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Western Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes caurinus)

The Western Marsupial Mole is a small, almost completely underground marsupial of the sandy deserts of north western Australia. On works sites, its backfilled tunnels and surface tracks can be easy to miss, so clearing in deep loose sand needs careful checking and local ecological advice. In Western Australia it is listed as Priority 4, an EVNT equivalent for rare and near threatened species that need monitoring.

Conservation status

Western Australia, WA Threatened and Priority Fauna List: Near threatened. Priority 4 (rare, near threatened) on the Western Australian priority fauna list. Priority species are not listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 but should be considered in assessments.

Breeding season

Breeding timing for the Western Marsupial Mole is poorly known, with no confirmed breeding months for Australia. Records are concentrated in Western Australia, with possible occurrence in the far western Northern Territory, and timing may vary between desert regions and years.

Breeding mode: Marsupial breeding, with young expected to develop in a pouch. Species-specific breeding details are not recorded.

Breeding months: Not recorded.

Litter size: Not recorded.

Gestation: Not recorded.

Weaning: Not recorded.

Breeding sites: Not recorded. The species is mostly underground in deep, loose sand and moves through back-filled tunnels.

Activity and risk may vary with rainfall, soil condition, dune structure and local populations, so repeat surveys across suitable habitat and years are appropriate where works cannot avoid sandy dunes and swales.

  • Breeding and dependent young: No breeding season, birth period or period with dependent young has been established for the Western Marsupial Mole.
  • Underground activity and foraging: The species is mostly underground and forages through deep, loose sand, including dunes, swales and some sandy river flats.
  • Surface activity after wet weather: Individuals may appear at the surface after heavy rain, but this behaviour is occasional and may indicate stress rather than a seasonal movement.
  • Highest clearing risk: Treat clearing and ground disturbance as a potential risk in every month because breeding timing and breeding places are unknown, and the species depends on loose sandy habitat.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Western Marsupial Mole is highly specialised for burrowing and is rarely seen above ground. Identification from signs can be difficult, especially where it may overlap with the Southern Marsupial Mole.

The body is small, tubular and covered in short, dense fur. Fur may be pale cream, pinkish, golden or reddish brown.

The eyes are vestigial and hidden under the skin. Ear pinnae are absent, with only small openings beneath the fur. The nose has a tough, horny shield. The forefeet have large shovel-like claws, especially on the third and fourth digits. The short tail is hard, ringed and ends in a knob-like tip.

Body form: Tubular and compact, with short, powerful limbs

Eyes and ears: Eyes hidden under skin, ear pinnae absent

Forefeet: Large digging claws on the third and fourth digits

  • Head and body length is about 12 to 16 cm.
  • Weight is commonly about 30 to 60 g.
  • The pouch opens towards the rear in both sexes.

Identification: Similar species

The main identification problem is separation from the Southern Marsupial Mole, Notoryctes typhlops. The two forms are difficult to distinguish in the field and their ranges may overlap.

The Western Marsupial Mole is generally described as slightly smaller, with a shorter and narrower snout. It may lack anterior molars, and its remaining cheek teeth are smaller and simpler. These features usually require a specimen or specialist examination.

  • Experienced observers may use tracks to distinguish the two forms.
  • Genetic testing may be needed for species level identification.
  • Hair samples generally identify a marsupial mole to genus, not reliably to species.

Identification: Field signs

The animal moves through loose sand by digging and backfilling as it goes. There is usually no open tunnel behind it.

Look for a shallow uplift just below the surface, oval changes in soil texture, or a small crater where an animal has entered or left the sand. Underground tubes may be visible in a carefully excavated trench, but they can be difficult to detect until the sand has dried.

Surface tracks may look like a small animal shuffling across the sand, with broken limb marks on each side. Western Marsupial Mole tracks may show less obvious tail drag than Southern Marsupial Mole tracks.

  • Do not rely on droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odour. These are not reliable field signs for this species.
  • There is no useful call or echolocation feature for routine site detection.
  • Photograph tracks and surface signs before disturbing them.

Identification: Handling and confirmation

Treat any live animal, fresh track series or suspected tunnel as a significant fauna record. Stop excavation in the immediate area and contact the project ecologist or relevant wildlife authority.

Do not handle an animal unless the person is authorised and trained. Hair or tissue sampling requires the appropriate permits and licences.

Distribution: Western Australia

The Western Marsupial Mole is recorded mainly from the sandy deserts of Western Australia. Its boundary with the Southern Marsupial Mole remains uncertain, particularly around the Tanami and Central Ranges regions.

Confirmed and attributed records occur across the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts, the western Tanami Desert, Dampierland and the western edge of the Central Ranges near Warburton.

Records extend from the coast between Broome and Pardoo Station inland to areas near Balgo, Kunawarritji, Punmu, Lake Disappointment and Warburton. Specimens have also been collected at Wallal and within 100 km south of Broome.

  • Great Sandy Desert
  • Little Sandy Desert
  • Gibson Desert
  • Western Tanami Desert
  • Dampierland and the western Central Ranges

Distribution: Possible occurrence outside Western Australia

The species may occur in the far western Northern Territory, especially near the Western Australia border and in the western Tanami Desert. Records from the Northern Territory have not been consistently recognised to species level.

There are no confirmed records from Queensland or New South Wales. Reports from those regions concern marsupial moles generally and should not be assigned to this species without confirmation.

Distribution: What the range means on a site

A site without a previous record should not be treated as free of the species. Suitable dune and swale systems are widespread, and the animal is rarely detected by ordinary fauna surveys.

Records near the boundary with the Southern Marsupial Mole need careful checking. Keep the original photographs, location data and habitat description with every record.

Habitat: Landforms to check

Look for the Western Marsupial Mole in deep, loose sand that can be excavated easily. Large, well vegetated dunes, adjoining swales and sandy river flats are the most useful habitat indicators.

Prioritise aeolian sand dunes, sand ridges and sandy plains. Check both the dune body and the adjacent swales, rather than surveying only dune crests.

Sandy river flats may also be suitable where they connect with aeolian dunes or other deep sandy areas.

  • Well developed dune fields
  • Low sand ridges separated by swales
  • Deep sandy plains
  • Sandy river flats adjoining dunes

Habitat: Vegetation and soil

Habitat is often associated with spinifex and scattered desert shrubs. Relevant plants include Triodia and Plectrachne species, acacias and other shrubs growing in loose sand.

The key site feature is the substrate. Hard packed ground, rocky surfaces and calcrete may prevent movement and can act as barriers between suitable sandy areas.

  • Spinifex dominated dunes and swales
  • Sand supporting acacias and other desert shrubs
  • Loose, deep soil with little surface compaction
  • Vegetated dunes rather than bare or heavily disturbed sand

Habitat: Site inspection

During the initial walkover, map dune crests, slopes, bases, swales and sandy drainage lines. Record breaks in the sand system, including roads, compacted tracks, hard ground and calcrete.

Include suitable habitat in the pre clearance fauna assessment even when no surface signs are found. The species can remain underground and signs may be localised.

  • Walk slowly across suitable sand in good visibility.
  • Avoid relying on a single visit or a single sign.
  • Use local Aboriginal ecological knowledge where it is available and permission has been obtained.

Foraging habitat: Foraging locations

The Western Marsupial Mole forages below the surface while swimming through loose sand and backfilling its passage. Its diet is not fully resolved, but it is known or suspected to include small invertebrates.

Search for foraging signs in deep sand on dune slopes, dune bases, swales and sandy river flats. Signs may be more common in large areas of well vegetated dunes.

The animal cannot travel far across hard ground, so connected sandy habitat is more useful than isolated patches separated by compacted or rocky surfaces.

  • Loose sand 20 to 60 cm below the surface is within the usual underground activity zone.
  • Check areas with recent surface uplift or small craters.
  • Inspect dune and swale systems as one connected habitat unit.

Foraging habitat: Food

The Western Marsupial Mole is reported to eat invertebrates, including ants, termites and beetle larvae. Other prey records from the Southern Marsupial Mole should not automatically be treated as confirmed records for this species.

Potential prey habitat may occur around vegetated dunes, river gums and sandy river flats, but the relationship has not been established for every site.

Diet: Small invertebrates, especially ants, termites and beetle larvae

Feeding method: Underground foraging through loose sand

Foraging habitat: Practical survey approach

Surface searches can record tracks, craters and shallow subsurface uplift. Early morning is generally best for track work, with calm conditions preferred. Avoid surveying immediately after rain because tracks may be obscured.

For a targeted assessment, a trained survey team may inspect trench walls for underground tubes. Trenches should be dug cautiously by hand, allowed to dry for several days, and closed safely after inspection. Obtain project and wildlife approvals before trenching.

  • Do not use mechanical excavation for a targeted marsupial mole search.
  • Stop digging if a live animal is found.
  • Record the dune position, slope, soil depth and vegetation at each sign.

Breeding habitat: What to look for

Breeding places and breeding timing for the Western Marsupial Mole are poorly known. No special nest, maternity burrow or colony structure has been reliably established for use in routine site assessment.

Assume that suitable deep sand may support breeding as well as feeding and movement. Give particular attention to continuous dune systems, sheltered swales and sandy river flats connected to dunes.

Do not remove or collapse suspected underground tubes simply because they appear old. Tubes of different ages may occur through the same sand profile.

  • Deep, loose sand
  • Continuous dune and swale systems
  • Vegetated sand with nearby shelter from wind and water movement

Breeding habitat: Breeding information

Breeding season, litter size, age at maturity and weaning are not established well enough to set a species specific seasonal clearance window. Treat all suitable habitat as potentially occupied throughout the year.

A live animal at the surface may be under stress, including after heavy rain or during cold conditions. It should be protected from further disturbance and referred promptly to the project ecologist.

Breeding timing: Unknown

Breeding place: No confirmed specialised site type

Colony size: No colony structure has been established

Breeding habitat: Works planning

Where clearing or construction affects connected dune habitat, plan the works so that disturbance is limited and avoid unnecessary breaks through sandy corridors. Use staged clearing and fauna supervision where the risk assessment identifies suitable habitat.

Any proposal to excavate, trench or compact deep sand should include a method for recording and responding to live animals and fresh signs.

Sheltering habitat: Underground habitat

The Western Marsupial Mole spends most of its time underground in deep, loose sand. It does not maintain a permanent open burrow, because the sand collapses behind it as it moves.

The usual activity zone is approximately 20 to 60 cm below ground, although older or intersecting sand tubes may extend deeper. A recorded shaft investigation found tubes through a depth of 2.5 m.

Tunnels are backfilled and may appear as oval or circular changes in soil texture when exposed in a trench wall. Fine roots can invade older tubes, which may help show their relative age.

Typical depth: Approximately 20 to 60 cm below the surface

Tunnel type: Backfilled sand tubes, not open permanent tunnels

  • Loose dune sand
  • Deep sandy swales
  • Sandy river flats with aeolian sand nearby

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features on a site

Prioritise areas where sand is deep, stable enough to retain vegetation and not heavily compacted. Dune slopes, bases and swales may all provide underground shelter.

Hard ground, rock, calcrete and compacted vehicle tracks are unsuitable for movement and may divide otherwise suitable habitat.

  • Well vegetated dune faces
  • Dune bases and swales
  • Loose sand beneath spinifex and desert shrubs
  • Sandy drainage or river flat margins

Sheltering habitat: Working around signs

If a trench, footing excavation or road cut exposes a suspected sand tube, stop work in that section and have the feature assessed. Do not probe along the tube or attempt to follow it with machinery.

Use hand tools for any approved inspection. Keep spoil from rolling back into undisturbed habitat, and reinstate excavated sand when the inspection is complete.

Threats: Clearing and habitat fragmentation

The main site risks are loss of loose sandy habitat, compaction and direct harm during excavation. Because the species is rarely seen and its distribution is poorly resolved, absence of signs should not be taken as proof that a site is unoccupied.

Removing dune vegetation, flattening sand ridges or cutting across connected dune and swale systems can reduce underground habitat. Roads, pads and linear infrastructure may divide suitable sand with hard or compacted surfaces.

Keep disturbance within the approved footprint. Retain connected sandy habitat wherever practicable, especially around dune systems and sandy river flats.

  • Avoid unnecessary clearing on dune crests, slopes, bases and swales.
  • Avoid creating new breaks through continuous loose sand.
  • Mark no go areas clearly before machinery arrives.

Threats: Excavation and direct injury

Footings, trenches, borrow pits and other deep excavations can expose or crush animals and backfilled tubes. Mechanical trenching is not suitable for targeted detection of marsupial moles.

Use a fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist where required by the approval or risk assessment. Stop work if a live animal or fresh sign is found, and follow the approved fauna handling procedure.

  • Use hand excavation for any targeted tunnel inspection.
  • Do not chase, dig after or relocate an animal without authorisation.
  • Photograph and record all signs before reinstatement.

Threats: Soil compaction

Compaction from heavy vehicles, stock, cattle, camels and other feral herbivores can make sand difficult or impossible to penetrate. Repeated traffic may also reduce the continuity of suitable habitat.

Keep vehicles and laydown areas on existing hardstand or approved routes. Prevent unauthorised access to retained dune and swale habitat, and rehabilitate temporary tracks where required.

  • Use defined access routes.
  • Keep laydown areas out of loose sand.
  • Avoid parking or turning machinery on dunes and swales.

Threats: Predators and changed site conditions

Foxes and cats are reported predators. Construction activity, rubbish and temporary water points can attract predators or alter animal movement around a site.

Remove food waste, secure water and waste infrastructure, and maintain clean work areas. Report unusual concentrations of tracks or surface animals to the project ecologist, particularly after rain.

  • Control food and construction waste.
  • Do not leave open containers or avoidable hazards on site.
  • Include predator and feral herbivore impacts in longer term land management planning.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Western Marsupial Moles are difficult to detect because they spend almost all of their time below ground. Use experienced observers, Aboriginal ecological knowledge and more than one survey method where suitable sandy habitat may be affected.

Map deep, loose sand before entering the field. Prioritise well-vegetated dunes, dune swales, sandy plains and sandy river flats near aeolian dunes.

Check aerial imagery, soil mapping, fire history and recent fauna records. Include local Aboriginal knowledge through the appropriate Traditional Owner groups and information holders.

Treat records near the Tanami and Central Ranges as potentially uncertain because Western and Southern Marsupial Moles can be difficult to separate.

Typical underground depth: About 20 to 60 cm below the ground surface

Main habitat: Deep, loose sand on dunes, swales and some sandy river flats

  • Map hard-packed ground, calcrete, rocky areas and other likely barriers to underground movement.
  • Search records for tracks, craters, surface uplifts and tunnel surveys, not only confirmed animal captures.
  • Assume that suitable habitat may be occupied even when no recent record is available.

Survey methodology: 2. Surface track and sign searches

Search for shuffling tracks, broken limb marks, a faint tail mark, burrowing craters and small surface uplifts. Western Marsupial Mole tracks may have less obvious tail drag than Southern Marsupial Mole tracks.

Use experienced trackers. Small reptile tracks and wind disturbance can be mistaken for marsupial mole signs.

Conduct searches in the early morning, avoid very windy conditions and do not survey immediately after rain. October and April are useful repeat survey periods for regional monitoring, subject to site access and weather.

Species identification: Tracks may assist, but species assignment can require genetic or other specialist examination

Surface activity: Occasional surface activity may follow wet weather, but animals may be stressed

  • Walk dune crests, mid-slopes, dune bases, swales and sandy river flats systematically.
  • Photograph tracks and signs with a scale and record their direction, substrate and apparent age.
  • Mark each sign with a GPS location, but do not excavate a suspected animal or tunnel during a surface search.

Survey methodology: 3. Trench surveys

Tunnel surveys are the most efficient method in suitable habitat. Use hand tools and work cautiously because the animal and its back-filled tunnels are underground and there is no permanent open burrow.

Dig vertical inspection trenches approximately 80 cm to 1 m deep, about 120 cm long and 40 cm wide. Place trenches near the dune crest, mid-slope and base, with locations less than 1 km apart where the site and access allow.

Leave trenches open for about three to five days so the sand can dry. Inspect the walls for circular or oval tunnel traces, usually larger than 25 mm, and record tunnel depth, direction, condition and age indicators.

Indicative tunnel count: Two to six tunnels per square metre of vertical trench face may occur in suitable habitat

Species limitation: Underground tunnel signs cannot reliably separate Western and Southern Marsupial Moles

  • Avoid mechanical excavation for survey trenches.
  • Stop digging immediately if a mole is seen or the trench enters an occupied passage.
  • Use a qualified ecologist to design the trench layout where clearing affects a large or connected dune system.
  • Record the area searched, trench dimensions, dates, weather, soil condition, vegetation, number of tunnels and the result of each trench.

Survey methodology: 4. Specimen, hair and genetic confirmation

Do not collect an animal, hair or tissue unless the survey team holds the required authority. Identification is difficult, particularly near the possible range boundary.

Where species confirmation is needed, use a permitted specialist and an approved laboratory. Preserve photographs, the precise location and the habitat description with every sample.

Report Aboriginal observations separately from confirmed specimens, while retaining both in the project record.

  • Use photographs of surface tracks as supporting evidence, not as the sole basis for a species determination.
  • Record the collection authority, collector, sample type, chain of custody and identification result.
  • Share records with the relevant state or territory wildlife agency and approved biodiversity databases.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoiding suitable sand habitat is the safest management measure. Western Marsupial Mole breeding biology is poorly known, so plan conservatively and obtain advice before disturbing connected dune systems.

Check the current Commonwealth and state or territory listing before finalising the work footprint. In Western Australia, the species is Priority 4 and is treated as an EVNT species for project planning.

For actions in known or potential habitat, assess whether an EPBC Act referral is required and seek advice from the Commonwealth department where the action may significantly affect the species or its habitat.

Obtain state permits for fauna survey, capture, handling, sampling, relocation or rehabilitation. If work is proposed in Queensland, check protected wildlife requirements and whether a species management program is required for interference with a breeding place. Confirm equivalent requirements with the relevant agency in any other jurisdiction.

Western Australian listing: Priority 4, a non-statutory category for rare and near threatened species needing monitoring

Known Australian range: Western Australia, with possible occurrence in far western Northern Territory

  • Keep approvals, permits, conditions and contact details on site.
  • Use only authorised personnel for capture, handling, sampling and release.
  • Include Traditional Owner consultation and cultural information protocols in the approval plan.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site design

Keep the project footprint out of deep, loose sand wherever practicable. Retain connected dunes, swales, sandy river flats and native spinifex and shrub cover.

Do not assume that a hard surface between two records makes the surrounding habitat unoccupied. Western Marsupial Moles cannot travel far across hard ground, and calcrete or rocky substrates may restrict movement.

Set project boundaries, access tracks, laydown areas and stockpiles before work starts. Do not place them on dunes or sandy swales unless the impact has been assessed and approved.

  • Use existing cleared or compacted access routes where possible.
  • Fence and sign no-go habitat before machinery arrives.
  • Prevent unnecessary vehicle movements, soil mixing, grading and compaction in retained habitat.
  • Keep spoil, fill, wash-down areas and fuel storage away from loose sand and drainage lines.

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

Complete the desktop review and field survey before clearing. Use surface searches and trench surveys where the habitat assessment indicates suitable sand and the project may remove or compact it.

A negative survey does not demonstrate absence. Record the survey limitations, including wind, recent rain, dry time, access and the amount of habitat inspected.

Use exclusion fencing to protect retained dunes and swales. Fencing should be visible, maintained and checked before each shift.

  • Brief the spotter catcher and supervisor on the location of all suitable habitat and exclusion areas.
  • Mark all approved clearing limits on plans and in the field.
  • Do not clear around a suspected tunnel, crater or animal until the ecologist has assessed it.
  • Stop work and seek specialist advice if a live animal, fresh tunnel system or possible breeding place is found.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing and workforce induction

There is no reliable breeding season or migration period established for this species. Do not rely on seasonal timing alone to reduce risk.

Schedule surveys in suitable conditions and avoid unnecessary disturbance during or immediately after heavy rain, when animals may come to the surface and may be stressed.

Give every worker a short induction before clearing. Explain the animal's appearance, the signs to look for, the no-go areas and the stop-work process.

  • Show photographs of the species, tracks, craters and tunnel signs at the site office and in plant operator briefings.
  • Nominate one person with authority to stop work immediately.
  • Include emergency contacts for the fauna ecologist, wildlife carer or rehabilitation provider and the relevant regulator.
  • Record attendance and retain the induction record with the environmental documentation.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence and keep an authorised fauna spotter catcher present where the risk assessment requires it. Treat every live animal or fresh underground sign as a reason to pause and reassess the work area.

Clear only the approved footprint and work progressively from already disturbed ground towards retained habitat. Keep machinery away from exclusion zones and leave escape routes towards undisturbed sandy habitat where the ecologist considers this safe.

Remove vegetation and loose surface material cautiously. Avoid deep ripping, bulk excavation and unnecessary grading in sand.

Inspect each work area before the next section is opened. Do not bury, crush or fill a suspected tunnel or crater without ecological clearance.

  • Use hand tools near habitat edges and around fresh signs.
  • Keep plant movements slow and controlled in sandy areas.
  • Stop work if a tunnel network, surface uplift or crater is found.
  • Reinstate or isolate any trench or excavation that is not required for the approved works.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Spotter catcher authority and animal handling

The fauna spotter catcher must have clear authority to stop work without waiting for further approval. Only a person with the required wildlife authority may capture, handle, sample or relocate a Western Marsupial Mole.

Do not chase, dig after or expose an animal unnecessarily. If an animal is found, protect the location from people, vehicles, heat and direct sun while the authorised person decides the safest response.

Use a quiet, dark, secure and well-ventilated container if temporary containment is authorised. Minimise handling and holding time, and obtain specialist or veterinary advice promptly.

  • Keep untrained workers clear of the animal.
  • Do not provide food or water unless directed by a wildlife veterinarian or authorised rehabilitator.
  • Do not release the animal at another location without approval and a documented release plan.
  • Record the animal's condition, location, time found, handling, container, destination and authority details.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and occupied habitat

Breeding biology and breeding place types are poorly known. Do not assume that a single animal, tunnel or dune is not associated with breeding.

If an active breeding place, dependent young, occupied tunnel system or concentration of fresh signs is found, stop work in the immediate area. Protect the site from entry, vibration, excavation, vehicle traffic and spoil placement.

The fauna ecologist and relevant regulator must decide whether the place can be avoided, whether work conditions can be changed, and whether any authorised intervention is lawful.

  • Do not excavate an active place to confirm its status.
  • Maintain the exclusion area until the authorised ecologist or regulator clears it.
  • Document the location, signs, photographs, weather, disturbance and actions taken.
  • Apply any permit condition, species management program or regulator direction before work resumes.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or dead animals

Treat a Western Marsupial Mole that is above ground as potentially stressed or injured, particularly after rain or cold weather. Keep people and dogs away and reduce noise and handling.

Contact the authorised wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian and relevant wildlife agency. Follow their directions for containment, assessment, transport and release.

If an animal dies, do not discard it. Secure the specimen and contact the relevant authority about lawful retention, examination and reporting.

  • Record injuries, visible contamination, body condition and any suspected cause.
  • Photograph the animal only when this can be done without extra handling.
  • Record all transport and transfer details.
  • Review whether machinery, compaction, excavation, lighting or another project activity contributed to the incident.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Immediate post-clearance checks

Post-clearance work should confirm that the approved footprint was followed and that no animal or fresh sign was left at risk. Keep the records together so the project team can improve controls on later stages.

Inspect the cleared area, retained habitat edges, access routes and any open excavations after each clearing stage. Look for live animals, fresh tracks, craters, surface uplifts and exposed or damaged tunnel signs.

Close, cover or safely isolate unnecessary trenches and excavations. Do not backfill a location containing a suspected animal until an authorised ecologist has assessed it.

Confirm that exclusion fencing remains intact and that no spoil, fill or machinery has entered retained sandy habitat.

  • Complete the check before the next construction stage starts.
  • Record the date, observer, area checked, conditions, signs found and corrective actions.
  • Escalate any new sign or animal immediately under the stop-work procedure.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocation and release follow-up

If an animal was relocated under authority, record the release location, habitat condition, release time and person responsible. Use a release site selected by the authorised ecologist and wildlife agency, with suitable deep, loose sand and minimal immediate disturbance.

Do not assume that release confirms survival. Where monitoring is required, use the approved method and avoid repeated excavation or handling.

Notify the regulator, rehabilitation provider and project manager of the outcome, including any death, re-capture or further intervention.

  • Maintain the release and rehabilitation records with the project fauna register.
  • Do not disclose culturally sensitive locations without permission.
  • Use repeat sign searches or approved tunnel surveys where monitoring is a permit condition or a project commitment.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and data management

Prepare a fauna report covering survey effort, clearing dates, habitat affected, signs, animals, handling, permits, incidents and rehabilitation actions.

Map all confirmed and probable records with enough detail for future planning. Separate confirmed species identifications from records identified only as marsupial mole.

Submit statutory reports within the time required by the approval or permit and provide relevant records to the state agency and approved biodiversity databases.

  • Include trench dimensions, spacing, dry time and inspection results for tunnel surveys.
  • Attach photographs, GPS data, field sheets and laboratory or specialist identification results.
  • Report any breach of the clearing boundary, exclusion zone or handling conditions.
  • Keep a register of corrective actions and close each action out formally.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review and adaptive management

Review every live animal find, tunnel discovery, injury, death and unauthorised disturbance before the next clearing stage. Include the spotter catcher, fauna ecologist, supervisor, plant operators and relevant Traditional Owner representatives where appropriate.

Update the risk assessment if signs occur outside mapped habitat or if the survey method has low detection success. A single discovery may indicate that connected habitat is more extensive than mapping suggests.

Use the review to change the footprint, access route, work method, induction or survey effort rather than relying on the original plan.

  • Record what happened, why controls did or did not work, and who approved the response.
  • Increase supervision or stop work where repeated incidents occur.
  • Share practical lessons with all crews working on later stages.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore sandy landform and connectivity

Rehabilitation should rebuild connected sandy habitat rather than create artificial shelters. Western Marsupial Mole breeding sites and nest structures are not defined, so nest boxes, bat boxes and similar structures are not suitable replacement habitat for this species.

Reinstate dunes, swales and sandy flats to a stable landform that supports underground movement. Use compatible local sand where fill is required and avoid creating hard-packed surfaces across retained habitat.

Replace native topsoil and plant material where practicable. Restore spinifex and native shrub cover appropriate to the local community, including native Triodia, Plectrachne and Acacia species where they naturally occur.

Reconnect retained habitat across access routes and construction margins. Remove temporary barriers, compacted pads and unnecessary drainage structures after works finish.

  • Scarify compacted ground only where this will not damage occupied underground habitat and the rehabilitation ecologist approves the method.
  • Keep heavy vehicles off rehabilitated sand until the surface and vegetation can withstand the planned use.
  • Use erosion controls that do not form hard barriers or trap animals.
  • Map the final rehabilitated area and the remaining barriers.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Manage weeds, fire and feral animals

Control weeds using methods that protect loose soil, native spinifex and shrub cover. Avoid broad disturbance that creates new hard edges or removes the vegetation associated with sandy habitat.

Manage feral herbivore access where feasible because camels, livestock, cattle and rabbits can compact soil and degrade vegetation. Support approved fox and feral cat control programs where predation risk is identified.

Plan fire management with the local land manager and Traditional Owners. Retain a mosaic of suitable native vegetation and avoid actions that repeatedly simplify dune habitat.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas for weed establishment after rain and during routine maintenance.
  • Repair erosion and vehicle damage early.
  • Record feral animal activity, control measures and changes in soil condition.
  • Do not use bait or pesticides without the required approvals and non-target risk controls.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Water, lighting and construction services

Do not add permanent water points solely for Western Marsupial Moles. The species' water requirements and breeding requirements are poorly known, and artificial water can attract predators, stock and feral animals.

Design drainage so that overland flow does not scour dunes, fill swales or create hard channels through sandy habitat. Keep construction lighting away from retained habitat where practicable.

Remove temporary lights, fencing, pipes and other structures that can obstruct movement or attract predators after construction.

  • Use low-spill, directional lighting for unavoidable night work.
  • Prevent contaminated water, concrete washout and sediment from entering sandy habitat.
  • Inspect culverts, drains and service corridors for compaction and movement barriers.
  • Include water and lighting controls in the environmental management plan.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Monitoring and completion criteria

Monitor rehabilitation for establishment of native vegetation, soil stability, compaction, weeds, feral animal activity and signs of marsupial mole use. Use the same mapped locations and methods where repeat comparison is needed.

Do not judge success by the presence of nest boxes, burrows or open tunnels. Western Marsupial Moles backfill their passages and no suitable artificial breeding structure is established for this species.

Continue monitoring for the period required by the approval, with additional checks after major rain, fire or works that may alter sand movement.

  • Use early morning surface searches in suitable weather and repeat tunnel surveys only where they are authorised and necessary.
  • Record tracks, craters, surface uplifts and tunnel signs with photographs and GPS locations.
  • Compare rehabilitated areas with nearby undisturbed reference habitat where practicable.
  • Set completion actions for failed vegetation establishment, renewed compaction, erosion, weeds or predator activity.

Sources