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Shark Bay Mouse (Pseudomys gouldii)

The Shark Bay Mouse, also called Djoongari, is a small, long-haired native rodent now restricted to island populations in Shark Bay and nearby Western Australian locations. It can be affected by clearing, disturbance and introduced predators, and is listed as Vulnerable under Commonwealth and Western Australian legislation, and Endangered in South Australia.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

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

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The Shark Bay Mouse breeds on Bernier Island from May to November, with breeding possible throughout this period rather than in a documented peak month. Timing at translocated sites and other regions may differ, so apply a precautionary approach where suitable habitat or burrows are present.

Breeding mode: Mammal that produces litters.

Breeding period: May to November on Bernier Island.

Litter size: Up to five young.

Gestation: Approximately 28 days.

Weaning: Young are weaned by about 30 days.

Development: Young reach full adult size by about 100 days.

Breeding places: Shallow communal burrows are used more often during breeding. Above-ground nests are used as daytime refuges.

Breeding timing is documented for Bernier Island, while timing at translocated populations and variation between years are less certain; survey suitable coastal dune, Spinifex, Olearia, Triodia and Acacia habitat before works and inspect for burrows, runways, tracks and scats.

  • Breeding and litters: Breeding can occur at any time from May to November on Bernier Island, with no documented peak within that period.
  • Dependent young: Young may remain dependent for about 30 days after birth, so dependent young can be present into December when breeding occurs late in the season.
  • Sub-adult recruitment: Sub-adults weighing less than 30 g enter the population between November and March.
  • Nocturnal activity and shelter use: The species is active at night and uses tunnels, runways and above-ground nests, with shallow burrows used more frequently during breeding.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing and ground disturbance have the greatest potential to affect breeding animals, shallow communal burrows and dependent young from May to December.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Shark Bay Mouse is a robust, shaggy-coated mouse. It is a threatened ground-dwelling mammal, so any suspected record on a clearing or construction site should be treated cautiously and reported through the relevant fauna and wildlife procedures.

Adults weigh approximately 30 to 50 g. The coat has pale yellow to fawn underfur with dark guard hairs, giving a grizzled appearance.

The sides are buff to pale, the underparts and feet are white, and the tail is slightly longer than the head and body. The tail is grey and white with a dark tuft at the tip.

Body weight: Approximately 30 to 50 g

Coat: Long-haired, grizzled yellow-fawn and dark guard hairs

Tail: Slightly longer than head and body, bicoloured, with a dark terminal tuft

Identification: Calls and similar species

There is no diagnostic call or echolocation information to use in field identification. Identification should rely on appearance, habitat, signs and, where needed, genetic testing.

On mainland sites, confusion with the Western Mouse, Pseudomys occidentalis, is possible. Other small native rodents, including Pseudomys albocinereus, Pseudomys hermannsbergensis, Rattus tunneyi and Notomys alexis, may also need consideration depending on location.

Identification: Field signs

Look for shallow burrows, excavated earth, runways and tunnels through dense ground cover. The species may use above-ground nests as daytime refuges.

Droppings can be difficult to distinguish from those of other small rodents. Tracks, scats and shelter sites should be recorded together with photographs and precise location details.

  • Shallow burrows, particularly beneath dense vegetation or surface cover
  • Tunnels and runways through spinifex, shrubs, grasses or beachcast seagrass
  • Above-ground nests used as daytime refuges
  • Scats, tracks or excavated earth near shelter and feeding areas

Identification: Handling suspected animals

Do not rely on hair-tube identification for this species. If a suspected Shark Bay Mouse is captured on the mainland, seek approval before collecting hair or tissue for identification or molecular analysis.

Use appropriately licensed fauna handlers and minimise handling time, heat exposure and disturbance to shelter sites.

Distribution: Current range

The species formerly occupied a broad area of arid and semi-arid Australia. Its confirmed living range is now centred on Western Australia, although its historical range included South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The principal known population is on Bernier Island in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Bernier Island is approximately 4,200 ha and lies about 50 km west of Carnarvon.

Translocated populations or records have been associated with Doole Island, North West Island, Faure Island, Montebello Island and Heirisson Prong. The Heirisson Prong establishment appears to have been unsuccessful, and translocated populations have not all been considered self-sustaining.

  • Bernier Island, Shark Bay
  • Doole Island, Exmouth Gulf
  • North West Island and other Montebello Island locations
  • Faure Island
  • Heirisson Prong, where establishment appears to have failed

Distribution: Historical Australian range

Subfossil evidence indicates former occurrence through much of the south-western and central arid regions of Australia. Historical locations included the Shark Bay region, Dirk Hartog Island, the west coast south to Cape Leeuwin, the upper Gascoyne, the northern goldfields, the Gibson Desert, Uluru and the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia and South Australia.

The species became extinct on the Australian mainland by the late nineteenth century. Mainland specimens were collected near Shark Bay in 1858 and Alice Springs in 1859. There is no evidence that it occurred in the wheatbelt of Western Australia.

  • Western Australia, including Shark Bay, the Gascoyne, west coast and arid interior
  • South Australia, including the Nullarbor region
  • Northern Territory, including Uluru and Alice Springs records

Distribution: Site assessment

A mainland record would be unusual and should be treated as a high priority fauna finding. Stop or isolate the immediate work area where practicable, prevent handling by unlicensed personnel and contact the project ecologist and relevant wildlife authority.

  • Check project databases and recent fauna records before clearing
  • Map all suitable sandy coastal, spinifex and Triodia or Acacia habitat
  • Treat island translocation sites as potentially occupied unless current survey information confirms otherwise

Habitat: Coastal habitat

The Shark Bay Mouse is associated mainly with sandy coastal environments and dense low vegetation. On islands it can also occur inland where Triodia and Acacia heath provide cover and food.

On Bernier Island, suitable habitat includes coastal dunes dominated by beach spinifex, Spinifex longifolius, and coastal daisy bush, Olearia axillaris.

Search sandy areas with continuous or patchy spinifex, shrub cover, beachcast seaweed or seagrass and sheltered hollows above the high-water line.

  • Sandy coastal dunes
  • Beach spinifex tussocks
  • Coastal daisy bush and other low shrubs
  • Beachcast seagrass or seaweed caught in dune vegetation

Habitat: Inland island habitat

The species also occurs at lower densities in inland Triodia and Acacia heath on islands. Dense ground cover, runways and shallow shelter sites are more useful indicators than a particular plant species alone.

  • Triodia hummocks and heath
  • Acacia shrubland with sandy substrates
  • Dense low vegetation with connected cover
  • Sheltered sand pockets and surface debris

Habitat: Habitat checks before works

For a Vulnerable species, survey the full proposed clearing footprint and connected habitat likely to be affected by access, laydown, firebreaks or temporary works. Retain dense ground cover and avoid disturbing suspected burrows, tunnels, nests and beachcast shelter material until the area has been assessed.

Daytime habitat and sign searches can be conducted along transects spaced 50 to 100 m apart, or in quadrats. For a 5 ha area, the general guidance is two hours of search effort for each hectare of stratified survey site.

  • Record vegetation type, substrate, shelter cover and signs separately
  • Inspect areas beneath and within spinifex, shrubs, grasses and beachcast material
  • Include temporary work areas, not only the permanent clearing footprint

Foraging habitat: Food resources

The Shark Bay Mouse is an omnivore, but detailed information on feeding areas and foraging distances is limited. Protecting connected ground cover is the most practical way to retain feeding habitat during works.

Recorded food includes flowers and anthers, Olearia leaves, fleshy plant material, stems, fungi, insects and spiders. The species may forage among flowering coastal shrubs, spinifex and other dense vegetation.

  • Flowering Olearia and other coastal shrubs
  • Leaves, stems and other green plant material
  • Fungi and invertebrates in leaf litter and surface debris
  • Spiders and insects associated with dense vegetation

Foraging habitat: Foraging features to look for

Prioritise sandy habitat with vegetation cover, leaf litter, beachcast plant material and linked runways. Feeding signs may be subtle, so absence of obvious tracks or scats should not be treated as proof that the species is absent.

  • Continuous cover between shrubs and spinifex tussocks
  • Leaf litter and beachcast seagrass or seaweed
  • Flowering coastal daisy bush
  • Runways connecting feeding and shelter areas

Foraging habitat: Survey and work controls

Use daytime searches for burrows, runways, tracks, scats and suitable food resources before clearing. Elliott A trapping can be used by licensed personnel, with rolled oats, peanut butter and sultanas as the recommended bait mixture.

A general small ground-mammal design uses 20 Elliott traps at a sampling site, set 10 m apart in two parallel lines with 25 m between transects. Traps are set for four consecutive nights, checked early each morning, closed during the day and reopened in the late afternoon.

  • Use one sampling site in each representative habitat
  • Use at least two sampling sites per 5 ha where the general design applies
  • Consider two traps at a station if common species may reduce detection
  • Close traps during hot daylight periods and follow animal welfare requirements

Breeding habitat: Breeding period

Breeding habitat is poorly understood, but shallow communal burrows and dense surface cover are used more often during the breeding season. Avoid clearing or compacting these features from May to November, when breeding is recorded on Bernier Island.

On Bernier Island, breeding can occur from May to November. Up to five young may be produced in a litter, and juveniles may enter the population from November to March.

Breeding season: May to November on Bernier Island

Litter size: Up to five young

Young entering the population: November to March

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Shallow communal burrows are used more frequently during breeding. Burrows may be associated with beachcast seagrass, grasses, shrubs, sand dunes and other dense surface cover.

Do not excavate, fill, compact or cover suspected burrows and tunnel networks. Keep machinery, vehicles and stockpiled materials away until a licensed ecologist has assessed the site.

  • Shallow burrows in sandy ground
  • Burrows beneath beachcast seagrass or other surface cover
  • Sheltered sites among grasses, shrubs and dune vegetation
  • Connected tunnel and runway systems

Breeding habitat: Construction timing and response

For Vulnerable populations, schedule vegetation removal and ground disturbance outside the May to November breeding period where practicable. If this cannot be achieved, increase pre-clearance searches, use a fauna spotter catcher and establish a species-specific response plan before works begin.

If young, an occupied burrow or a dependent female is found, stop work locally and obtain direction from the project ecologist and relevant authority.

  • Complete pre-clearance searches immediately before disturbance
  • Retain habitat around active or suspected breeding shelters
  • Avoid night works that could interfere with nocturnal movement and trapping or relocation activities

Sheltering habitat: Shelter types

The species uses tunnels and runways through vegetation and above-ground nests as daytime refuges. It uses shallow burrows more often during breeding and may be especially exposed when shelter cover is removed.

Look for shallow communal burrows in sand dunes and beneath beachcast seagrass, grasses, shrubs or Triodia. Above-ground nests may occur within dense vegetation or surface debris and are used as diurnal refuges.

On Doole Island, animals used hollows above high-water level in mangrove trees, sites among rocks and sites beneath Triodia. These records show that shelter can vary between islands.

  • Shallow communal burrows
  • Tunnels and runways through dense vegetation
  • Above-ground nests
  • Hollows above high-water level, rocks and Triodia on some translocation sites

Sheltering habitat: Field inspection

Inspect the bases of spinifex tussocks, coastal shrubs, beachcast material, rock cover and sandy hollows. Record entrances, excavated sand, runways, nest material and the surrounding vegetation before moving any cover.

Do not dismantle nests or pull apart surface cover during a general search. Photograph and flag the feature, then seek advice from a licensed ecologist.

  • Search on foot before machinery enters the area
  • Use hand tools only where an approved fauna procedure allows it
  • Keep vehicles and plant out of flagged shelter areas

Sheltering habitat: Protection during works

Retain connected shelter vegetation around the footprint where possible. Manage access, laydown and night lighting so that remaining cover is not isolated, crushed or repeatedly disturbed.

Any capture, exclusion or relocation must be planned and authorised. The species is a threatened mammal and should not be moved casually from a work area.

  • Fence or flag sensitive shelter areas
  • Prevent stockpiling on dunes, beachcast material and dense ground cover
  • Control domestic and feral cats around work compounds
  • Use a documented fauna management procedure for any animal encountered

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

Introduced cats and foxes are major threats, and shallow shelter can increase exposure to predation. On works sites, habitat loss, disturbance and poor fauna handling can add pressure to already restricted populations.

Clearing coastal dunes, spinifex, coastal daisy bush, Triodia or Acacia heath can remove food, shelter, runways and breeding burrows. Temporary disturbance from access tracks, compounds and stockpiles can have the same effect as permanent clearing if it removes ground cover or fragments habitat.

  • Minimise the clearing footprint
  • Keep temporary works within already disturbed areas where possible
  • Retain dense ground cover and linked habitat patches
  • Prevent unauthorised vehicle access across sandy habitat

Threats: Predation and attractants

Cats and foxes can prey on the species, particularly where shallow burrows and sparse cover leave animals exposed. Food waste, unsecured stores and poor waste control around camps can attract predators.

Keep compounds clean and secure. Report predator sightings and manage them through approved programs rather than ad hoc control.

  • Secure food, rubbish and animal feed
  • Remove camp waste promptly
  • Do not feed cats or other animals on site
  • Record cat and fox activity near retained habitat

Threats: Fire, vegetation disturbance and machinery

Fire, slashing, grading, compaction and removal of beachcast material can destroy shelter and reduce feeding cover. Avoid unnecessary disturbance of dunes, spinifex hummocks, shrubs and surface debris.

Use clearly marked work limits and brief all operators before starting. Stop work if burrows, nests or a suspected animal are found.

  • Set out no-go areas before clearing
  • Avoid burning or broad vegetation removal near occupied habitat
  • Keep heavy plant away from burrows and dune shelter
  • Use a spotter catcher during approved clearing activities

Threats: Survey, compliance and management level

The species is Vulnerable under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and in Western Australia, and Endangered in South Australia. Projects in or near known or potential habitat should use targeted threatened-mammal survey, qualified fauna personnel and documented impact controls, with approvals checked before disturbance.

For a suspected mainland record, preserve the location and evidence, arrange confirmation through approved morphological or genetic methods, and notify the relevant authority. Management should aim to avoid impacts first, then minimise and monitor any residual effects.

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Western Australia status: Vulnerable

South Australia status: Endangered

Northern Territory context: Historical range included the Northern Territory; current living distribution described here is in Western Australia

  • Complete desktop checks and targeted field surveys before finalising clearing limits
  • Use daytime habitat and sign searches plus licensed Elliott trapping where appropriate
  • Collect predator scats, owl casts or remains from nests and dens as supplementary evidence
  • Monitor retained habitat and any translocated population according to the approved recovery or management program

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for the Shark Bay Mouse should focus on coastal dunes, spinifex, coastal daisy bush, beachcast seagrass and inland Triodia and Acacia heath. The species is small, nocturnal and poorly known on mainland sites, so combine habitat searches, sign searches and live trapping where authorised.

Map coastal sandy habitat, dense spinifex, coastal daisy bush, beachcast vegetation and inland Triodia and Acacia communities before planning works.

Check records for Bernier Island, Doole Island, North West Island, Faure Island, Montebello Island, Heirisson Prong and any mainland detection. Treat a mainland capture as requiring careful confirmation because the Shark Bay Mouse may be confused with the western mouse.

Common name: Shark Bay Mouse, also known as Djoongari

Scientific name used for this profile: Pseudomys gouldii

Commonwealth listing: Vulnerable under the EPBC Act

  • Review threatened species records, recent surveys, translocation records and land tenure.
  • Identify areas that can be retained as connected habitat and areas that contain likely shelter, runways or shallow communal burrows.
  • Confirm the current scientific name and listing requirements with the relevant authority before field work.

Survey methodology: 2. Daytime habitat and sign searches

Search during daylight for shallow burrows, excavated earth, runways, tracks, scats, tunnels and above-ground nests. Inspect cover such as beachcast seagrass, grasses, shrubs and dense spinifex without dismantling shelter unnecessarily.

Use transects spaced at 50 to 100 m, or search defined quadrats. For a 5 ha area, allow about two hours for every hectare of stratified survey site.

Day search spacing: 50 to 100 m between transects

Suggested daytime effort: Two hours for every hectare of stratified survey site within a 5 ha area

  • Stratify the site by habitat condition, vegetation type and disturbance history.
  • Record all signs with a GPS point, photograph, habitat description and apparent activity level.
  • Record the extent and condition of spinifex, coastal daisy bush, Triodia, Acacia and beachcast cover.
  • Avoid trampling runways, nests and burrow entrances.

Survey methodology: 3. Elliott trapping

Use live Elliott A trapping when daytime searches do not provide enough evidence, or when presence or absence must be tested for a proposed disturbance area. Obtain the required animal ethics approval, permits and land manager approval before trapping.

Use rolled oats, peanut butter and sultanas as the bait mixture. Set traps for four consecutive nights, check them early each morning, close them during the day and re-bait and reopen them in the late afternoon.

Trap effort: 20 Elliott traps per sampling site

Trap spacing: 10 m apart

Trap lines: Two parallel lines, 25 m apart

Minimum site coverage: Two sampling sites per 5 ha

Trap duration: Four consecutive nights

  • Use 20 Elliott A, B or E traps at each sampling site.
  • Place traps 10 m apart in two parallel straight lines, with the transects 25 m apart.
  • Sample each representative habitat and use at least two sampling sites per 5 ha.
  • Consider two traps at each station where common species may reduce detection.
  • Provide suitable protection from exposure and follow approved animal welfare procedures.

Survey methodology: 4. Identification and records

Record the date, weather, survey conditions, habitat, effort, trap locations, captures, signs and any disturbance observed. Photograph animals only when this can be done safely and without delaying release.

Do not rely on hair tubes for this species. If an animal is captured on the mainland, seek authority for tissue or other suitable genetic confirmation because of possible confusion with the western mouse.

  • Record the animal's sex, approximate age class, weight where authorised, reproductive condition and location.
  • Use an experienced fauna ecologist or approved laboratory for identification of questionable captures.
  • Release animals at the capture location unless an approved translocation or veterinary direction applies.
  • Report threatened species records to the relevant wildlife and land management databases.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm approvals and permits

Plan works to avoid Shark Bay Mouse habitat wherever possible. The species is listed as Vulnerable nationally, and its shallow shelters and restricted distribution mean that a small work area can still matter.

Check whether the action may have a significant impact on the Shark Bay Mouse and whether an EPBC Act referral or approval is required. Obtain state or territory wildlife permits for survey, trapping, handling, relocation and collection of genetic samples.

Where works occur in Queensland and the relevant animal is treated as near threatened, check whether tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program. Obtain any required Queensland SMP before disturbance.

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Other listed statuses supplied for this profile: South Australia, Endangered. Western Australia, Vulnerable.

  • Check Commonwealth approval requirements before clearing or construction starts.
  • Check state threatened species, clearing, fauna handling and animal ethics requirements.
  • Confirm land manager approvals for islands, reserves and translocation sites.
  • Keep copies of permits and conditions with the site supervisor and fauna spotter catcher.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoid and retain habitat

Redesign the work footprint to retain coastal dunes, spinifex, coastal daisy bush, beachcast cover and inland Triodia and Acacia habitat. Retain connected vegetation and avoid unnecessary access tracks, laydown areas and night lighting.

There is no fixed species-specific disturbance buffer stated for this species. Set a clearly marked, site-specific exclusion zone around likely habitat, active burrows, runways, nests and any detected animals, based on the ecological assessment and approval conditions.

  • Fence or flag no-go areas before machinery arrives.
  • Keep beachcast seagrass, dense ground cover and suitable surface shelter in retained areas.
  • Prevent vehicles and materials from entering marked habitat.
  • Control cats, foxes and other introduced predators in accordance with the approved management plan.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Complete pre-clearance surveys

Complete a daytime habitat and sign survey immediately before clearing. Use live trapping where the risk assessment, approval or ecologist recommends it.

Survey during the local activity period and allow for breeding use between May and November on Bernier Island. Do not assume that a quiet site is unoccupied, as the species is nocturnal and may shelter in shallow burrows or above-ground nests.

Recorded breeding period on Bernier Island: May to November

Known seasonal movement guidance: No migration or passage period has been established

  • Search all vegetation and surface cover that will be removed or disturbed.
  • Mark burrows, runways, nests, shelter heaps and capture points on the site plan.
  • Repeat the inspection after weather or work changes that could alter access to shelter.
  • Stop and reassess if fresh signs or an animal is detected.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induct the work crew

Brief all workers, operators and subcontractors before entering the work area. Explain the animal's appearance, shallow shelters, no-go areas and the stop-work process.

Give the fauna spotter catcher authority to stop work whenever an animal, active shelter or unexpected threatened species habitat is found.

  • Show photographs or field identification material for the Shark Bay Mouse and likely similar species.
  • Explain that workers must not handle, chase, feed or retain an animal.
  • Mark the fauna spotter catcher's position and communication method.
  • Include emergency contacts, permit conditions and the injured animal pathway in the induction.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Use sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence, with the fauna spotter catcher directing each stage. Keep disturbance slow enough to inspect cover and respond to animals, burrows and nests before machinery moves on.

Clear from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat so animals have an opportunity to move away from machinery. Remove vegetation and surface cover in small stages under direct fauna supervision.

Inspect each section before and after it is cleared. Do not collapse or fill a burrow, remove a nest heap or disturb beachcast shelter until it has been assessed.

  • Maintain the marked exclusion zones throughout the work.
  • Use hand tools around burrows, runways, nests and dense cover where machinery could crush shelter.
  • Pause work during excessive heat, heavy rain or other conditions that increase handling and exposure risk.
  • Keep cleared materials separate from retained habitat so animals are not buried or trapped.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Manage animals and breeding places

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may capture, handle or relocate the Shark Bay Mouse. Use approved equipment and methods, and minimise handling time.

If an active breeding place, communal burrow, nest or group of animals is found, stop work in the immediate area. Keep people and machinery clear while the fauna ecologist confirms the status and decides the response under the permit or approval.

  • Do not move a breeding place or animal without approval.
  • Protect the location with a marked exclusion zone until the responsible ecologist or authority provides direction.
  • Release a healthy animal at the approved location, normally as close as practicable to its capture site, unless an approved relocation plan states otherwise.
  • Record the reason, location, time and outcome of every intervention.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Respond to injured animals

Stop work and protect the animal from machinery, people, dogs and predators. Contact the authorised fauna handler and a wildlife veterinarian or approved wildlife care provider.

Do not give food or water, and do not attempt treatment unless directed by a veterinarian or permit holder.

  • Place the animal in an appropriate ventilated container only if authorised and safe to do so.
  • Keep the container quiet, shaded and secure.
  • Record the location, apparent injury, time found, handler, transport and receiving provider.
  • Notify the relevant authority where required by the permit or approval.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Keep daily records

Maintain a daily fauna log for the full disturbance period. Record effort as well as outcomes, including no-capture checks.

Link photographs, GPS points and animal identification to the relevant work area and date.

  • Record cleared area, habitat type, weather, machinery, timing and spotter catcher details.
  • Record all sightings, captures, signs, breeding places, injuries, releases and mortalities.
  • Record any stop-work event and the direction that allowed work to resume.
  • Report any unexpected Shark Bay Mouse detection or mortality promptly under the approval conditions.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Complete post-clearance checks

Complete a careful close-out inspection before removing fauna controls or handing the site back to construction. Follow the approval, permit and monitoring plan for any relocated animals or retained habitat.

Inspect the cleared footprint, spoil areas, access routes and retained edges for trapped, injured or overlooked animals. Check beneath stored materials and around open trenches before demobilisation.

Confirm that no burrows, nests or surface shelter have been isolated by fencing, stockpiles or new structures.

  • Search all disturbed areas and machinery exclusion zones.
  • Close or secure trenches and pits as soon as practicable, or provide an approved escape method while they remain open.
  • Remove temporary hazards and prevent animals entering unsafe structures.
  • Document the final condition of retained habitat and exclusion zones.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitor retained and relocated animals

Use the approved monitoring method for the site and translocation history. Where animals have been relocated, confirm the release location, date, number, condition and any follow-up detections.

Use live trapping, sign searches or other methods only when authorised and appropriate to the site.

  • Check whether retained shelter, runways and shallow communal burrows remain usable.
  • Record detections, non-detections, predator signs, habitat condition and any new threats.
  • Do not assume that a release confirms establishment. Assess survival and persistence through the agreed monitoring program.
  • Escalate unexpected declines, repeated predator activity or animal deaths to the project ecologist and relevant authority.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Report and review

Prepare a completion report that compares the planned controls with what occurred in the field. Include all captures, relocations, injuries, deaths, breeding places, stop-work events and permit notifications.

Hold a short incident review after any mortality, missed animal, unauthorised handling or breach of an exclusion zone.

  • Map the final disturbance footprint and retained habitat.
  • Attach daily fauna logs, photographs, GPS data, trapping results and laboratory records.
  • Record corrective actions for the next work stage or project.
  • Update the site environmental management plan where controls were ineffective.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore suitable ground cover

Rehabilitation should rebuild dense, connected ground cover and protect the shelter resources used by the Shark Bay Mouse. The species uses shallow communal burrows, tunnels, runways and above-ground nests, rather than the tree hollows or bat roosts used by some other mammals.

Reinstate sandy landforms and native coastal or inland vegetation suited to the local site. Re-establish spinifex, coastal daisy bush, Triodia and Acacia communities where they formed the original habitat.

Retain or replace natural surface cover such as beachcast seagrass, grasses and shrubs where this is appropriate and does not create a fire or erosion hazard.

  • Use locally appropriate native seed or plant material.
  • Keep rehabilitation areas connected to retained habitat.
  • Protect newly rehabilitated areas from vehicles, stock, unauthorised access and soil compaction.
  • Stage works so shelter and cover are available as soon as practicable.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Provide shelter that suits the species

Prioritise natural or constructed ground cover, shallow shelter heaps and protected runway habitat. These are more relevant to the Shark Bay Mouse than standard nest boxes or bat boxes.

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial roosts or other structures unless a species expert and the approving authority have confirmed that they suit the site and form part of an approved trial or management plan.

  • Retain existing above-ground nests wherever safe.
  • Design any artificial nest or shelter site around local materials and the species' use of surface cover, tunnels and shallow communal burrows.
  • Place replacement shelter above flood and high-water levels where relevant to the site.
  • Monitor use before expanding an artificial shelter program.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Control weeds, predators and other threats

Control weeds that displace spinifex, coastal daisy bush, Triodia or Acacia, using methods that protect native ground cover and animals. Manage feral cats and foxes through an approved predator control program.

Avoid creating dense rubbish piles, open pits or artificial lighting that can increase injury risk or alter nocturnal habitat use.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas for weed reinvasion and erosion.
  • Keep predator control records and review results against animal detections.
  • Use low-spill, directed lighting where lighting cannot be avoided.
  • Prevent domestic animals from entering retained or rehabilitated habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Monitor rehabilitation

Monitor vegetation establishment, shelter formation, predator activity and Shark Bay Mouse use for the period specified in the approval or rehabilitation plan. The species is poorly known on mainland sites, so adapt the program when monitoring shows that the selected habitat or shelter is not being used.

Use consistent locations and methods so results can be compared between visits.

Recorded breeding period on Bernier Island: May to November

Relevant shelter types: Shallow communal burrows, tunnels, runways and above-ground nests

  • Record vegetation cover, species composition, shelter condition, runways, burrows, tracks, scats and captures.
  • Inspect rehabilitated areas during the species' active night period where approved, or use the established live-trapping and sign-search methods.
  • Compare results with nearby retained habitat.
  • Maintain monitoring until habitat is stable and the responsible ecologist and authority agree that the performance criteria have been met.

Sources