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Greater Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus conditor)

The Greater Stick-nest Rat is a large, nocturnal, herbivorous Australian rodent that now survives naturally on the Franklin Islands in South Australia, with additional translocated populations on islands and within predator-free reserves in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. It is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act, so dense perennial shrubland, communal stick nests, shelter sites and predator-free habitat require consideration before clearing or construction works.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Vulnerable.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Conservation dependent.

Breeding season

Breeding is possible in every month, but autumn and winter are the peak period. The species is nocturnal and generally remains close to communal nests, so disturbance risk is highest when active nests contain dependent young or when peak breeding overlaps with clearing.

Month values run from January to December: 0 means not typical, 1 means occurs, and 2 means peak. Timing is based on the supplied species profiles and may vary between managed populations.

  • Breeding: Breeding can occur in any month, with a peak in autumn and winter, March to August.
  • Young: Litters contain 1 to 4 young after about 44 days of gestation. Young remain dependent for about one month after birth and may be carried by the mother.
  • Local movements: There is no described seasonal migration. Individuals generally forage within about 150 m of their daytime shelter, and family groups remain centred on communal nests.
  • Nest maintenance and shelter use: Communal nests are used and maintained over many generations. Animals shelter by day and are mainly active at night in all seasons.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing or disturbance is most likely to harm the species from March to August, when breeding peaks and dependent young may be present. Active nests and surrounding shrubland require protection in every month because breeding can occur year round.

Identification

The Greater Stick-nest Rat is a large native rodent with a rabbit-like hunched posture and conspicuous communal stick nests. Direct observation is uncommon during the day because animals shelter in nests, dense shrubs, burrows or rock crevices.

Adults have fluffy yellowish-brown to grey fur above and cream to pale grey fur below. The snout is blunt, the eyes are large and dark, and the ears are large, rounded and dark brown. The tail is usually shorter than the head and body, dark brown above and lighter below, with a slight terminal brush. The upper surfaces of the hind feet have distinctive white markings.

Head and body: 170 to 260 mm

Tail: 145 to 180 mm

Ear length: 28 to 32 mm

Hindfoot length: 40 to 48 mm

  • The species is larger and more heavily built than many native rodents, and it rests in a hunched posture that can resemble a rabbit.
  • The tail is usually 14.5 to 18 cm long, and the ears are about 2.8 to 3.2 cm long.

Identification: Similar species and field signs

The Lesser Stick-nest Rat, Leporillus apicalis, is extinct and is not expected as a live sympatric species. Identification should still be confirmed from the animal, nest structure or a specialist assessment where records are based only on old nest material.

There are no species-specific calls, sloughs or reliable eyeshine characteristics described in the supplied sources. Tracks and scats can be difficult to identify without experience, so indirect evidence should be confirmed with additional signs or targeted direct survey methods.

  • Look for a large communal mound made from tightly interwoven sticks, branches, grass and other vegetation, rather than a simple grass nest.
  • Record the nest dimensions, construction material, entrances, nearby dense shrubs, burrows, rock crevices and fresh tracks or scats.
  • Do not treat an old mainland stick nest as proof of a current population. Old nests can persist after local extinction and may require specialist assessment or genetic evidence for confirmation.

Identification: Diagnostic nest

Groups build and maintain large communal nests around a shrub, hollow tree stump or other central feature. Nests have tunnels from the outside to a central chamber lined with grass or soft green vegetation. Construction may include sticks, grasses and leaves bound by a resin-like mixture of faeces and urine.

  • Typical reported dimensions are up to 1 m high and about 1.5 m wide, although larger nests up to 3 m wide are also reported.
  • Family groups commonly contain 10 to 20 animals on islands and about 5 to 6 animals in reintroduced mainland populations.

Distribution: Current Australian distribution

The species formerly occupied a broad arc around the southern and south-western margins of Australia's arid zone. It disappeared from the mainland by the 1930s, but captive breeding and translocation have established several managed populations.

The only natural extant population is on East and West Franklin Islands in the Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia. Translocated populations occur on islands and in predator-free or predator-managed reserves in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.

Historical mainland range: From western Victoria and south-western New South Wales, across southern and south-western Australia to the North West Cape and Shark Bay region

Current natural range: Franklin Islands, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia

States with current or recent translocated populations: South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales

NSW status: Extinct outside managed reintroduction sites, according to the supplied NSW profile

  • South Australia: Franklin Islands, Reevesby Island, Saint Peter Island, Venus Bay Conservation Park and the Arid Recovery Reserve near Roxby Downs.
  • Western Australia: Salutation Island, Shark Bay Nature Reserve, Heirisson Prong and Mt Gibson Sanctuary.
  • New South Wales: Scotia Sanctuary. An attempted introduction to Faure Island, Western Australia, failed.

Distribution: Bioregions and strongholds

The species occurs within the Eyre Peninsula and Arid Lands Natural Resource Management regions in South Australia and the Rangelands region in Western Australia. The strongest documented populations are on the Franklin Islands and other predator-free islands or fenced reserves.

Franklin Islands estimate in 2008: About 1,000 individuals

Salutation Island estimate in 2008: About 600 individuals

Saint Peter Island estimate in 2008: About 1,000 individuals

Arid Recovery estimate in 2011: About 670 individuals

Reevesby Island estimate: About 600 to 1,000 individuals

Mt Gibson estimate in 2012: About 50 to 60 individuals

Heirisson Prong estimate in 2008: Fewer than 10 individuals

  • Franklin Islands are the source population for the captive breeding and translocation program.
  • Documented strongholds include Franklin Islands, Saint Peter Island, Reevesby Island, Salutation Island and the Arid Recovery Reserve.
  • Mainland populations depend on predator exclusion or intensive predator management because the species does not persist where feral cats and foxes are present.

Distribution: Range and population trend

The historical range contracted by more than 99 percent over about 200 years. Management has increased the number of populations and the total occupied range since the 1980s, although populations remain geographically isolated and dependent on predator control.

  • The captive breeding program began in 1985 using Franklin Island animals.
  • Mainland extinction occurred by the 1930s, with the Franklin Island population surviving because introduced foxes and cats were absent.
  • Reintroductions have generally been successful, but outcomes vary between sites.

Habitat: Vegetation and climate

Greater Stick-nest Rats use arid and semi-arid habitats with dense perennial shrub cover and reliable shelter structures. They are associated particularly with succulent and semi-succulent chenopod shrublands, but also use grasslands, rocky areas and some woodlands.

Preferred habitat includes perennial shrublands dominated by succulent or semi-succulent plants. Recorded plant genera include Atriplex, Rhagodia, Maireana, Chenopodium, Enchylaena, Sclerolaena, Threlkeldia, Disphyma and Carpobrotus.

The species occurs in arid to semi-arid areas where fresh water may be scarce. On Franklin Island it occurs in foreshore, slope and platform vegetation zones wherever dense cover is present.

Climate and bioregion setting: Southern and south-western arid to semi-arid Australia

Elevation limit: Not stated in the supplied sources

Fresh water requirement: The species can inhabit areas with little or no fresh water

  • Search chenopod shrublands, succulent shrublands, dense low vegetation, grasslands and rocky areas.
  • Include habitat around limestone caves, granite outcrops, rock crevices, seabird nesting burrows and hollow stumps.
  • Dense vegetation edges are more likely to be used than open ground.

Habitat: Features to retain during works

Retain dense perennial shrub cover and all active or potentially active stick nests during site planning and pre-clearance checks. Habitat should be assessed around nests, because animals generally remain close to their shelter while foraging.

  • Map dense shrub patches, rocky shelter, bird burrows, hollow stumps and all stick nests before clearing.
  • Avoid isolating a nest from surrounding dense vegetation and food plants.
  • Inspect proposed access tracks, compounds, stockpiles and fence lines as well as the main clearing footprint.

Foraging habitat: Diet and food plants

The Greater Stick-nest Rat is an herbivore that browses and gathers plant material close to its nest. It usually forages within about 150 m of its diurnal shelter.

The diet consists mainly of leaves, foliage, fruits and seeds from succulent and semi-succulent shrubs and herbs, with some grass material. Food plants include chenopod and pig-face genera such as Atriplex, Rhagodia, Maireana, Chenopodium, Enchylaena, Sclerolaena, Threlkeldia, Disphyma and Carpobrotus.

Feeding mode: Ground-level browsing and consumption of leaves, fruits, seeds and some grasses

Foraging distance: Individuals generally remain within 150 m of diurnal shelter sites

Foraging setting: Dense vegetation and vegetation edges, rather than open ground

  • Prioritise dense shrubland with green perennial foliage, succulent plants and fruiting or seeding herbs.
  • Record browsing, clipped vegetation and other feeding signs around nests and shrub edges.
  • Avoid removing food plants from around an active nest unless an approved fauna management procedure requires it.

Foraging habitat: Construction considerations

A clearing can remove both food plants and the shelter-linked foraging area used by a family group. Works should therefore assess the broader habitat around each nest, not only the nest mound itself.

  • Use pre-clearance searches to identify food-rich shrubland within at least the documented 150 m shelter-associated foraging distance where practicable.
  • Keep machinery, vehicle movements and night lighting away from nest entrances and dense shrub edges.
  • If habitat removal cannot be avoided, obtain species-specific advice on trapping, exclusion or translocation before works begin.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding can occur throughout the year, with a peak in autumn and winter. Breeding groups need a secure communal nest or other sheltered structure close to dense perennial vegetation and food.

Females give birth to well-developed young that attach firmly to the mother's teats and are carried while she moves between the nest and feeding areas. Young become independent after about one month of suckling.

Breeding season: Any month, with a peak in autumn and winter

Litter size: 1 to 4 young, with 1 to 3 also reported

Gestation: About 44 days, or approximately 6 weeks

Young dependency: About 1 month until weaning and independence

Age at maturity: Not stated in the supplied sources

Lifespan: Not stated in the supplied sources

  • Treat active nests as breeding habitat even when adults or young are not visible during daytime checks.
  • Schedule clearing outside the autumn and winter breeding peak where practicable, and inspect all nests immediately before disturbance.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher experienced with native rodents if an animal is found during clearing.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Breeding occurs in the communal stick nest, which provides a central chamber and tunnel entrances protected by interwoven sticks. Dense shrubs, rock crevices, seabird nesting burrows and other sheltered features may supplement the nest.

  • Protect the nest mound, all entrances and the surrounding dense vegetation from machinery and unnecessary foot traffic.
  • Check for dependent young before moving vegetation, dismantling a nest or blocking access to a shelter.
  • Do not assume that an unoccupied-looking nest is inactive without repeat inspection or specialist advice, because nests can be maintained over many generations.

Sheltering habitat: Stick nests

The species shelters during the day in large communal stick nests and, on islands, also uses dense shrubs, seabird burrows and rock crevices. Nests provide protection from predators and temperature extremes.

Nests are substantial mounds of sticks, branches, grass and other vegetation, usually built around a bush or hollow tree stump. Tunnels lead from the outside to a central chamber lined with soft grass or green vegetation.

Typical nest height: Up to 1 m

Typical nest width: About 1.5 m

Larger reported width: Up to 3 m

Nest users: About 10 to 20 animals on islands, and about 5 to 6 in reintroduced mainland populations

  • Record every nest mound, tunnel entrance, central chamber where visible, nearby shrub or stump, and evidence of recent maintenance.
  • Treat nests up to 1 m high and 1.5 m wide as typical reported structures, while recognising that some nests may reach about 3 m in width.
  • Keep nests dry where possible because the resin-like binding material is soluble in water.

Sheltering habitat: Other refuges

On Franklin Island, rats use dense shrubs, Short-tailed Shearwater nesting burrows and rock crevices. They may also shelter in rabbit burrows or other bird nesting burrows, particularly where substantial stick nests are not available.

  • Inspect rock outcrops, limestone caves, granite crevices, hollow stumps, seabird burrows and dense shrub bases during habitat searches.
  • Do not enter or collapse potential burrows and crevices until they have been checked for animals and fresh signs.
  • Protect refuge sites from vibration, excavation, blasting, fire and vehicle access.

Threats: Predators and introduced herbivores

The major risks are predation, habitat loss and degradation, competition with introduced herbivores, inappropriate fire and the isolation of small managed populations. Construction projects can directly remove nests and food shrubs or create access for predators.

Feral cats and European Red Foxes are major threats and have driven the species' mainland decline. Native predators recorded at surviving populations include Barn Owls, Black Tiger Snakes, Sand Goannas and eagles.

Rabbits, goats, sheep and stock can remove food, alter shrubland, trample nests and compete with the rats. Reintroductions are particularly vulnerable if predators enter fenced reserves or islands.

  • Keep predator exclusion fences, gates and surveillance systems functional during construction.
  • Control food, shelter and access conditions that could attract feral cats, foxes, rabbits, goats or stock to a population site.
  • Report predator incursions immediately to the reserve or project manager.

Threats: Clearing, fire and isolation

Clearing can remove perennial shrubland, food plants, refuge structures and communal nests. Fragmentation is a concern because remaining populations are small and geographically isolated, and mainland populations depend on predator-free enclosures.

Changed fire regimes may degrade habitat. Fire, disease or a localised predator incursion can cause a catastrophic loss at an isolated site.

  • Avoid clearing active nests, dense shrubland and connected shelter and foraging habitat.
  • Prepare a site-specific fire control procedure where works occur near a population, nest complex or predator exclusion area.
  • Stage works to retain escape cover and prevent animals being driven into open ground or towards predators.
  • Treat disease as a potential site-level risk and follow the advice of the relevant wildlife authority or reserve manager.

Threats: Other project pressures

The supplied sources do not identify a species-specific road mortality rate or a direct hydrology-change threshold. Roads, haul routes, drainage works, dewatering, dust and night lighting should nevertheless be assessed where they remove shrubland, alter nest conditions or increase vehicle and predator access.

Genetic risk: Inbreeding depression and loss of genetic diversity are identified threats

Disease: Disease is identified as a potential cause of localised catastrophic loss

Road mortality evidence: No species-specific rate is provided in the supplied sources

Hydrology threshold: No species-specific threshold is provided in the supplied sources

  • Keep vehicle speeds low around known populations and prohibit night driving near active nests where practicable.
  • Prevent runoff, flooding or dewatering from affecting nest structures, because the resin used in nests is soluble in water.
  • Use project lighting that is directed away from nests and dense shrubland, and retain dark movement areas where practicable.
  • Monitor the site after clearing and construction for animals, fresh nests, predator activity and changes in vegetation cover.

Survey methodology: 1. Search for habitat and stick nests

Survey for Greater Stick-nest Rats must focus on dense perennial shrubland, communal stick nests and other shelter features. The species is nocturnal, ground dwelling and difficult to confirm from habitat signs alone, so combine habitat and sign searches with targeted direct detection where access, animal welfare and approvals allow.

Search the full project area and representative habitat for dense perennial shrubland, especially succulent and semi-succulent chenopod vegetation. Inspect shrubs, rock crevices, bird nesting burrows, hollow logs and other sheltered areas used by the species.

Locate communal stick nests carefully. Nests can be up to 1 metre high and 1.5 metres wide, with tunnels leading to a central chamber. Some nests may be old and unoccupied, so confirm use with fresh tracks, scats or direct detection where possible.

Use vegetation maps, aerial imagery and topographic maps to plan transects, then ground-truth all relevant habitat types.

Main shelter feature: Communal stick nests with tunnels and a central chamber

Typical group size: 10 to 20 rats on islands; about 5 to 6 individuals in reintroduced mainland populations

Recommended daytime search effort: Two hours for each 1 hectare survey site, for sites up to 5 hectares

  • For a small site, search along transects spaced 50 to 100 metres apart, or use quadrats in representative habitats.
  • For a stratified site up to 5 hectares, allow two hours of search time for each 1 hectare survey site, combining the habitat search with the search for signs of activity.
  • Record the location, condition, dimensions and apparent activity of each stick nest, and mark nests and dense shelter vegetation before clearing.

Survey methodology: 2. Search for signs and indirect evidence

Inspect nest entrances, dense vegetation, rock crevices and nearby runways for tracks, scats, fresh vegetation disturbance and other signs of recent use.

Treat an old stick nest alone as evidence of historical presence, not proof that animals currently occupy the site. Mainland nests can remain after the species has disappeared from an area.

Record signs separately from confirmed observations and retain photographs or other supporting evidence for expert review.

  • Search for signs during the daytime habitat inspection, using the same transects and effort as the habitat search.
  • Where identification is uncertain, have signs checked by a suitably experienced mammal ecologist or other specialist before relying on them for clearance decisions.
  • Use nest locations and fresh signs to target later spotlighting, camera trapping or other direct detection.

Survey methodology: 3. Nocturnal direct detection

Greater Stick-nest Rats are nocturnal and generally forage close to their shelter. Individuals usually remain within about 150 metres of their daytime nest when foraging, so target direct searches around occupied or apparently occupied nests and dense shrub edges.

Spotlighting can supplement nest and sign searches, but the supplied survey guideline does not specify a species-specific number of nights or spotlighting hours for this species.

Activity period: Nocturnal

Typical foraging distance from shelter: Within about 150 metres

  • Conduct targeted spotlighting after dark in suitable perennial shrubland, around nest entrances and along the edges of dense vegetation, while avoiding disturbance that could drive animals towards predators or machinery.
  • Record the date, start and finish time, weather, moon or ambient light conditions, route length, search area, observers and all detections.
  • Use camera traps where direct observation is impractical, particularly at nest entrances and likely runways, and document the equipment, deployment period and placement.

Survey methodology: 4. Trapping and handling assessment

Use cage trapping only where direct detection is needed, the method is approved, and an experienced person can check traps and manage captured animals. The survey guideline places this species among medium-sized ground-dwelling mammals, but the supplied material does not provide a species-specific cage-trap layout, bait, trap density or number of trap nights.

Do not use trapping as a substitute for a careful nest and habitat search. Trapping may be unsuitable in predator-exclusion sites, during extreme weather or where captured animals could be exposed to cats, foxes, heat or other stressors.

Adult body length: 17 to 26 centimetres

Adult weight: 180 to 450 grams

Survey guideline body-size grouping: Greater than 300 grams average body weight, medium-sized ground-dwelling mammal methods

  • Prepare a written trapping and animal welfare protocol before deployment, including trap checks, weather limits, shade, bedding, release arrangements and emergency veterinary contacts.
  • Obtain all required animal ethics, scientific research, wildlife handling and state approvals before trapping or handling.
  • Release animals at the point of capture unless an approved translocation or project fauna management plan specifies another nearby retained habitat site.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Survey all suitable shrubland and shelter features within the disturbance footprint and in adjoining areas that could be affected by the works.
  • Apply the guideline effort of two hours for each 1 hectare stratified survey site where the site is up to 5 hectares, and justify any departure in the survey report.
  • Schedule nocturnal searches when animals are active and report the actual nights, hours, route length, area searched and weather rather than reporting only that spotlighting was completed.
  • Map all nests, signs, habitat patches, observations, camera locations and trapping locations using project coordinates.
  • Record negative results as well as detections, including the area and habitat types searched.
  • Submit confirmed records and suitable supporting evidence to the relevant state or territory wildlife database, and provide nationally significant records to the Australian Government species information system where requested.
  • Update the project environmental officer, fauna spotter catcher and approving authorities promptly if the species or an occupied nest is detected.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise impacts

Plan the project around the species' remaining shelter and food resources. Greater Stick-nest Rats now depend largely on islands, fenced reserves and other managed sites that exclude introduced predators, so avoid removing suitable shrubland or breaking links between retained habitat patches.

  • Avoid clearing dense perennial shrubland, especially chenopod and succulent or semi-succulent plant communities.
  • Retain all occupied or potentially occupied stick nests, dense shelter vegetation, rock crevices, bird nesting burrows and other features that may provide shelter.
  • Retain connected patches of suitable shrubland between nests and nearby feeding areas rather than isolating individual nests.
  • Keep construction access, stockpiles, lighting and temporary facilities out of retained habitat wherever practicable.
  • Prevent access by feral cats, foxes, rabbits, goats, sheep and other introduced herbivores to retained and rehabilitation areas.

Before habitat disturbance: Confirm approvals and plan the works

EPBC Act status: Vulnerable

Breeding pattern: Breeding can occur in any month, with a peak in autumn and winter

Gestation: About 44 days

Litter size: One to four young

  • Check whether the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on this EPBC Act vulnerable species and seek an EPBC Act referral or other Commonwealth approval where required.
  • Check state or territory threatened species, wildlife handling, trapping, clearing and relocation requirements before works begin.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies survey results, no-go areas, nest protection, stop-work triggers, handling authority, release sites, injury response and reporting requirements.
  • Stage clearing so that retained habitat remains available and fauna are not forced into active work areas.
  • Avoid clearing during autumn and winter where practicable, when breeding activity generally peaks, and obtain species-specific advice if works cannot be rescheduled.

Before habitat disturbance: Prepare the site

  • Complete the pre-clearance habitat, nest and sign survey immediately before clearing, because old records and old nests do not establish current occupancy.
  • Mark retained nests, dense shrubland, rock shelters and exclusion areas on plans and on the ground so machinery operators can see them.
  • Install exclusion fencing where it can protect retained habitat without blocking animal movement between connected patches.
  • Brief machinery operators and all project staff on the species' appearance, nocturnal behaviour, nest structure and the stop-work procedure.
  • Check that retained and proposed release areas are free of feral cats and foxes, or have active predator control before animals are moved.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and spotter catcher duties

Clear only within approved limits and keep the fauna spotter catcher in direct communication with the machine operator. Stop work whenever an animal, occupied nest or unexpected shelter feature is found.

  • Inspect exclusion fencing, no-go markers and retained habitat before work starts each day.
  • Use a qualified and authorised fauna spotter catcher for all clearing that could affect suitable habitat or shelter features.
  • Maintain a clear exclusion zone around nests and retained vegetation, with its size set by the fauna management plan and adjusted when animals or signs are found.
  • Clear in stages towards retained habitat where this is safe and approved, giving animals an opportunity to move away from machinery without directing them towards roads, open ground or predators.
  • Use low-speed, supervised clearing near dense shrubland, nests, rocks, logs and other shelter features.
  • Do not leave cleared vegetation, waste, food or open excavations that could attract predators or trap animals overnight.

During habitat disturbance: Handle habitat features carefully

  • Do not disturb or remove a stick nest unless the fauna spotter catcher and the approved fauna management plan specifically authorise the action.
  • Inspect nests, dense shrubs, rock crevices, bird burrows, logs and other shelter features before moving or crushing them.
  • Retain suitable logs, rocks and woody material in or beside retained habitat where they do not create a safety risk.
  • Treat a nest as potentially occupied until it has been inspected and cleared by an authorised person; do not rely on the absence of a visible animal during daylight.
  • Do not create access for cats or foxes through fences or cleared corridors, and report any predator incursion immediately.

During habitat disturbance: If an animal is found

  • Stop the machine, make the area safe and keep people and machinery away from the animal.
  • Only a person authorised under the relevant state or territory requirements may capture, handle, assess or relocate the animal.
  • Do not chase an animal through dense vegetation or handle it unnecessarily, particularly if it is with young or appears injured.
  • Place a healthy animal in nearby retained suitable habitat identified in the fauna management plan, preferably close to its existing shelter and away from active works, unless an approval specifies another location.
  • Transport an injured or distressed animal promptly to an approved veterinarian or wildlife carer, using a secure, quiet and appropriately ventilated container.
  • Do not resume work until the spotter catcher confirms that the animal has moved to safety and any occupied nest or shelter has been protected.

During habitat disturbance: Stop work and record the event

  • Stop work if a Greater Stick-nest Rat is detected, an occupied or potentially occupied nest is exposed, exclusion fencing fails, a feral predator enters retained habitat, or an animal is injured.
  • Notify the site supervisor, environmental officer and relevant approval holder immediately after a stop-work event.
  • Record the date, time, coordinates, habitat, nest or feature affected, animal condition, photographs, people involved, action taken, release location and time work recommenced.
  • Report any unexpected death, injury, failed relocation or predator incursion to the relevant authority under the project approvals.

After habitat disturbance: Complete checks and monitoring

Post-clearance work must confirm that no animals or occupied shelter features remain in the disturbance area and that retained habitat continues to exclude predators. Monitoring should test whether the project has maintained shelter, food and safe movement between retained areas.

  • Undertake a final inspection of the cleared area, retained vegetation edges, nests, rock shelters, logs and other features after clearing and before the area is handed over for construction.
  • Repeat targeted searches around retained nests and shrubland if clearing was staged, delayed or interrupted.
  • Monitor retained and release areas using the methods in the approved fauna management plan, including nest inspections, sign searches, camera traps or spotlighting where appropriate.
  • Check for new tracks, scats, nest use, predator activity, grazing damage, fire impacts and loss of shelter vegetation.
  • Use the species' nocturnal activity and close association with nests to time direct observations after dark where this is safe and approved.

After habitat disturbance: Maintain controls and report outcomes

  • Keep exclusion fencing, predator controls, no-go markers and access controls in place for the period required by the approval or fauna management plan.
  • Remove temporary materials and repair any construction damage that could reduce shrub cover or allow feral predators into retained habitat.
  • Report all detections, mortalities, injuries, relocations, nest damage, predator incursions and monitoring results to the project environmental officer and relevant approval authorities.
  • Submit confirmed records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and retain maps, photographs, survey effort and handling records with the project file.
  • Review the fauna management plan if monitoring shows that animals have moved into work areas, shelter has been lost, or predator control is not effective.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and compensatory actions

  • Determine whether an offset, restoration commitment or other compensatory measure is required under the EPBC Act approval or state approval.
  • Where an offset or compensatory site is used, ensure it contains suitable perennial shrubland and shelter features and is protected from feral cats, foxes and introduced herbivores.
  • Set measurable commitments for habitat protection, predator control, monitoring and reporting rather than relying only on area planted.

Rehabilitation actions: Recreate food and shelter habitat

Rehabilitation should recreate the dry shrubland and sheltered nest sites on which the species depends. The highest priority is to establish predator-secure habitat with dense perennial food plants and durable shelter structures, then verify that rats use the site.

Preferred vegetation: Perennial shrublands, especially succulent and semi-succulent plant communities

Nest dimensions to allow for in habitat design: Up to 1 metre high and 1.5 metres wide

Shelter groups: Usually 10 to 20 animals on islands

  • Re-establish dense perennial shrubland using locally appropriate succulent and semi-succulent plants, including suitable chenopod genera such as Atriplex, Rhagodia, Maireana, Chenopodium, Enchylaena, Sclerolaena and Threlkeldia where they are part of the local community.
  • Include suitable pig-face plants such as Disphyma and Carpobrotus where locally appropriate.
  • Retain or reinstate rocks, crevices, hollow logs and dense shrubs that can provide shelter from predators and extreme temperatures.
  • Place clean, locally sourced sticks and woody material near retained shrubs only where this is consistent with the approved habitat design, because the species builds and extends communal stick nests from available material.
  • Do not plant species or move soil, logs or rocks in a way that introduces weeds, disease or feral predators.

Rehabilitation actions: Manage predators, herbivores and fire

  • Maintain feral cat and fox exclusion or control around rehabilitation and release areas before animals are introduced or expected to recolonise.
  • Control rabbits, goats, sheep and other introduced herbivores that compete for food, damage shrubland or trample nests.
  • Inspect fences and gates regularly for breaches and predator entry points.
  • Develop a site-specific fire plan that protects established shrubland and nest structures from inappropriate fire, while meeting local fire safety and ecological requirements.
  • Record fire events and inspect affected habitat for loss of food plants, nest material and shelter.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor success and adapt management

  • Monitor plant survival, shrub cover, availability of nest material, nest construction or repair, tracks, scats, camera detections and direct observations.
  • Use the pre-disturbance survey as the baseline and compare the same mapped sites and effort through time.
  • Treat evidence of new or maintained stick nests, repeated detections, stable or increasing local observations and effective predator exclusion as indicators of progress.
  • Investigate and correct poor plant establishment, grazing, fire damage, predator incursions or absence of nest use before considering the rehabilitation complete.
  • Maintain monitoring for the period required by the approval and provide results to the relevant state wildlife database or approval authority where requested.

Sources