MEDIA RELEASE
Malcolm Lindsay, Ecologist
Monday, 8th August, 2011
Population of threatened Bilbies found at proposed James Price Point Gas Hub
A community supported ecological study confirmed over the weekend that there is a healthy population of Bilbies within the proposed James Price Point Gas Plant precinct.
This ecological survey was conducted at the request of and in conjunction with the traditional custodians, the Goolarabooloo people, and supported by members of the Broome community concerned over the Gas Hub’s impact.
Fresh tracks and multiple burrows were located in the north of the precinct area and were confirmed as belonging to the Greater Bilby, Macrotis lagotis¸ through the use of motion activated cameras.
The measurement of track size, number of burrows and locations of fresh tracks suggests that there are a number of Bilbies in the area.
Woodside currently has a permit to clear the forest where this population have been found. These threatened marsupials could meet Woodside’s bulldozers tomorrow.
Additional to this area, old burrows and anecdotal evidence of Bilbies throughout the whole precinct area suggests that the whole gas plant precinct is and has been an important habitat for this threatened and charismatic marsupial.
This finding comes as Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke considers his approval for the project through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, under which the Bilby is listed as threatened.
Lead Ecologist, Malcolm Lindsay commented that:
“The most recent fauna survey completed for Woodside in the area occurred after a large bushfire and found no evidence of Bilbies. The recent recolonisation of this area by the Bilbies demonstrates that the ecological information that Minister Burke is basing his decisions on is inadequate, and further and more exhaustive ecological surveys are needed”
For further information, footage and photos contact:
Malcolm Lindsay, 0405 667 103
Current Species Status
The greater bilby Macrotis lagotis is listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Conservation Status
The greater bilby Macrotis lagotis is listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The species occurs in three states QLD, WA and the NT and is being reintroduced to SA and NSW.
International Obligations
The greater bilby is listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This recovery plan is consistent with CITES and with Australia’s other obligations under international treaties.
WA - Vulnerable, specially protected as species threatened with extinction, pursuant to the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.;
Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) – Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
Potential impacts to the Greater Bilby are primarily associated with vegetation and habitat clearing, vehicle movements, terrestrial site disturbance and excavation, noise and vibration and terrestrial discharges and spills.
Congrats Malcolm-well done for finding the bilbies :-)
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