TABLE 5: Threats and mitigation options for priority threatened species in the Cradle Coast Region

Threats and challenges to Australian Government priority species

Analysis of known threats to the Investment Priority species in the Region (as outlined in relevant recovery plans, and DPIPWE Threatened Species Link records) as well as potential mitigation options are summarised in Table 5.

TABLE 5: Threats and mitigation options for priority threatened species in the Cradle Coast Region

Listed threatened species Habitat preference in region Threats in the region Identified NRM mitigation options appropriate to the region

Australasian Bittern Wetlands with dense reed beds and rushes.

Eastern Barred Bandicoot Mosaic habitat of grassy woodlands and pasture often with significant amounts of cover provided by shrubby weeds such as Gorse and Blackberry.

Eastern Curlew Sheltered coasts, especially estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets and coastal lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or sandflats. Eastern Curlews roost on sandy spits and islets, especially on dry beach sand near the high-water mark, and among coastal vegetation including low saltmarsh. Breed in Russia and visit the Cradle Coast for summer feeding. Loss of habitat. Community-based monitoring programs to gain greater understanding of location and characteristics of habitat for the Bittern. Identification of core habitat areas. Use of community awareness and management agreements to encourage the protection of habitat areas.

Blanket removal of native and weedy shrub cover. Conversion of native grassland and grassy woodland habitat.

Feral predators (cats, dogs). Toxoplasmosis. Drought. Roadkill. Awareness programs promoting the vulnerability of the species to insensitive land development. Use of community awareness and management agreements to encourage the protection of habitat areas. Cat trapping/ management. Roadkill signage / virtual fencing. Population monitoring to identify stronghold areas for the population.

Loss of feeding habitat.

Feral predators (cats, dogs). Community awareness programs focussed on the importance of coastal saltmarsh and wetlands for migratory bird habitat, using Eastern Curlew as an icon species. Mapping of core feeding habitat for Eastern Curlew in the Region. Saltmarsh restoration programs including Rice Grass control.

Shorebird monitoring programs to improve understanding of habitat preferences and population dynamics of the species.

Listed threatened species Habitat preference in region Threats in the region Identified NRM mitigation options appropriate to the region

Eastern Quoll A range of vegetation types, tussock grassland, grassy woodland, dry eucalypt forest, coastal scrub, alpine heathland often associated with low rainfall and cold winter temperatures.

Giant Freshwater Crayfish All northern flowing river systems in the Region, and the Arthur River (flowing west).

Green and Gold Frog Vegetation within or at the edges of permanent water such as slowflowing streams, swamps, lagoons and lakes. Cat predation (juveniles). Rodenticides.

Roadkill.

Toxoplasmosis. Habitat loss.

Loss of connectivity of in-stream habitat. Loss of breeding habitat.

Poor water quality, especially sedimentation. Illegal fishing. Climate change.

Loss and degradation of habitat (riparian and aquatic). Barriers to movement.

Disease.

Predation.

Pollution.

Radiation (UVB). Feral Cat trapping and monitoring. Habitat management (cool burns and not clearing). Rodenticide awareness programs (especially second-generation rodenticides). Roadkill mitigation measures such as signage, community awareness and engagement, and virtual fencing. Habitat corridors.

Management agreements/ habitat protection (e.g. Land For Wildlife).

Improving water quality (sediment reduction) through riparian revegetation and fencing. Improving habitat connectivity through riparian revegetation and fencing. Enforcement and compliance activities coupled with awareness programs to discourage illegal fishing. Conservation agreements to protect known areas for GFC migration or breeding.

Identify opportunities for community involvement in conservation action.

Undertake or support population monitoring including citizen science opportunities. Identify and protect important populations through targeted habitat management prescriptions including wetland protection and restoration in agricultural landscapes.

Listed threatened species Habitat preference in region Threats in the region Identified NRM mitigation options appropriate to the region

Hooded Plover

King Island Brown Thornbill Sandy, ocean beaches, with the highest densities on beaches with large amounts of beach-washed seaweed that are backed by extensive open dunes. The species shows a preference for nesting on flat beaches and stony terraces and primary sand dunes. Vehicle use on beaches during breeding season. Feral and domestic predators (cats, dogs). Weed encroachment to beach and dune systems. Accidental trampling and nest disturbance by recreational beach users.

Trampling by stock. Native predators.

Tall eucalypt forest. Loss of core breeding and feeding habitat.

Maugean Skate Shallow upper regions of low nutrient brackish water in Macquarie Harbour

Orangebellied Parrot (OBP) Saltmarsh and coastal shrublands that provide diverse feeding habitat during migration periods. Historic mining pollution Recreational fishing (incidental capture) Nutrient loading Non-native marine species

Loss of migratory feeding habitat areas.

Feral predators (cats, dogs).

Swift Parrot Wetter eucalypt forest. Loss of feeding habitat. Greater community awareness of the need to avoid beach breeding areas. Encouraging compliance with relevant council or reserve requirements to protect habitat.

Localised cat owner awareness programs. Community-based beach weed management programs. Exploring options for fencing or physically limiting vehicle access to breeding areas. Negotiating landowner management agreements where this can contribute to limiting beach access. Hooded Plover monitoring programs including citizen science, to evaluate success of breeding seasons.

Community awareness of the importance of remnant habitat for the conservation of endemic King Island’s birds. Conservation agreements to protect remnants.

Monitoring known populations to identify threats Raise awareness of the Maugean Skate within the local community, especially with regards to commercial and recreational fishing. Minimise adverse impacts from harbour and estuary use at known sites.

Exclusion of public access to Crown or privately-owned core feeding habitat for OBP (e.g., Lavinia Reserve). Saltmarsh restoration programs through Rice Grass control and saltmarsh regeneration. Trapping of feral cats in core feeding habitat during OBP migration periods. Volunteer surveys of OBP utilisation of core feeding habitat during migration periods.

Landholder conservation agreements in areas of known feeding habitat on private land. Promotion of the Region as important migratory bird feeding habitat.