experienced mammal ecologist for confirmation where the animal may be a listed species.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A species-specific call or echolocation system is not available for field recognition. Spotlighting and trapping records are more useful than acoustic detection alone.

Cape York specimens once identified as Carpentarian Dunnarts, Sminthopsis butleri, were reclassified as Chestnut Dunnarts. This history means that similar dunnarts should be checked carefully rather than identified from locality alone.

Identification risk: Similar small dasyurids may be confused in the field

• Preserve photographs and specimen measurements where lawful and necessary.
• Seek taxonomic confirmation for animals that resemble the Chestnut Dunnart or Carpentarian Dunnart.

Identification: Field signs

Species-specific droppings, nests, odours, stains and other field signs are not well established for site use. Absence of visible signs should not be treated as evidence that the species is absent.

During night searches, record the animal's location, habitat, direction of travel and behaviour. Check likely ground cover and shelter features before vegetation is disturbed.

Direct evidence: A confirmed sighting or capture is more reliable than unverified signs

• Use night spotlighting in open country.
• Use pit traps with drift fences only under an approved survey design and with appropriate animal welfare controls.
• Keep capture and release records for every small dasyurid handled.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Chestnut Dunnart is recorded from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. It also occurs in New Guinea, so Australian records form only part of its overall range.

Plan for the species in suitable habitat across Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. The available distribution information does not define a complete local range or identify all occupied populations.

A site assessment should consider habitat continuity and nearby records, rather than relying only on a small project footprint.

State: Queensland

Australian region: Cape York Peninsula

• Confirm current records through Queensland species databases and project specific searches.
• Map savanna and grassland that will be cleared, fragmented or affected by vehicle access.

Distribution: Overseas range

The species occurs in New Guinea, including coastal savanna and grassland on plains south of the highlands. The Australian population should not be assumed to use the same habitats in the same way as New Guinea populations.

New Guinea habitat: Coastal savanna and grassland in plains south of the highlands

• Keep Australian project decisions focused on local Queensland habitat and records.
• Do not extend overseas distribution assumptions to a Queensland site without local evidence.

Distribution: Status and project screening

The Chestnut Dunnart is near threatened in Queensland and is protected wildlife. A known or suspected occurrence should be referred to the project's qualified ecologist before clearing starts.

Tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program in Queensland. Project approvals and current Queensland requirements should be checked before works proceed.

Queensland listing: Near threatened

Legal consideration: Protected wildlife, with controls applying to tampering with breeding places

• Escalate confirmed records and potential breeding place impacts.
• Retain evidence and location data in the project fauna register.
• Use survey effort suited to the risk, habitat quality and scale of the proposed clearing.

Habitat: Vegetation and landform

The Chestnut Dunnart is associated with coastal savanna and grassland, including the savannahs of Cape York Peninsula. On a work site, focus on the condition of the ground layer as well as the broader vegetation community.

Potential habitat includes open savanna, native grassland and grassy lowland areas. Look for relatively continuous native ground cover and a natural mix of grasses, litter and small shelter features.

The species is associated with plains and lowland country in its New Guinea range. On Cape York, assess open flats, savanna edges and connected grassland rather than examining only wooded areas.

Broad habitat: Coastal savanna and grassland

Australian focus: Savannahs and open country on Cape York Peninsula

• Map native grassland and open savanna within and beside the clearing area.
• Record drainage lines, low rises, grassland patches and links between habitat areas.
• Identify areas already heavily modified, regularly trafficked or lacking natural ground cover.

Habitat: Site inspection priorities

Inspect habitat before machinery enters. Mark native ground cover, dense grass patches, fallen material and other features that may provide shelter or movement cover.

Where avoidance is possible, retain connected habitat and use existing disturbed routes for access and staging.

Survey approach: Combine daytime habitat assessment with night searches where risk warrants

• Walk the proposed clearing boundary in daylight.
• Undertake night spotlighting in suitable open country.
• Review habitat after slashing, fire or grazing, as these changes may affect detectability and shelter.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas to retain

The Chestnut Dunnart's diet and detailed foraging preferences are poorly known. As a small nocturnal dasyurid, it should be managed as a ground-active mammal that may use native grassland and savanna ground cover.

Give priority to intact native grassland, open savanna and areas with a continuous ground layer. Retain habitat links between these areas where the project layout allows.

Avoid assuming that short or open vegetation has no fauna value. Ground-active mammals may use habitat that appears sparse from above.

Diet: Not established in the available field guidance

Foraging period: Night

• Retain native grasses and natural litter where possible.
• Minimise unnecessary vehicle movement across undisturbed ground.
• Keep temporary work areas within already disturbed land.

Foraging habitat: Survey and clearing practice

Spotlighting at night in open country is a suitable general approach for small dunnarts. Pit trapping with drift fences can be effective for small dasyurids, but it needs a fauna specialist, animal welfare controls and project approval.

There is no species-specific trap number, spacing or survey duration to apply automatically. Scale the survey to the amount and quality of habitat, the proposed disturbance and the Queensland listing.

General survey methods: Night spotlighting and pit trapping with drift fences

• Search before clearing where suitable habitat is present.
• Use soft-start clearing and a fauna spotter catcher where required by the approval or risk assessment.
• Stop and reassess if a Chestnut Dunnart is found.

Breeding habitat: Breeding place precautions

Details of Chestnut Dunnart breeding sites and breeding timing are poorly known. Treat suitable ground cover and any suspected nest or shelter feature as potentially relevant until assessed by a qualified ecologist.

A species-specific nest, burrow or maternity structure has not been established for routine site identification. Do not disturb a suspected breeding place simply because it is small, concealed or not occupied when first inspected.

In Queensland, tampering with a breeding place of this near threatened animal requires a species management program. Confirm the legal pathway before clearing or relocating habitat.

Breeding timing: Not established for site planning

Litter size: Not established for site planning

• Inspect proposed clearing areas before disturbance.
• Mark and protect suspected breeding or shelter features while advice is obtained.
• Record the feature, surrounding vegetation and any evidence of use.

Breeding habitat: Works planning

Avoid clearing the best connected grassland and savanna habitat where practicable. Stage works so that fauna can be detected and managed before heavy machinery enters.

Do not create artificial breeding structures or relocate animals without a species-specific assessment and the necessary approvals.

Management level: Use near threatened species controls and site-specific ecological advice

• Include the species in the pre-clearing briefing.
• Set out an escalation process for captures, dependent young or suspected nests.
• Have the fauna spotter catcher coordinate with the project ecologist and approval holder.

Sheltering habitat: Potential cover features

Specific sheltering structures used by the Chestnut Dunnart are not well defined. Retain a range of natural ground features in suitable savanna and grassland, and inspect them before disturbance.

Potentially suitable cover may include dense grass, leaf litter, fallen material and small ground-level gaps within native vegetation. These features should be treated as potential shelter rather than confirmed species requirements.

Pay particular attention to places where open grassland meets thicker savanna ground cover, and to habitat that remains connected to larger native areas.

Shelter type: Species-specific shelter structures are not established

Practical approach: Retain and inspect natural ground cover

• Avoid unnecessary removal of ground cover.
• Keep stockpiles, vehicles and site compounds out of intact grassland where possible.
• Inspect beneath and around material that must be moved.

Sheltering habitat: Night activity and relocation risk

The species is nocturnal, so an animal may be absent from a shelter feature during a daytime inspection. A clear daytime search does not demonstrate that the area is unused.

Do not handle or move an animal unless this is directed by an appropriately authorised fauna professional. Use a safe capture and release procedure if relocation is approved.

Activity period: Nocturnal

• Complete night searches where habitat and project risk justify them.
• Keep pets and unnecessary personnel away from captured fauna.
• Record the original capture location and release location.

Threats: Vegetation clearing and fragmentation

The Chestnut Dunnart's species-specific threats are not well documented in the available field guidance. For Queensland projects, manage the main foreseeable risks to a small, ground-active mammal in native savanna and grassland.

Clearing can remove native grassland, savanna ground cover and potential shelter. Roads, compounds and access tracks can also break habitat into smaller patches.

Avoid clearing intact habitat where practicable. Keep retained patches connected and protect their edges from unnecessary disturbance.

Primary site risk: Loss and fragmentation of native savanna and grassland habitat

• Use existing disturbed areas for access and laydown.
• Minimise the clearing footprint.
• Rehabilitate temporary work areas with locally appropriate native ground cover.

Threats: Machinery, vehicles and ground disturbance

Earthworks, slashing, grading and vehicle movements can injure animals, crush shelter features and remove the ground layer. Night works can also increase the chance of encounters with active animals.

Complete pre-clearing checks and use a fauna spotter catcher where required. Keep machinery within approved work areas.

Direct disturbance risk: Injury, death or loss of shelter during ground works

• Brief operators before work starts.
• Use low speed and controlled movements around retained habitat.
• Stop work and seek advice after a capture, injury or suspected breeding place.

Threats: Fire, grazing and ground layer change

Changes to the native ground layer can reduce cover and alter the suitability of savanna and grassland. Fire and grazing plans should therefore consider habitat condition, not only fuel loads or pasture use.

Use a qualified ecologist to assess how proposed burning, slashing or grazing will affect retained habitat.

Land management risk: Loss or simplification of native ground cover

• Protect the best native ground cover from avoidable disturbance.
• Record recent fire, grazing and slashing during habitat assessments.
• Avoid treating all open grassland as low value fauna habitat.

Threats: Breeding place disturbance

Unknown breeding and shelter requirements increase the risk of overlooking a breeding place during rapid clearing. A suspected breeding place must be managed under the applicable Queensland requirements.

Near threatened status warrants conservative decisions where suitable habitat, a dependent animal or a suspected breeding feature is found.

Queensland requirement: Tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program

• Do not disturb suspected breeding places until the approval pathway is confirmed.
• Maintain exclusion areas while the site is assessed.
• Document decisions, inspections and any mitigation measures.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Chestnut Dunnart is poorly known in Queensland, so surveys should use more than one detection method where suitable habitat may be affected. Focus on coastal savanna and grassland on Cape York, particularly open country, and document both positive and negative results.

Map coastal savanna and grassland within and around the disturbance footprint. Check Cape York records, habitat connectivity, recent fire history, access tracks and proposed clearing areas.

Review current Queensland conservation requirements and confirm whether the project needs referral, approval or a species management program.

• Obtain the latest records from relevant Queensland government databases and local land managers.
• Treat the species as a potential constraint where suitable habitat is present, even if no recent record occurs nearby.
• Record the area and condition of potentially suitable habitat, including retained vegetation and adjoining undisturbed areas.

Survey methodology: 2. Night spotlighting

Spotlighting at night in open country can detect small dasyurids. Use it as a transect based search through suitable savanna and grassland, with quiet movement and regular scanning of the ground and low vegetation.

Choose dry, calm conditions where possible. Avoid periods when rain, strong wind or dense vegetation are likely to reduce detection.

• Search all habitat types that may be cleared, including edges, tracks and likely shelter areas.
• Record the date, start and finish times, weather, observers, route, habitat, effort and all observations.
• Photograph animals only where this can be done without causing additional disturbance.
• Do not rely on spotlighting alone, because detection can vary with weather, animal activity and vegetation structure.

Survey methodology: 3. Pit trapping with drift fences

Pit traps with low drift fences can be effective for small dasyurids. Use plastic or metal cylinders buried with their upper edges flush with the ground, and install a low fly-wire or similar fence to guide animals into the traps.

This method requires an experienced fauna ecologist, animal welfare controls and site-specific approval. No species-specific trap number, spacing or duration is established here, so design the program to suit the site and obtain regulatory advice.

• Place traps only where safe, shaded and suitable for the target habitat.
• Check traps at the required frequency under the approved animal ethics and permit conditions.
• Provide suitable shelter and protection from heat, rain and predators during trapping.
• Close or remove traps when weather or site conditions make trapping unsafe.
• Identify, photograph and release animals promptly at the point of capture, unless an authorised person directs otherwise.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and interpretation

Record every detection and evidence of use, including live animals, carcasses, tracks or other signs that can be reliably attributed. Have uncertain records checked by a suitably experienced ecologist.

A non-detection does not demonstrate absence. Explain the survey conditions, effort and limitations in the report.

• Map detections and the habitat associated with each record.
• Record sex, apparent age, condition and handling details where an animal is captured or handled lawfully.
• Record nearby threats such as fire, weeds, feral predators, vehicle access and proposed clearing.
• Submit significant records to the relevant Queensland database or authority where required.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan works to avoid suitable habitat wherever practicable. Confirm the legal pathway before clearing, and do not disturb a breeding place without the approvals and species management arrangements that apply in Queensland.

The Chestnut Dunnart is listed as near threatened in Queensland and is protected wildlife. Confirm whether the proposed action requires an EPBC Act referral or approval, Queensland approval, a species management program, or other wildlife permits.

Tampering with a breeding place in Queensland requires a species management program. Obtain written advice from the relevant authority where the status of a breeding place or proposed action is uncertain.

• Check the current Queensland listing and development requirements before finalising the clearing footprint.
• Use appropriately authorised fauna spotter catchers and obtain permits for trapping, handling, rehabilitation or relocation.
• Keep approvals, permits, conditions and contact details on site.
• Do not assume that a general clearing approval authorises handling or disturbance of this species.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site design

Retain coastal savanna and grassland habitat, especially connected patches and areas adjoining known or potential records. Avoid fragmenting retained habitat with roads, compounds, stockpiles or permanent lighting.

Where avoidance is not possible, have a qualified ecologist define site-specific buffers around habitat, records and any breeding place. Do not apply an arbitrary buffer without checking approval conditions.

• Clearly mark no-go areas before machinery arrives.
• Keep vehicles, spoil, waste, fuels and materials out of retained habitat.
• Maintain safe links between retained habitat patches where the design allows.
• Control access by workers, vehicles, domestic animals and dogs.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and inspection

Complete a pre-clearance inspection shortly before works, using methods suited to the habitat and approval conditions. Search the disturbance footprint and areas where animals may move during clearing.

The breeding biology and breeding place types of the Chestnut Dunnart are poorly known. Treat any occupied nest, shelter or other suspected breeding place as a potential protected site until assessed by an authorised ecologist.

• Inspect likely shelter areas, dense ground cover, debris and other features that may conceal a small dasyurid.
• Use night spotlighting or approved trapping where the risk assessment indicates that a daytime inspection is unlikely to detect animals.
• Stop and seek advice if a Chestnut Dunnart, suspected breeding place or repeated sign is found.
• Complete the inspection under conditions that support detection and animal welfare.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing, exclusion and induction

No reliable species-specific breeding or migration calendar is established. Do not describe the species as migratory or assume that a particular month is safe. Schedule works outside periods of detected breeding activity where practicable, with advice from the project ecologist.

Exclude fauna from the work area only under an approved method. Exclusion fencing must not trap animals inside or prevent access to retained habitat.

• Install and inspect exclusion fencing before clearing starts.
• Brief all workers on the species, habitat boundaries, stop-work rules and reporting contacts.
• Require workers to check under vehicles and around stored materials before moving them.
• Use low-impact lighting directed away from retained habitat and avoid unnecessary night work.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear habitat in a controlled sequence, starting with the least complex areas and retaining escape routes to suitable habitat. The spotter catcher must have authority to stop work whenever an animal, breeding place or unexpected risk is identified.

Use staged clearing under the direction of the fauna spotter catcher. Work from the edge of the disturbance area towards retained habitat, while keeping escape paths open and free of machinery.

Avoid pushing vegetation, debris or animals into retained habitat without checking that the area is suitable and that the action is authorised.

• Clear slowly and inspect each section before machinery enters.
• Remove materials that could conceal animals only when the spotter catcher directs it.
• Pause work during poor visibility, unsafe heat, heavy rain or other conditions that increase animal risk.
• Keep the approved clearing footprint marked and enforce it.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal handling and relocation

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may capture, handle, transport or release a Chestnut Dunnart. Minimise handling time, noise, heat and exposure.

Use a secure, ventilated container and follow the approved animal welfare and relocation procedure. Release the animal only at the authorised location and in suitable nearby habitat.

• Do not chase, corner or handle an animal unnecessarily.
• Do not relocate an animal off site unless the approval, permit and fauna management plan allow it.
• Record the capture, condition, destination, release time and person responsible.
• Seek veterinary or wildlife carer advice for sick, injured, orphaned or heat-stressed animals.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and unexpected finds

Stop work immediately if an active breeding place, occupied shelter, colony or other significant fauna site is found. The species is not known to form colonies or roosts, but any suspected breeding site must be treated cautiously.

Protect the location from people, vehicles, vibration, fire and weather exposure while the fauna ecologist and relevant authority determine the next action.

• Set a temporary exclusion area based on the site risk and approval conditions.
• Do not remove, fill, collapse or tamper with the site.
• Do not resume work until the authorised ecologist confirms that the controls are in place and the required approval or species management program is satisfied.
• Record the location, evidence of use, photographs where appropriate and all decisions made.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animal pathway

Treat injured animals as a welfare incident. Keep the animal quiet, cool and secure, without offering food or water unless directed by a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer.

Arrange prompt assessment by a veterinarian, licensed wildlife carer or other authorised facility.

• Stop nearby work if machinery, dust, heat or noise could worsen the injury.
• Use gloves and safe handling methods directed by the fauna spotter catcher.
• Record where and when the animal was found, its condition, treatment pathway and final outcome.
• Notify the project manager and relevant authority where required by approval conditions.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records and stop-work reporting

Maintain a daily fauna log. Clear records support compliance, adaptive management and later review.

Report non-compliance, unapproved clearing, animal deaths, injuries, breeding places and unexpected records promptly.

• Record date, location, crew, machinery, weather, cleared area and survey or supervision effort.
• Record all captures, releases, injuries, deaths and stop-work events.
• Retain photographs, maps, permits, chain of custody details and rehabilitation records.
• Ensure every worker knows who can authorise work to restart.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Complete a formal post-clearance inspection before the area is signed off. Use the findings to confirm that the approved footprint was followed and that no animals, breeding places or hazards were left behind.

Inspect the cleared area, adjoining retained habitat, exclusion fencing, stockpiles, trenches and other structures that may contain or trap small mammals.

Have the fauna spotter catcher check for live or injured animals, carcasses, signs of entrapment and damage to retained habitat.

• Search trenches, pipes, pits and other ground openings before they are covered or backfilled.
• Remove or secure hazards that could trap animals.
• Document the final clearing boundary and any encroachment.
• Escalate any new record or suspected breeding place under the project stop-work procedure.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a completion report that links the works to the approval conditions and fauna management plan. State the survey methods, effort, detections, incidents, actions and limitations clearly.

Report records and incidents to Queensland authorities when required by permits, approvals or a species management program.

• Include maps of cleared and retained habitat.
• List all animals handled, relocated, injured or found dead, with outcomes.
• Document any breach, corrective action and approval from the person who authorised recommencement.
• Keep records for the period specified in the approval or permit.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and retained habitat

Inspect release areas after relocation where the approved plan requires follow-up. Check that the area remains accessible, has suitable cover and is not being disturbed by construction activity.

Do not recapture or move animals again unless an authorised ecologist directs it.

• Check exclusion fences and release points for damage or signs of trapping.
• Remove temporary barriers when they are no longer needed and when doing so will not direct animals into the work area.
• Control vehicles, dogs, fire and night lighting around retained habitat.
• Record any subsequent detections or welfare concerns.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review and adaptive management

Review every injury, death, breeding-place discovery, escape, unauthorised clearing event and failed exclusion measure. Use the review to improve later stages of the project.

Update the fauna management plan where monitoring shows that the controls are not working.

• Hold a review with the project manager, fauna spotter catcher and site supervisor.
• Identify the cause, immediate response, residual risk and prevention measure.
• Retrain workers where procedures were not followed.
• Obtain regulator advice before changing a condition or approved method.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitate disturbed areas to restore connected savanna and grassland habitat, with local advice guiding species selection and site preparation. The Chestnut Dunnart's breeding and shelter requirements are poorly known, so use natural habitat restoration first and avoid installing structures that are not demonstrated to suit this species.

Restore native coastal savanna and grassland structure across temporary work areas. Use local provenance plants and seed where available, and retain suitable natural ground cover without creating excessive fuel or weed growth.

Reconnect retained habitat where practicable and remove temporary access tracks, pads, stockpiles and hardstand areas that are no longer required.

• Stabilise bare soil and control erosion promptly.
• Replace suitable ground cover and coarse woody material only where it is safe and consistent with the rehabilitation design.
• Keep rehabilitation areas free from vehicles, stock and unnecessary night activity.
• Protect regrowth from fire, grazing and repeated disturbance according to the site plan.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Breeding and shelter structures

There is no established species-specific requirement for nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or roost structures for the Chestnut Dunnart. Do not install bat boxes or other structures designed for unrelated fauna as a substitute for suitable dunnart habitat.

If monitoring or a qualified ecologist identifies a need for artificial shelter, design and locate it through an approved, evidence-based plan.

• Prioritise connected native ground cover and natural shelter before artificial structures.
• Obtain approval before installing, moving or maintaining an artificial breeding or shelter structure.
• Inspect any approved structure for animal welfare, heat, flooding, predators and unintended occupants.
• Remove ineffective structures if the responsible ecologist and authority agree that they create a hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weed, fire and predator management

Manage weeds so that native savanna and grassland cover can recover. Use methods that minimise soil disturbance and avoid poisoning or trapping non-target native fauna.

Plan fire management with regard to the species' habitat and local ecological conditions. Avoid broad disturbance of retained habitat during control works.

• Map weed infestations and treat them using an approved method.
• Prevent machinery and materials from spreading weed seed.
• Control feral predators and domestic animals where this is part of an approved conservation plan.
• Inspect rehabilitation after fire, weed treatment and other maintenance works.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Water and lighting

Provide drainage that does not create pits, channels or tanks that can trap small mammals. Avoid creating artificial water points unless they are part of an approved habitat plan and can be maintained safely.

Keep permanent and construction lighting away from retained habitat where practicable.

• Cover, ramp or fence open drains, pits and tanks so animals cannot become trapped.
• Direct lights downward and use the lowest practical intensity.
• Use timers or motion controls where compatible with safety and operations.
• Check water infrastructure after rain and during maintenance inspections.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Set monitoring targets that match the project's risk, approval conditions and available habitat. Because the species is poorly known, monitoring should focus on habitat condition, unexpected impacts and any repeat detections rather than assumed population trends.

Use consistent methods so results can be compared between monitoring periods.

• Inspect rehabilitation for survival of native plants, weed cover, erosion, ground cover and connectivity.
• Repeat spotlighting or other approved surveys where the risk assessment identifies a need.
• Record new Chestnut Dunnart detections, injuries, deaths and evidence of breeding.
• Review monitoring results with the project ecologist and change management where habitat recovery or fauna welfare is unsatisfactory.

Sources

• 1, Australian Government DCCEEW: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/a117ced5-9a94-4586-afdb-1f333618e1e3/files/21-ind.pdf
• [DOC] Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened non-flying mammals, Australian Government: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/survey-guidelines-mammals.doc
• Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened mammals, Australian Government: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/survey-guidelines-mammals.pdf
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/