Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program … · 2016. 7. 22. · Golden Sun Moth...

Prepared for: Parks and Conservation Service /

Environmental Offsets Date: April 2016

Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program

2015 Report

www.smec.com

Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring| SMEC

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DOCUMENT CONTROL

Title Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program

Prepared for Parks and Conservation Service/Environmental Offsets

Project Ref 3002494

Name Position Signed/Approved Date

Originator Natasha Crook Ecologist

Review David Moore Senior Scientist

Approval Dr Robert Jessop Principal Scientist Dr Robert Jessop 24/03/2016

Details of Revisions

Rev Date Description Approved

1 29042016 Final Report Dr Robert Jessop

CONTACT DETAILS

SMEC Australia Pty Ltd | www.smec.com

Level 5, 20 Berry Street

North Sydney NSW 2060

Tel: 02 9925 5555

Fax: 02 9925 5566

Representative: Robert Jessop

P: 02 6234 1924

E: [email protected]



TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 4

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Project Overview ....................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Golden Sun Moth ....................................................................................................... 5

Description ................................................................................................................ 5

Life History and Breeding ......................................................................................... 5

Habitat ....................................................................................................................... 6

Distribution ................................................................................................................ 6

Conservation Status and Threats ............................................................................. 7

1.3 Study Area .................................................................................................................. 7

METHODS ............................................................................................................................. 8

2.1 Golden Sun Moth Monitoring ................................................................................... 8

Field Surveys ............................................................................................................ 8

Transect Survey ........................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Habitat Assessment .................................................................................................. 8

Step Point Transects................................................................................................. 8

Photograph Monitoring Points .................................................................................. 9

RESULTS ............................................................................................................................ 10

3.1 GSM Survey Results ............................................................................................... 10

Throsby North ......................................................................................................... 11

Kinlyside .................................................................................................................. 12

Bonner 4 East ......................................................................................................... 12

3.2 Vegetation monitoring ............................................................................................ 13

Throsby North ......................................................................................................... 13

Kinlyside .................................................................................................................. 13

CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................... 17

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 18

APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................. 27



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Parks and Conservation Service and Environmental Offsets (Territory and Municipal

Services) engaged SMEC Australia to undertake baseline Golden Sun Moth (GSM)

population surveys and habitat monitoring across Throsby North, Kinlyside and Bonner 4

East environmental offset areas during spring and summer 2015. The surveys are

intended to meet monitoring requirements established for Throsby North and Kinlyside

by the Offset Strategy in the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment Biodiversity Plan (Umwelt,

2013) and for Bonner 4 East by Commonwealth approval conditions for the development

of Ngunnawal Residential Estate 2C (EPBC 2010/5648).

GSM and habitat monitoring was undertaken in accordance with the Survey Guidelines

for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government, 2010) and the Draft ACT Golden Sun Moth

Monitoring Plan (ACT Government, 2013) to determine if GSM persist in these sites, and

to ensure that management actions and the habitat remain suitable to support viable

GSM populations into the future.

Results of GSM surveys and habitat monitoring were recorded and are presented in a

form suitable for incorporation into future analyses. The surveys had the following

general outcomes:

GSM were recorded, generally in low numbers at each of the three sites during

the first surveys in November

Numbers dropped significantly by mid-December, with no moths observed during

the second surveys at Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East; this is likely to be due to very

low night time minimum temperatures inhibiting GSM emergence

GSM numbers and distribution in Throsby North are consistent with the previous

surveys, with the majority of moths observed in the southern part of the offset

area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects in Throsby North was variable, with a

high proportion of exotic annual grasses

GSM numbers and distribution in Kinlyside were broadly consistent with previous

surveys, with the majority of observations observed in grassy areas in the central

and south west of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects was generally good, with high

proportions of native perennial grasses present

GSM were observed across the majority of Bonner 4 East, with the highest

abundance in the centre of the offset area



INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Overview

Parks and Conservation Service and Environmental Offsets (Territory and Municipal

Services) engaged SMEC Australia to undertake Golden Sun Moth (GSM) population

surveys and habitat monitoring across Throsby North, Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East

environmental offset areas during spring and summer 2015. Figure 1 shows the study site

locations.

The Throsby North and Kinlyside offsets areas were established under the Gungahlin

Strategic Assessment (i.e. approved by the Australian Government Environmental

Minister in June 2013) for future urban development in Gungahlin (Australian Government,

2013; Umwelt, 2013). The offsets were proposed as part of the Offset Strategy in the

Gungahlin Strategic Assessment Biodiversity Plan (Umwelt, 2013) to compensate for the

significant impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance (i.e. Commonwealth

listed ecological communities and threatened species) due to urban development. This

includes the adverse impact of development on 180 ha of GSM habitat (Umwelt, 2013).

Bonner 4 East was included in the monitoring project to meet the Commonwealth approval

conditions for the development of Ngunnawal Residential Estate 2C (EPBC 2010/5648).

Annual monitoring of Throsby North and Kinlyside is scheduled for the first three years

after offset establishment and then once every three years. Monitoring at Bonner 4 East

is currently scheduled to occur once every five years.

The following report presents the 2015 monitoring results, providing baseline information

on GSM population and habitat condition for ongoing monitoring requirements.

1.2 Golden Sun Moth

Description

Golden Sun Moth (GSM) (Synemon plana) is a medium size, diurnal moth. The upper-

side of the female’s forewing is dark grey with paler grey patterning, while the hindwing is

bright orange with black spots along the edges. The under-side of both wings is white with

small black spots along the margins. Adult males have a wingspan of 34 mm and have

dark brown upper forewings with patterns of pale grey scales. Male hindwings are bronze

or brown with dark brown blotches and the underside is pale grey with dark brown spots

(Australian Government, 2009).

Life History and Breeding

GSM have two distinct life stages. Larvae spend two to three years underground

consuming the roots of native Wallaby grass (Rytidoperma spp.) and exotic Chilean

Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) (Ritcher et al., 2013). Age cohorts are distinguished by

size. Small larvae (6 – 13 mm long) are from eggs 12 months earlier, medium size (>13-

20 mm long) are from the second year and large larvae (>20 mm long) are approaching

pupation (Ritcher et al., 2013). Pupation occurs in spring and adults emerge from October

to January to live for 1- 4 days (Ritcher et al., 2013).



Adult moths do not have functional mouthparts and therefore are unable to feed, spending

much of their time searching for mates and breeding. During the GSM flight season, adult

moths emerge continuously in cohorts and males are seen actively flying low (to 1 metre)

and fast, usually in a zig-zag pattern over the grassland in search of females (Australian

Government, 2009). The females, which only fly irregularly, position themselves on the

ground in a conspicuous location (i.e. usually inter-tussock spaces), flashing their brightly

coloured hind wings to attract males. Females walk between tussocks and lay 100-150

eggs between grass tillers or between tillers and the soil (Australian Government, 2009).

Adults are most active during the hottest part of the day (i.e. between 10am and 2pm) on

warm to hot, windless and cloudless days (Ritcher et al., 2009); however, previous surveys

(e.g. Biosis Research, 2011) recorded active male moths in more variable weather

conditions. Such conditions include: cooler days (i.e. less than 20ºC), days with partial or

full cloud cover, on days within 24 hours after rainfall, during periods of moderate to strong

wind conditions and also at times earlier and later in the day than previously expected.

Activity during these conditions typically involved smaller moth numbers than those

observed during ‘optimal’ conditions.

Male GSM cannot travel more than 100 m away from suitable habitat patches and

therefore populations separated by distances greater than 200 m can be considered

effectively isolated. Sites from which the species has gone extinct are unlikely to be

naturally recolonised (Australian Government, 2009).

Habitat

GSM occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and open grassy woodlands. Previous

GSM habitat definitions that required the area to be 40% Rytidosperma cover (O'Dwyer

and Attiwell, 1999) are no longer considered accurate. GSM have been identified to reside

in degraded grasslands dominated by exotic Chilean needle grass, a Noxious Weed of

National Significance (Brady and Dunford, 2006). It is believed that tall, dense grasslands

are not suitable for moth activity as it can inhibit detection of female moths by flying male

moths.

GSM occurs in two threatened ecological communities listed under the Commonwealth

Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act); the Natural

Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (Australian Government, 1999) and

the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales (NSW)

and the Australian Capital Territory(ACT) (Australian Government, 2009). In the ACT,

GSM have also been detected within secondary grassland, predominantly those derived

from Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland.

Distribution

Historically, GSM was distributed in native grasslands and open grassy woodlands across

NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia (TSSC, 2013). Since European settlement,

GSM is now only known in 125 sites across its range (TSSC, 2013). Forty-eight sites occur

in NSW, 46 in Victoria, 39 in the ACT. The species is now extinct in South Australia (TSSC,

2013).



Conservation Status and Threats

GSM are listed as Endangered under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act),

endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and

threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). The

species is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act.

The main threat to GSM is the loss of Natural Temperate Grasslands, which have been

cleared for urban and agriculture development (DEWHA, 2009). In addition, habitat

degradation through overgrazing, which changes the soil structure, reduces native grass

species and promotes weed invasion, has further threatened GSM (DEWHA, 2009). GSM

populations have become highly fragmented and isolated.

1.3 Study Area

The Throsby North and Kinlyside offset areas were identified as supporting

Commonwealth listed threatened species and ecological communities through the

Gungahlin Strategic Assessment process (Umwelt, 2013).

Throsby North is located between Mulligan’s Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve on

north of the proposed suburb of Throsby, to the north-east of Horse Park Drive. The area

supports GSM and has large areas of Box-Gum Woodland (Umwelt, 2013). Eco Logical

(2011) identified the area as supporting ‘moderate to high’ quality GSM habitat. Over time,

Throsby North will be added to the Mulligan’s Flat – Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve

complex. Throsby North is managed in accordance with the management plans for both

Mulligan’s Flat and Goorooyaroo Nature Reserves (ACT Government, 2014).

The Kinlyside offset area covers 201 ha north-east of Hall, and is adjacent to the eastern

boundary of One Tree Hill. Kinlyside is dominated by Box-Gum Woodland with patches of

native grasslands and derived grasslands (Eco Logical, 2011). The grassland areas

include moderate to high quality GSM habitat.

The Throsby North and Kinlyside offset areas combined support approximately 148 ha of

GSM habitat. The primary land use within both offset areas is light grazing by sheep and

cattle.

Bonner 4 East is 21 ha of land on the south-western boundary of Mulligan’s Flat Nature

Reserve. Bonner 4 East was established as an offset for adverse impacts on GSM due to

the development of Ngunnawal Estate 2C. Territory and Municipals Service (TAMS) and

the Land Development Agency (LDA) selected the site, which was identified to have high

ecological values including the presence of GSM (ACT Government, 2011).

Bonner 4 East has a history of woodland clearing and long-term stock grazing (ACT

Government, 2011). The area comprises secondary grassland and wet Themeda

secondary grassland (ACT Government, 2011), which supports GSM. Weeds are dense

in the north-eastern part of the area (ACT Government, 2011). Over time, the area will be

incorporated into Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and currently has an offset management

plan which involves biomass management and weed control (ACT Government, 2014).



METHODS

2.1 Golden Sun Moth Monitoring

Field Surveys

Survey methods were in accordance with the guidelines set by Conservation Planning and

Research Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government, 2010) and the Draft

ACT Golden Sun Moth Monitoring Plan (ACT Government, 2014).

Surveys must be undertaken during the GSM emergence period or ‘flying season’, which

is usually from October to December in the ACT.

The guidelines also require GSM surveys to be conducted during certain preferred

conditions, specifically:

On a warm to hot day (i.e. above 20ºC by 10am)

During the warmest part of the day (i.e. 10am – 2pm)

When there is a clear or mostly cloudless sky

In still or nearly still wind conditions

When there has been at least two days since rain.

Two surveys were undertaken at each offset site at least one week apart.

Incidental observations of female moths and pupae cases were also recorded during the

survey and the location recorded with GPS.

While the weather conditions were checked on the survey day, more detailed information

was recorded from the Bureau of Meteorology web site (i.e. www.bom.gov.au) to inform

the results post survey.

Transect Survey

The ‘walked transect’ method was used to provide quantitative information on GSM

abundance and distribution. The entire site is walked in parallel transects 100 m apart

using a GPS and compass. The total number of GSM within 25 m either side of the

transect line over 100 m sections of each transect is recorded. The surveys are repeated

on at least two suitable flying days in a season.

Conservation Research and Planning provided the GPS coordinates of each transect.

Transect and transect segment locations are provided in Appendix A.

2.2 Habitat Assessment

Step Point Transects

Vegetation assessments were conducted on 3 (i.e. Throsby North) and 8 (i.e. Kinlyside)

December 2015 using the ‘Step Point Transect’ method. The vegetation survey was

undertaken during the flying season.



The vegetation transects were undertaken along a 100 m measuring tape placed along

each transect. Conservation Research and Planning provided the GPS coordinates of

each transect. The same transects can be monitoring in subsequent years facilitating

vegetation condition comparisons between years.

The ground cover at each metre interval along a tape was recorded. Ground cover

included:

Bare earth

Rock

Cryptograms (e.g. moss / lichen)

Litter / dead vegetation

Perennial native grass

Chilean Needle Grass

Perennial exotic grass

Annual exotic grass

Exotic forbs

Other native vegetation (e.g. forbs).

The ground cover records are tallied and the proportions expressed as percentages. Any

changes to habitat extent and management actions were noted.

Vegetation surveys were undertaken for Thorsby North and Kinlyside offset areas.

Vegetation surveys were not requested for Bonner 4 East under this contract.

Photograph Monitoring Points

Photographs were taken at the start of each vegetation transect for Throsby and

Kinlyside offset areas in association with the vegetation transect monitoring.

Two photographs were undertaken at each point:

Cover photograph: A photograph facing along the vegetation transect was taken of the

ground in front of the observer with the lower edge of the camera near the observer’s

feet. A marker was placed flat on the ground in the direction of the transect 10 cm from

the observer’s feet and appeared in the centre of the photograph.

Landscape photograph: A photograph was taken with the observer standing and facing

along the transect. A black and white marker was placed vertically in the ground. The

photograph was then taken approximately 3 m from the marker along the vegetation

transect with the marker in the centre of the photograph.



RESULTS

3.1 GSM Survey Results

Complete GSM survey results from the transect surveys are presented in Appendix B.

Survey details and total moth numbers are summarised for each site in Table 1.

Calculated metrics required under the brief including the average number of GSM per

transect segment, per hectare and per hour are summarised in Table 2. All opportunistic

sightings are reported in Table 3.

Table 1. Summary of 2015 GSM counts at the three survey sites.

Date Site Survey

No. Time

(mins) Total transect

length (m) Total Area

(ha)* Total #

Flying GSM

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 30 2,100 10.5 28

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 85 2,100 10.5 11

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 110 4,000 20.0 55

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 30 2,100 10.5 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 63 2,100 10.5 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 100 4,000 20.0 9

*Total area is estimated based on the total length of transects multiplied by an approximate

effective survey width of 50 m.

Table 2. Calculated 2015 GSM abundance at the three survey sites.

Date Site Survey

No. Mean #

GSM/100 m

Max # GSM

/100 m

Mean # GSM/ha

Mean # GSM/hour

Abundance rating (Hogg, 2010)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 1.3 7 2.7 56 Low

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 0.5 3 1.0 8 Low

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1.4 15 2.8 30 Low to moderate

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 N/A

12/18/2015 Kinlyside 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 N/A

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 0.1 5 0.5 5 Low

Table 3. Summary of opportunistic sightings at the 3 survey sites.

Date Site Survey

No. Female moths (opportunistic)

Pupae cases (opportunistic)

Male moths (opportunistic)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1 0 19

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 0 0 0

12/03/2015 Throsby Veg 1 0 17



While GSM surveys were conducted in suitable weather conditions in accordance with

the Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (ACT Government 2014), night time

temperatures during the survey period were unseasonably low with minimums of as low

as 0.5°C (27 November) in November and 3.8°C in December (12 December) (BOM,

2015). This is likely to have reduced the number of moths emerging and therefore the

abundance and distribution of GSM observed during suitable survey days. The reduced

GSM activity due to cool night time temperatures was also noted by other consultants

surveying GSM in ACT during the 2015 flying season (A. Rowell pers. comm.).

Throsby North

Five transects of varying length were established in the Throsby North survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 2). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 4 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on 30 November 2015 and 14 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 4.

Table 4. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Throsby North.

Survey Survey Date

Survey Time Temperature Wind Weather

1 30 Nov 2015

1110 - 1245 24 - 27⁰C 5.6-8.8 km/h NW Increasing to moderate gusts.

Hot, sunny, clear. No cloud cover. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm).

Max temp. 28.4⁰C, Min temp 7.9⁰C

2 14 Dec 2015

1035 - 1215 25.8 – 31.8⁰C 3.7-7.9 km/h W

Some cloud cover, and hot. Last rain 9 Dec 2015 (0.4 mm). Max temp. 32.2⁰C, Min temp 6.5⁰C

Fifty-five moths were observed in 110 minutes during the first survey and 9 moths were

observed in 100 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). The majority of the

sightings were along transects one and two in the south of the offset site. Similarly, all

opportunistic sightings were observed in the southern part of the offset site. No moths

were observed along transects 3 to 5.

During the first survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 1.4 moths per 100 m transect segment and during the second survey at an average rate of 0.1 moths per 100 m transect segment on the second survey. The highest number of moths observed in a single transect segment was 15 moths on 30 November 2015. The levels of moth activity observed correspond to low levels of activity according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010), with moderate levels of activity in restricted area on 14 December 2015. Figure 3 shows the maximum number of moths observed in each transect section.

During the first survey (i.e. 30 November 2015), opportunistic sightings of 22 male moths were recorded, with 21 moths found in the southern part of the survey area and one moth was observed between transects two and three (Table 3, Figure 4). All opportunistic sightings were recorded in mixed native and exotic grasses. One female moth was observed in the southern part of the survey area on 30 November 2015 and one female was identified between transect TT1_D and TT1_E on 3 December 2015 (Figure 4). An additional seventeen male GSM and one female GSM were recorded around the



vegetation transects on 3 December 2015 while completing the vegetation survey (Figure 4).

Kinlyside

Five transects of varying length were established in the Kinlyside survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 5). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 2.1 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on 21 November 2015 and 18 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 5.

Table 5. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Kinlyside.

Survey no.

Survey Date

Time of Survey Temperature Wind Weather

1 27 Nov 2015

1315 - 1440

18 - 24⁰C 4-13 km/h N Increasing to moderate gusts.

Sunny, no cloud. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm). Max temp. 22.9⁰C Min temp 0.5⁰C

2 18 Dec 2015

1137 - 1240

28 - 30⁰C 1.7-4.1 km/h WNW

Sunny with some cloud. Last rain 17 Dec 2015 (16 mm). Max temp. 33.6⁰C Min temp 13.6⁰C

Eleven moths were observed over 85 minutes during the first survey (Table 1). No moths

were recorded over 63 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). During the first

survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 0.5 moths per 100 m transect

segment. The highest number of moths observed in a single transect segment was

3 moths. The level of moth activity observed corresponds to low levels of activity

according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010). Figure 6 shows the maximum

number of moths observed in each transect section.

No opportunistic sightings of male or female moths, or of pupae cases were recorded

during the surveys (Table 3).

Bonner 4 East

Four transects of varying length were established in the Bonner 4 East survey area according to the coordinates provided by CPR (Figure 2). Transects were aligned in an east to west direction 100 m apart and had a total length of 2.1 km.

Two transect surveys were conducted on the 30 November 2015 and 14 December 2015. Weather conditions during the surveys are presented in Table 6.

Twenty eight moths were observed over 30 minutes during the first survey (Table 1). No

moths were observed over 30 minutes during the second survey (Table 1). During the

first survey, moths were observed at an average rate of 1.3 moths per 100 m transect

segment. GSM records were distributed across the majority of the site, although in low

numbers in the north of the site. The highest number of moths observed in a single

transect segment was 7. The level of moth activity observed corresponds to low levels of

activity according to the abundance rating of Hogg (2010). Figure 8 shows the maximum

number of moths observed in each transect section.



Table 6. Weather conditions during GSM surveys at Bonner 4 East.

Survey Survey Date

Survey Time Temperature Wind Weather

1 30 Nov 2015

1330 - 1400

26 - 28⁰C 5.6-12 km/h NW

Hot, some cloud. Last rain 15 Nov 2015 (1.2 mm). Max temp 28.4⁰C Min temp 7.9⁰C

2 14 Dec 2015

1315 - 1345

29 - 31.9⁰C 2.5-7.1 km/h W

Hot, sunny and clear. Last rain 9 Dec 2015 (0.4 mm). Max temp 32.2⁰C Min temp 6.5⁰C

No opportunistic sightings of male moths, female moths or pupae cases were recorded

during the surveys (Table 3).

3.2 Vegetation monitoring

Throsby North

Table 7 presents the results of the vegetation survey at Throsby North. All transects had

at least 50% annual exotic grass cover. Litter and dead vegetation was common where

scattered Blakely’s Red Gum trees were present. Native grass cover varied across the

transects (15% to 51%) and perennial exotic grasses were sparse (0% to 12%).

Photographs of transects are provided for vegetation monitoring purposes in

Appendix C.

The southern part of the offset area supports dense annual exotic grasses such as

Vulpia sp. and Briza sp. Scattered Yellow-box and Blakey’s Red Gum are within the area

in which the moths were sighted. Eco Logical (2011) identified this area as ‘High’ quality

GSM habitat; however, annual exotic grasses dominate the area during early summer.

The habitat condition assessment undertaken by Eco Logical (2011) was based on

observation of the relative abundance of key habitat features on a broad scale while the

step-point transects examines habitat features and vegetation structure variation on a

small scale.

The northern part of the Throsby North offset area comprises native grasses and

suitable GSM feed species (e.g. Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.)) and was identified

as ‘Moderate-High’ habitat by Eco Logical (2011); however, no moths were observed in

this area. This area has slightly denser tree cover, which may reduce its suitability as

GSM habitat. Past land use such as intensive grazing may also have excluded the

moths from these areas.

Kinlyside

Table 8 presents the results of the vegetation survey at Kinlyside. All transects had a

>40% annual exotic grass cover. Litter and dead vegetation was prevalent where

transects passed through woodland. Native grasses were common along all transects,

occurring at between 36% and 67% while perennial exotic grasses were sparse (0% to

24%).



Photographs of transects are provided for vegetation monitoring purposes in

Appendix C.

Eco Logical (2011) classified the vegetation as good quality Box Gum Woodland with

patches of native grasslands and derived grasslands. Noxious weeds such as Serrated

Tussock and Patterson’s Curse, which are present, particularly in the south-western part

of the offset area, are a developing issue. Briar Rose is also increasing in distribution

and abundance.

Transects that have a high native grass cover (i.e. KT4 G-H and KT4 B-C) are in habitat

that has been deemed unsuitable for GSM due to canopy cover, as it is Box-Gum

Woodland.

The area had little vegetation and low biomass; bare patches are common and grass is

sparse. This could be due to extensive kangaroo grazing. The current management plan

does not prescribe monitoring GSM or its habitat but does prescribe maintaining

biomass at about 2 t/ha (ACT Government, 2014). Monitoring in future years would help

to determine whether this management specification is appropriate to maintain the GSM

population.



Table 7. Throsby North vegetation assessments in each 100 m transect.

Transect Bare Earth (%)

Rock (%)

Cryptograms (%)

Litter / Dead Vegetation

(%)

Perennial Native

Grasses (%)

Other Native

Vegetation (%)

Chilean Needle

Grass (%)

Perennial Exotic

Grasses (%)

Annual Exotic

Grasses (%)

Exotic Forbs

(%) Comments

TT1 D-E 0 0 0 33 15 0 0 10 76 13

Transect crosses track at 66 m. Scattered Blakey’s Red Gum. Annual exotic grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.) common.

TT2 D-E 0 0 0 44 21 1 0 3 53 25 Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Area comprises annual exotic grass cover.

TT3 D-E 0 0 0 24 48 3 0 2 62 48

Transect crosses track at 37 m. Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Predominately exotic annual grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.) and exotic forbs (e.g. Catsear).

TT3 I-J 0 0 0 14 51 9 0 0 70 30

Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Predominately exotic annual grasses (e.g. Vulpia sp.). Weeds such as Briar Rose present.

TT4 G-H 0 0 0 30 29 0 0 12 62 56

Scattered Yellow Box and Blakey’s Red Gum. Mixed exotic annual grasses and forbs. Transect crosses track at 80 m.



Table 8. Kinlyside vegetation assessments in each 100 m transect.

Transect Bare Earth (%)

Rock (%)

Cryptograms (%)

Litter / Dead Vegetation

(%)

Perennial Native

Grasses (%)

Other Native

Vegetation (%)

Chilean Needle

Grass (%)

Perennial Exotic

Grasses (%)

Annual Exotic

Grasses (%)

Exotic Forbs

(%) Comment

KT1 B-C 3 0 0 32 48 0 0 21 25 18

Sheep still grazing. Mixed exotic and native grasses with predominantly exotic forbs (e.g. Catsear)

KT3 D-E 11 0 1 30 54 0 0 0 39 3

Areas of bare ground. Scattered Blakely’s Red Gum saplings. Weeds such as Briar Rose present.

KT3 E-F 1 0 0 42 54 1 0 6 20 6

Scattered young Red Stringybark. Noxious weeds such as Serrated Tussock and Patterson’s Curse present. Briar Rose scattered in the area.

KT4 B-C 0 0 0 1 36 2 0 24 15 42

Transects falls into dry creekline at 34 m. Young and mature Blakely’s Red Gum scattered in the area. Briar Rose is scattered in the area.

KT4 G-H 1 1 2 15 67 1 0 3 31 16

Patches of rocks with lichen within the area. Scattered young Red Stringybark is present.



CONCLUSION

This is the first survey of the annual GSM and GSM habitat monitoring program for Throsby

North and Kinlyside which will be conducted over the next three years as part of the

Biodiversity Offsets Package arising from the Gungahlin Strategic Assessment (Umwelt,

2013). Similarly, this is the first GSM monitoring survey for the Bonner 4 East offset site.

Further GSM surveys would be undertaken at Bonnet 4 East every five years.

The surveys had the following general outcomes

GSM were recorded, generally in low numbers at each of the three sites during the first

surveys in November

Numbers dropped significantly by mid-December, with no moths observed during the

second surveys at Kinlyside and Bonner 4 East, and this is likely to be due to very low

night time minimum temperatures inhibiting GSM emergence

GSM numbers and distribution in Throsby North are consistent with the previous

surveys, with the majority of moths observed in the southern part of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects in Throsby North was variable, with a high

proportion of exotic annual grasses

GSM numbers and distribution in Kinlyside were broadly consistent with previous

surveys, with the majority of observations observed in grassy areas in the central and

south west of the offset area

Habitat quality along monitoring transects was generally good, with high proportions of

native perennial grasses present

GSM were observed across the majority of Bonner 4 East, with the highest abundance

in the centre of the offset area.



REFERENCES

ACT Government (2010). Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth. Conservation Planning and

Research, Land Management and Planning Division, ACT Government, Canberra.

ACT Government (2014). Draft Survey Guidelines for Golden Sun Moth. Conservation Planning

and Research, Land Management and Planning Division, ACT Government, Canberra.

Australian Government (2009). Background Paper to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 -

Nationally Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Significant Impact

Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana).

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Government,

Canberra.

Biosis Research (2011). Sub-regional fauna surveys: Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana

2009/2010. Melbourne: A report for Growth Areas Authority.

Braby, M. F. and Dunford, M. (2006). Field observations on the ecology of the golden sun

moth, Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). Australian Entomologist, 33:

103 - 110.

Bureau of Meteorology (2015). December Daily Acitivity Observations. Bureau of

Meteorology. Accessed 2 January 2016. Accessed from:

<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf>.

Bureau of Meteorology (2015) November Daily Acitivity Observations. Bureau of

Meteorology. Accessed 2 January 2016. Accessed from:

<http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf>.

Eco Logical Australia (2011). Golden Sun Moth Surveys at One Tree Hill, Kinleyside and

Throsby. Prepared for Conservation Planning and Research, ACT Government,

Canberra.

Hogg, D. M. (2010). Semi-quantitative assessment of golden sun moth sites. David Hogg Pty

Ltd, Canberra.

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwell, P. M. (1999). A comparative study of habitats of the golden sun moth

Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castnidae): implications for restoration. Biological

Conservation, 89: 131 - 141.

Richter, A.; Osborne, W.; Hnatiuk, S. and Rowell, A. (2013). Moths in fragments: insights

into the biology and ecology of the Australian endangered golden sun moth Synemon

plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants.

Journal of Insect Conservation, 17: 1093–104.

Territory and Municipal Services (2011). Plan to protect and manage the offset area at

Part Block 13 Section 2 Bonner (Bonner 4 East) to protect Golden Sun Moth Habitat.

ACT Government, Canberra.

Umwelt (2013). Gungahlin Strategic Assessment-Biodiversity Plan. Final report for ACT

Economic Development Directorate and ACT Environment and Sustainable

Development Directorate. Umwelt, Canberra.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW0000.pdf

© SMEC Australia Pty Ltd 2016. All Rights Reserved

PROJECT TITLE North Canberra GSM Monitoring 2015

¹

PROJECT NO. 3002494 CREATED BY N. Crook SOURCES Imagery © Bing

FIG NO.1 DATE 25/02/2016

COORDINATE SYSTEMACT AGD 1966 Grid

PAGE SIZE A40 700 1,400350

Metres1:35,557

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\LOCATION.mxd

Disclaimer: While all reasonable care has been taken toensure the information contained on this map is up to dateand accurate, this map contains data from a number ofsources - no warranty is given that the informationcontained on this map is free from error or omission. Anyreliance placed on such information shall be at the sole riskof the user. Please verify the accuracy of all information priorto using it. This map is not a design document.

FIGURE TITLE GSM monitoring locations in Kinlyside, Throsby and Bonner

LegendKinlyside GSM Monitoring Transects Bonner GSM Monitoring Transects Throsby GSM Monitoring Transects



¹


FIG NO.2 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 130 26065

Metres1:6,938

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\THROSBY_GENERAL.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Throsby Golden Sun Moth Monitoring Transects

Legend GSM Transects_̂ Vegetation Monitoring Points

Vegetation TransectsProject Boundary



¹


FIG NO.3 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 130 26065

Metres1:6,938

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\Throsby_GSM.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Flying male GSM observed along transects at Throsby

LegendNumber of flying male moths#* 1#* 3#* 5#* 8#* 16#* 17

GSM TransectsProject Boundary



¹


FIG NO.4 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 230 460115

Metres1:11,767

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\THROSBY_OPP_SIGHTINGS.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Opportunistic GSM sightings at Throsby

LegendOpportunistic GSM sightings") 1 male moth") 2 male moths") 3 male moths") 4 male moths") 5 male moths") 9 male mothsG Female moths

GSM Transects



¹


FIG NO.5 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 130 26065

Metres1:6,865

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\KIN_GENERAL.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Kinlyside GSM Monitoring Transects

Legend GSM Transects_̂ Photo Monitoring Points

Vegetation TransectsProject Boundary



¹


FIG NO.6 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 130 26065

Metres1:6,865

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\KIN_GSM.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Flying male GSM observed along monitoring transects at Kinlyside

LegendNumber of flying male GSM#* 1") 2$+ 3

GSM TransectsProject Boundary



¹


FIG NO.7 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 80 16040

Metres1:4,089

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\BONNER_GENERAL.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Bonner Golden Sun Moth Monitoring Transects

LegendGSM TransectsBonner Boundary



¹


FIG NO.8 DATE 25/02/2016


PAGE SIZE A40 80 16040

Metres1:4,089

Location: X:\PROJECT\3002494 North Canberra GSM Monitoring\GIS\BONNER_MOTHS.mxd


FIGURE TITLE Male flying GSM along monitoring transects at Bonner 4 East

LegendNumber of male flying moths#* 1#* 2#* 3#* 4#* 5#* 7

GSM TransectsBonner Boundary



APPENDICES



APPENDIX A: GSM SURVEY TRANSECT LOCATIONS

Throsby North transect and transect segment waypoints

Transect Waypoint Easting Northing

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_A 697400 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_B 697500 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_C 697600 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_D 697700 6105000

Throsby Transect 1 TT1_E 697800 6105000






Throsby Transect 2 TT2_F 697900 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_G 698000 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_H 698100 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_I 698200 6105200

Throsby Transect 2 TT2_J 698300 6105200











Throsby Transect 3 TT3_K 698400 6105400










Transect Waypoint Easting Northing




Throsby Transect 4 TT4_K 698400 6105600

Throsby Transect 4 TT4_L 698500 6105600








Kinlyside transect and transect segment waypoints

GSM_Kinleyside Waypoint Easting Northing

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_A 689400 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_B 689500 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_C 689600 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_D 689700 6106400

Kinlyside Transect 1 KT1_E 689800 6106400








Kinlyside Transect 3 KT3_F 690000 6106800






Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_F 690500 6107000

Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_G 690600 6107000

Kinlyside Transect 4 KT4_H 690700 6107000



GSM_Kinleyside Waypoint Easting Northing






Bonner 4 East transect and transect segment waypoints

GSM_Bonner Waypoint Easting Northing

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_A 696300 6108346

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_B 696300 6108250

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_C 696300 6108150

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_D 696300 6108050

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_E 696300 6107950

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_F 696300 6107850

Bonner Transect 1 BT1_G 696300 6107778





















APPENDIX B: GSM TRANSECT MONITORING DATA

Date Site Survey

No. Transect

No. A (0 m- 100 m)

B (100 m - 200 m)

C (200 m - 300 m)

D (300 m - 400 m)

E (400 m - 500 m)

F (500 m - 600 m)

G (600 m - 700 m)

H (700 m - 800 m)

I (800 m - 900 m)

J (900 m - 1000 m)

K (1000 m - 1100 m)

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 1 0 1 2 1 0 0

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 2 0 0 7 4 1

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 3 1 0 3 2 0

11/30/2015 Bonner 1 4 3 1 5 1 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 1 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 2 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 3 0 1 2 3 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 1 5 2 0 0 1

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 1 0 0 3 12

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 2 1 2 8 3 15 8 3 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/30/2015 Throsby 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Bonner 2 0 0 0 0 0 0



Date Site Survey

No. Transect

No. A (0 m- 100 m)

B (100 m - 200 m)

C (200 m - 300 m)

D (300 m - 400 m)

E (400 m - 500 m)

F (500 m - 600 m)

G (600 m - 700 m)

H (700 m - 800 m)

I (800 m - 900 m)

J (900 m - 1000 m)

K (1000 m - 1100 m)

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 1 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 2 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 3 0 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/21/2015 Kinlyside 2 5 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 1 0 0 0 5

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12/14/2015 Throsby 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0



APPENDIX C: VEGETATION MONITORING PHOTOGRAPHS

Throsby North

TT1DE_G

TT1DE_L



TT2DE_G

TT2DE_L



TT3DE_G

TT3DE_L



TT3IJ_G

TT3IJ_L



TT4GH_G

TT4GH_L



Kinlyside

KT1BC_G

KT1BC_L



KT3DE_G

KT3DE_L



KT3EF_G

KT3EF_L



KT4BC_G

KT4BC_L



KT4GH_G

KT4GH_L

Golden Sun Moth Population and Habitat Monitoring Program … · 2016. 7. 22. · Golden Sun Moth...

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