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Cloudbreak Antichiropus Millipede (Antichiropus nimbus)

The Cloudbreak Antichiropus millipede is a member of the family Paradoxosomatidae, described from the Pilbara fauna. Its habitat, ecology and field identification features are poorly known. It is listed as Priority 1 on the WA DBCA priority fauna list, a DBCA priority category rather than a listing under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Conservation status

Western Australia, WA Threatened and Priority Fauna List: Priority 1.

Seasonal activity and planning

Seasonal activity, breeding and movement have not been documented. The row below is a planning window only, not an indication of when the millipede is active or detectable.

Species-specific timing: Not documented.

Survey planning: Use site conditions, project requirements and specialist advice to plan survey timing.

Species-specific seasonal information is not known.

  • Precautionary survey and works planning: Planning window only. Species-specific seasonal timing is unknown; schedule assessment and works using site conditions and qualified advice.

Identification: Appearance and size

The species is a millipede, but field identification details are limited.

The species belongs to the family Paradoxosomatidae. Its size, colour, body form and diagnostic features are not documented.

Identification: Similar species

Many Antichiropus species are recognised from the Pilbara. Field characters for distinguishing this species from them are not documented. Seek expert identification rather than relying on general resemblance.

Identification: Field signs

Species-specific tracks, aggregations, shelters and other field signs have not been documented. Record millipede sightings and seek expert identification where needed.

Distribution: Known range

Records place the species in the Pilbara, but its full range is not known.

The species is included in a taxonomic review of Antichiropus from the Pilbara bioregion. Atlas of Living Australia records show nine Western Australian records in two distinct 0.1-degree locations, with latitude reported as -22.3 and longitude from 119 to 119.3.

Distribution: WA regions and records

The WA DBCA priority list identifies the Pilbara region. Particular sites are not named, and the small number of mapped record cells should not be treated as a complete range.

Distribution: Listing

The species is listed as Priority 1 on the WA DBCA Threatened and Priority Fauna List. This category describes fauna that are poorly known and known from few locations, with none on conservation lands.

Habitat: Habitat information

Specific site-level habitat is not documented.

The species is associated with the Pilbara bioregion through its taxonomic treatment and regional listing. Specific vegetation types, landforms, soils, moisture conditions and microhabitats have not been documented.

Habitat: Site assessment

Do not assume that a particular Pilbara habitat is suitable or unsuitable. Record landforms, vegetation, surface materials and ground conditions during assessment, and seek specialist advice where potential habitat may be affected.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding

Diet and foraging habitat have not been documented.

Food items and feeding behaviour have not been reported for Antichiropus nimbus. Do not infer a species-specific diet from general information about other millipedes.

Foraging habitat: Works-site considerations

During site inspections, note ground-layer and surface conditions without treating any feature as confirmed foraging habitat. Avoid unnecessary disturbance while identification and habitat requirements remain uncertain.

Breeding habitat: Breeding information

Breeding sites, reproductive behaviour and seasonal timing are poorly known.

Mating, egg-laying, development, clutch size and breeding season have not been reported for Antichiropus nimbus.

Breeding habitat: Precaution

Do not schedule works around an assumed breeding period. If individuals or possible breeding sites are encountered, pause local disturbance and seek advice from a suitably qualified fauna specialist.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter information

Sheltering sites and refuge behaviour have not been documented.

Species-specific burrows, retreats, refuges, shelter materials and sheltering behaviour have not been reported.

Sheltering habitat: Inspection approach

As general millipede survey practice, inspect the ground surface and accessible ground-layer materials carefully, without assuming that the species uses any particular shelter type. Avoid turning or removing material unless authorised and necessary for the survey.

Threats: Known information

Species-specific threats and responses to disturbance have not been assessed.

Threats to Antichiropus nimbus and its response to disturbance have not been described.

Threats: Works risk

The species is poorly known and recorded from few locations under the DBCA Priority 1 category. Do not assume a site is unoccupied because no individuals are observed. Consider the consequences of ground disturbance where the species could occur.

Threats: Status context

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Species-specific survey methods and detectability are poorly known. Use cautious, well-documented methods and seek specialist identification.

Check the project area against the known Pilbara distribution and available fauna records. Consider whether proposed works could affect ground-layer or surface habitats, recognising that detailed habitat preferences are unknown.

Survey methodology: 2. Field inspection

As general millipede survey practice, inspect accessible ground surfaces and ground-layer materials methodically, using methods appropriate to the site and any approvals. Record the date, conditions, search effort, locations and any individuals or potential signs. The best season and conditions for detecting this species are unknown.

Survey methodology: 3. Identification and records

Photograph observations where appropriate, retain accurate location data, and seek identification from a qualified invertebrate taxonomist. Do not collect or relocate specimens unless authorised and directed by the relevant specialist.

Vegetation associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific vegetation association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Ecosystem associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific ecosystem association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Soil and substrate associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific soil association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Water and wetland associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific water association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Fauna records and mapped habitat: Not yet analysed

Record locations can be overlaid with mapping, but record frequency alone does not measure habitat preference. No species is excluded from desktop assessments by this analysis.

No quality-controlled record-to-map analysis has been completed for this species. The existing generalised distribution dots and indicative range polygons have not been treated as precise occurrence coordinates.

A defensible run needs dated, independently attributable records, coordinate uncertainty, duplicate and captive-record checks, layer versions and regional scope. Preference and absence require additional survey-effort and detection evidence.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: No supported exclusion recorded

Not recorded is not the same as cannot occur. Low suitability, resident habitat, breeding habitat and occasional movement are different conclusions.

This library has not established a vegetation, ecosystem or soil-type exclusion for this species. This does not mean all habitat is suitable; the evidence needed to justify an exclusion has not been assembled.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: Before using a negative association

  • Confirm the taxon, geographic region, life stage and habitat function covered by the evidence.
  • Check survey methods, season, repeated effort and detectability before interpreting non-detection.
  • Investigate credible contradictory records and microhabitats absent from broad mapping.
  • Do not convert a missing map class, low record count or failed data request into species absence.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Plan and brief

Plan works conservatively because the species’ habitat needs and detectability are poorly known.

Review available records and the project footprint with a qualified ecologist. Brief clearing crews on the possibility of encountering an unidentified millipede and the requirement to stop and report observations.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Survey and demarcate

Arrange a site inspection where appropriate before disturbance. Mark approved work areas and any areas requiring further assessment or avoidance. Do not define habitat using unverified assumptions about the species.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Prepare response

Set out a clear fauna encounter and escalation procedure before clearing starts. Confirm who can authorise work to resume and how records and any required permits will be handled.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Stop and protect

If a possible specimen is found during works, stop and check the area.

Pause work in the immediate area, keep vehicles and workers out, and avoid handling or crushing the animal. Notify the fauna spotter catcher or site ecologist.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Assess and identify

Have a qualified person inspect and document the observation. Take photographs and record the location where appropriate, then seek expert identification before deciding whether work can proceed.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Resume under direction

Do not relocate the animal or restart work in the affected area until the responsible ecologist has advised on the response and any required approvals or controls.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Record and report

Record observations and check that agreed site controls remain effective after works.

Document the observation, identification outcome, location, date, work activity and response. Report records through the project’s agreed fauna and regulatory processes.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Review controls

Ask the ecologist to review whether exclusion areas, work methods or supervision need to change. Keep any affected area undisturbed until the review is complete.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore the site

No species-specific rehabilitation requirements are known. Guide restoration by site conditions and specialist advice.

Rehabilitate disturbed ground in accordance with the approved project plan, using locally appropriate materials and methods. Avoid introducing unapproved soil, vegetation or other materials.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Monitor and adapt

Record rehabilitation actions and inspect the site as required by the project plan. Do not claim that rehabilitation has recreated habitat for this species unless its habitat needs and the outcome have been assessed by a suitably qualified specialist.

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