Threatened Species Nomination Formfor amending the list of threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

for the 2013–214 Assessment Period(Assessment periods run from 1 October to 30 September)

The purpose of this form is to provide a nomination to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for assessment of a non EPBC Act listed species for inclusion on the list of threatened species or to nominate a species for reassessment for consideration for listing in another category of threat.

For a non-EPBC Act listed species to be eligible for listing as a threatened species it must be assessed as meeting at least one of the five criteria for listing. For a species already listed as threatened under the EPBC Act to be eligible for listing in a higher or lower category of threat it must be assessed as meeting at least one of the five criteria for a particular indicative threshold. For example, for a species listed as endangered to be found eligible for listing as critically endangered, it must meet the critically endangered indicative thresholds for at least one of the listing criteria.

If there is insufficient information to enable details to be provided because of a lack of scientific data or analysis please include any information that is available or provide a statement next to the relevant question identifying that the data or analysis is not available. Please provide references in your nomination to support information provided.

If you are nominating a species for delisting (removal from the list) please complete the nomination form to delist a species.

Note – Further detail to help you complete this form is provided at Attachment A. If using this form in Microsoft Word, you can jump to this information by Ctrl+clicking the hyperlinks (in blue text).

Eligibility for Listing

1. NAME OF NOMINATED SPECIES (OR SUBSPECIES)

Scientific name:      Gymnobelideus leadbeateriCommon name(s): Leadbeater’s Possum

2. NOMINATED CATEGORY Note: if unsure about which category the species should be nominated for, refer to the indicative threshold criteria at Attachment B.     Critically endangered

3. CRITERIA UNDER WHICH THE SPECIES IS ELIGIBLE FOR LISTING Please mark the boxes that apply by clicking them with your mouse.

Criterion 1

Criterion 2

Criterion 3

Criterion 4

Criterion 5

For conservation dependent nominations only:

A1 (specify at least one of the following) a) b) c) d) e); AND/OR

R A2 (specify at least one of the following) a) Rb) Rc) d) e); AND/OR

R A3 (specify at least one of the following) Rb) Rc) d) e); AND/OR

R A4 (specify at least one of the following) a) Rb) Rc) d) e)

A1 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c); AND/OR A2 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c)

A1; AND/OR A2 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c)

Criterion 1 Criterion 2

4. CURRENT LISTING CATEGORY What category is the species currently listed in under the EPBC Act? (If you are nominating the species for delisting, please complete the nomination form for delisting).

Not Listed Extinct Extinct in the wild Critically EndangeredR Endangered Vulnerable Conservation dependent

5. 2013–2014 CONSERVATION THEME: there is no conservation theme for this assessment period.

Is the current conservation theme relevant to this species? If so, explain how.

6. CONSERVATION STATUS What is the species’ current conservation status under State/Territory Government legislation? Does the species have specific protection under other legislation or intergovernmental arrangements?      Victoria - Endangered

Nominator's DetailsNote: Your details are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 and will not be divulged to third parties if advice regarding the nomination is sought from such parties.

7. TITLE (e.g. Mr/Mrs/Dr/Professor/etc.)       …………….

8. FULL NAME     ……………………………………..

9. ORGANISATION OR COMPANY NAME (IF APPLICABLE)     …………………………………………………………..

10. CONTACT DETAILS

TITLE (e.g. Mr/Mrs/Dr/Professor/etc.)……………….

FULL NAME………………………………

ORGANISATION OR COMPANY NAME (IF APPLICABLE)……………………………………………………………………………….

CONTACT DETAILS

Important notes for completing this form Please complete the form as comprehensively as possible – it is important for the Threatened Species

Scientific Committee to have as much information as possible, and the best case on which to judge a species’ eligibility against the EPBC Act criteria for listing.

Reference all information and facts, both in the text and in a reference list at the end of the form. The opinion of appropriate scientific experts may be cited as personal communication, with their

approval, in support of your nomination. Please provide the name of the experts, their qualifications and contact details (including employment in a state agency, if relevant) in the reference list at the end of the form.

Keep in mind the relevance of your answers to the listing criteria (Attachment B; Part B1). If the species is considered to be affected by climate change, please refer to the Guidelines for assessing

climate change as a threat to native species (Attachment B; Part B2).

Identify any confidential material and explain the sensitivity. Note that the nomination and the information in it (but excluding any information specifically

requested by you to remain confidential) will be made available to the public and experts for comment. However, your details as nominator will not be released, and will remain confidential.

Figures, tables and maps can be included at the end of the form or prepared as separate electronic or hardcopy documents (referred to as appendices or attachments in your nomination).

Cross-reference relevant areas of the nomination form where needed. Nominations that do not meet the EPBC Regulations will not proceed – see Division 7.2 of the EPBC

Regulations 2000 (www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html). As noted under sub-regulation 7.04(3), if information is not available for a particular question please state this in your answer.

Species Information

11. TAXONOMY Provide any relevant detail on the species' taxonomy (e.g. naming authority, year and reference; synonyms; Family and Order) and whether or not it is conventionally accepted.

Leadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy, 1867

Order: Diprotodontia

Suborder: Phalangeridae

Family: Petauridae

Leadbeater’s Possum is the sole member of the Genus Gymnobelideus.

Molecular analyses have identified distinct genetic differentiation between montane populations of Leadbeater’s Possum and the last lowland population at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve (Hansen 2008; Hansen & Taylor 2008). For management purposes these are currently being treated as two separate ‘Evolutionarily Significant Units’ (ESUs).

12. DESCRIPTIONProvide a description of the species, including size and/or weight, social structure and dispersion (e.g. solitary/ clumped/flocks), and give a brief description of its ecological role (e.g. is it a ‘keystone’ or ‘foundation’ species, or does it play a role in ecological processes such as seed dispersal or pollination). Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, not here.      Leadbeater’s Possum is a small, nocturnal, arboreal possum (head-body length 150 – 170 mm, tail 145 -180 mm, weight 120 – 160g). During the day it shelters in tree hollows, within which small denning groups (‘colonies’ of up to 12 individuals) construct a communal nest from shredded bark (Smith 1984a; Harley 2005). The species is socially monogamous, and the composition of denning groups is based around a single breeding pair with one or more generations of their young. As a consequence of past fires and timber harvesting, the availability of suitable hollows for denning is a limiting factor across much of the Leadbeater’s Possum’s range (Lindenmayer et al. 1990, 1997, 2012).

13. BIOLOGY Provide information on the species' biology, including its life cycle, generation length, reproductive and feeding characteristics and behaviours.Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, and not here.Example headings are provided below

Generation Length (defined as (Longevity + Age at sexual maturity) ÷ 2) Maximum longevity recorded in the wild is 10 years (……………………..). More usual adult longevity is 6–8 years, and age at first breeding is typically 2–3 years (Harley 2005). Generation Length = (7 + 2)/2 = 4.5 years.

MovementThe members of each Leadbeater’s Possum colony den together daily and share a small, exclusive territory that is defended against neighbouring colonies (Smith 1984a; Harley 2005). Home range sizes are relatively small, typically 1–3 ha (Smith 1980; ……………………………………..).

ReproductionOnly one adult female per colony (denning group) is reproductively active. Such females reproduce twice per year and mean litter size is approximately 1.5 (Smith 1980; Harley and Lill 2007). Births occur in two distinct seasons in montane habitats and year round in lowland swamp forest (Smith 1980; Harley & Lill 2007). Sexual maturity is reached at approximately 18 months of age, however first breeding does not typically occur until animals are two–three years of age (Smith 1980; Harley & Lill 2007). Possums may reproduce until they are 6–7 years of age (Harley 2005).

FeedingThe feeding guild occupied by Leadbeater’s Possum is that of an exudivore-insectivore (Lindenmayer et al., 1994). The species feeds on carbohydrate-rich plant and insect secretions (e.g. sap, manna, honeydew) and invertebrates (Smith 1980, 1984b; Harley, unpublished data). In montane ash forest, the species has been recorded incising Acacias and feeding on the gum that exudes into the wound (Smith 1980). Smith (1980) also highlights the dietary importance of an undescribed species of tree cricket. In lowland swamp forest, the major dietary item comprises exudates licked from the trunks and major branches of Mountain Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus camphora) (……………………………). Paperbarks and tea trees may also be incised in lowland swamp forest.

14. HABITAT Describe the species’ habitats and what role they play in the species' life cycle. Include whether or not the species is associated with, or if it relies on, a listed threatened ecological community or listed threatened species?Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, and not here.

Leadbeater’s Possum inhabits three forest types.

The main habitat for the species is montane ash forest dominated by Mountain Ash Eucalyptus regnans, Alpine Ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) and Shining Gum (Eucalyptus nitens) with a dense understorey of Acacia, and an abundance of large hollow-bearing trees. This habitat is highly susceptible to disturbance from fire and timber harvesting (Lindenmayer et al., 1991, 1994, 2011).

Tree hollows are a critical resource for Leadbeater’s Possum, and the species’ abundance is positively correlated with hollow availability (Lindenmayer et al. 1991a, 1994, 2011). Eucalypts in montane ash forest normally begin to develop hollows at around 120 years old and do not form hollows suitable for Leadbeater’s Possum until they attain 190 years of age (Smith and Lindenmayer 1988; Lindenmayer et al. 1991b). Such trees are readily eliminated by short-term intervals between fire events and timber harvesting on short rotation cycles (Lindenmayer 1992; Lindenmayer and Possingham 1995a, 1995b, 1996). In many areas, standing dead trees (mostly resulting from the extensive 1939 Black Friday fire) have provided the majority of dens for Leadbeater’s Possums (Lindenmayer et al. 1991b). However, such trees are subject to a high rate of collapse resulting from natural decay (Lindenmayer et al. 1990, 1997, 2012). Thus, the availability of suitable hollows is a key limiting factor across much of the possum’s range (Lindenmayer and Possingham 1996, 2012).

Leadbeater’s Possum also inhabits sub-alpine woodland above 1400 m a.s.l at Lake Mountain, Mt Bullfight and Mt Baw Baw. These woodlands are dominated by Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora), and sites frequented by Leadbeater’s Possums typically contain a dense midstory of Mountain Tea Tree (Leptospermum grandiflorum) along drainage lines (Jelinek et al. 1995; ……………………………).

There is a single extant lowland population of Leadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve inhabiting forest dominated by Mountain Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus camphora) with a dense midstory of Melaleuca and Leptospermum species (Smales 1994; Harley et al. 2005). This swamp forest is thought to be similar to that once inhabited by the species in the Western Port district where the Type Specimen was collected in 1867.

In all forest types, Leadbeater’s Possum moves through the vegetation midstorey and canopy by running along branches and leaping between stems. The species rarely descends to the ground, and is thus highly reliant upon dense, continuous vegetation structure (i.e. interconnecting lateral branches and/or high stem density) (Lindenmayer 1996).

There are three habitat features common to all three forest types inhabited by Leadbeater’s Possum: a predominance of smooth-barked (or gum-barked) eucalypts (related to foraging behaviour); dense vegetation structure in the midstorey (related to movement); and the presence of hollow-bearing trees (related to denning) (Lindenmayer 1996; Harley 2004).

Transfer Information (for up-listing or down-listing of species)Note: If the nomination is to transfer a species between categories please complete questions 15, 16 and 17. If the nomination is for a new listing please proceed to question 18. If the nomination is to delist the species, please use the delisting form.

15. REASON FOR THE NOMINATION FOR CATEGORY CHANGE Please mark the boxes that apply by clicking them with your mouse.What is the reason for the nomination: R Genuine change of status New Knowledge Mistake Other

Taxonomic change – ‘split’ newly described ‘lumped’ no longer valid

16. INITIAL LISTING Describe the reasons for the species’ initial listing and if available the criteria under which it was formerly considered eligible      Endangered A2bc+3bc+4bc

17. CHANGES IN SITUATIONWith regard to the listing criteria, how have circumstances changed since the species was listed that now makes it eligible for listing in another category?     Montane ash forest

45% of high quality habitat was burnt in the 2009 Black Saturday fires (……………………….). Research results indicate that the species is now absent from all burnt sites, irrespective of burn severity (Lindenmayer et al. 2013). Thus, it is probable that the population has declined by more than 45%.

The availability of tree hollows in the Victorian Central Highlands was severely impacted by the 2009 fires. Standing dead trees with hollows, that are favoured by Leadbeater’s Possum (Lindenmayer et al. 1991b), were most severely affected, even at sites where fire severity was moderate (Lindenmayer et al. 2012).

Sub-alpine woodland

Two out of three sub-alpine sites known to be occupied by Leadbeater’s Possum were burnt in 2009.

The entire Lake Mountain plateau was burnt at high severity. Pre-fire the plateau was estimated to support 200 – 300 Leadbeater’s Possums (Harley, unpublished data). Only two Leadbeater’s Possum colonies were detected post-fire, totalling six individuals, following extensive surveys (……………………………………….). These results indicate that the fire resulted in mortality rates exceeding 95% at this locality.

Lowland swamp forest

The decline of Leadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo during the past nine years is as follows:

46% reduction in population size 46% of territories abandoned 30% reduction in range

Reproductive rates have also declined at Yellingbo. The mean percentage of colonies (denning groups) where the dominant adult female had pouch young or was lactating has declined from 65 ± 9% during 2001 – 2007 to 47 ± 24% during 2008 – 2012 (…………………………………………). Colony size has declined from a peak of 4.8 individuals per colony in 2005 to 3.6 in 2011 (…………………………………….).

There is currently estimated to be less than 20 ha of high quality habitat available at Yellingbo. This is the key factor limiting the population. Ongoing deterioration in habitat quality is the major factor driving the population decline. There are three main causes for this decline in habitat condition: (i). eucalypt dieback (related to altered hydrology), (ii). habitat succession towards an older age-class that is more open in structure, and (iii). a lack of eucalypt regeneration (Harley and Antrobus 2007). In 2007, an assessment of Leadbeater’s Possum territories across the reserve indicated that vegetation dieback was present at more

than 40% of sites (……………………………..). In several cases this has resulted in territory abandonment.

Thus, circumstances have changed dramatically in all three forest types that the possum inhabits.

Population Size

18. NUMBERS a. What is the total number of mature individuals? How was this figure derived? b. Identify important populations necessary for the species’ long-term survival and recovery.

Menkhorst (2008) considered that there were about 2000 mature individuals in the main population, and 200 individuals at Yellingbo (the latter value is an overestimate – see below). This was prior to the fire in 2009 in large areas of montane ash forest and sub-alpine woodland.

Based on the results described below, the current population is estimated to be approximately 1200 individuals.

Montane ash forest

The estimated number of animals in montane ash forest is 1000 animals (±250 animals). This estimate is based on several key factors, including: (1) details of colony size, (2) occupancy rates of suitable and unsuitable habitat, (3) trend patterns in the abundance of large old trees which is the major limiting resource for the species, (4) the paucity of animals on clearfelled and regenerated sites where hollow-bearing trees are rare or absent, and (5) repeated surveys of burned and unburned sites following the 2009 fires (Lindenmayer et al., 2013).

The 2009 Black Saturday fire burnt 45% of high quality Leadbeater’s Possum habitat (……………………………….). Post-fire the species has not been detected at burnt sites (Lindenmayer et al. 2013). Thus, the total population is likely to have been reduced by at least 45% following the 2009 fires. The severe fire impacts on this species are reinforced by results from Lake Mountain, one of the largest documented population strongholds for Leadbeater’s Possum prior to the 2009 fire. At this locality the fire resulted in more than 95% mortality of Leadbeater’s Possums, and a population of 200-300 possums was reduced to just six individuals (……………………………………………….).

Reliability: Moderate

Method of estimation: This estimate is based on several key factors, including: (1) details of colony size, (2) occupancy rates of suitable and unsuitable habitat (Lindenmayer et al., 1991c, 2011), (3) trend patterns in the abundance of large old trees (Lindenmayer et al., 2012) which is the major limiting resource for the species, and (4) repeated surveys of burned and unburned sites following the 2009 fires (Lindenmayer et al., 2013). The basis for the data used for population estimation is 30 years of data from repeated stag-watching surveys at ~160 long-term monitoring sites located throughout the montane ash forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria. Related datasets and analyses include spatial mapping of suitable habitat and patterns of collapse of large old trees in montane ash forests (……………………………….).

Sub-alpine woodland

The subpopulation on the Lake Mountain plateau is now extinct.

Surveys at Mt Bullfight indicate that the population supports fewer than 50 individuals following the 2009 fires (……………………..).

Population size on the Mt Baw Baw plateau is unknown.

Reliability: Very High

Method of estimation: Targeted nest box surveys (commenced 2003 at Lake Mountain and 2010 at Mt Bullfight).

Lowland Swamp Forest

Population monitoring has been conducted at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve since 1996 (17 years). During this period, the population peaked in size in 2003, when it is estimated to have contained 112 individuals. Population monitoring data from 2012, indicates that the total population now contains just 60 individuals.

Reliability: Very High

Method of estimation: small closed population; > 90% of the total population den in nest boxes. All nest boxes (& therefore > 90% of the total population) are captured once annually.Several measures of population condition are recorded annually including: distribution; total population size; mean colony size; territory stability (site occupancy through time); reproductive rate; annual recruitment; survivorship.

Molecular analyses completed by Hansen (2008) found evidence of regional differentiation in Leadbeater’s Possum populations, suggesting that habitat fragmentation exists. This is probably attributable to variations in habitat quality, and particularly the availability of hollow-bearing trees.

The Yellingbo population is isolated and genetically distinct from populations inhabiting montane forest (Hansen 2008; Hansen & Taylor 2008).

19. POPULATION TREND a. What is the population trend (PAST to CURRENT) for the entire species? Is the population trended increasing or

decreasing, or is the population static? If possible, include a percentage change in population size over a 10 year or 3 generation period, whichever is the longer (for example, “this species has shown an 80% decline over 23 years, which is equal to 3 generations”). Please ensure you provide relevant data sources.

b. Is this trend likely to continue, or are there any data which indicate that there may be FUTURE changes in population size? Provide relevant data sources.

c. Does the species undergo extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals?      The loss of hollow-bearing trees is ongoing due to natural decay and collapse (Lindenmayer et al. 1990, 1997), fire impacts (Lindenmayer et al. 2012) and timber harvesting (Lindenmayer et al., 1990; Lindenmayer and Possingham 1995b, 1996). Population modelling has predicted that the population would decline by about 90% over the 30 year period from 2008 due to loss of hollow-bearing trees providing dens (Lindenmayer and Possingham 1995).

The 2009 Black Saturday fire burnt 45% of high quality Leadbeater’s Possum habitat (…………………………….). Post-fire the species has not been detected at burnt sites (Lindenmayer et al. 2013). Thus, the total population is likely to have been reduced by at least 45% since 2009.

In lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo, the Leadbeater’s Possum population has declined by 46% during the past nine years (………………………………………….). Further declines are anticipated given ongoing deterioration in habitat condition. Leadbeater’s Possum reproductive rates have declined as a result. Fire poses a major extinction risk to this small, localized population.

20. PROBABILITY OF EXTINCTION IN THE WILD Has the probability of the species’ extinction in the wild over a particular timeframe been quantified? If so, identify and explain the quantitative measures or models used to generate this probability.     

Leadbeater’s Possum has been the focus of an array of studies using Population Viability Analysis methods over the past two decades. All of these studies have clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of the species to extinction (Lindenmayer and Possingham, 1995, 1006; Lindenmayer and Lacy 1995). Key threats are wildfire, logging and losses of genetic variability (reviewed by Lindenmayer 2009).

More recent work on the viability of Leadbeater’s Possum is being led by expert staff at the Arthur Rylah Institute within the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. This work is being undertaken in partnership with ………………………………………….. Preliminary analyses have further highlighted the high risk of extinction of populations of Leadbeater’s Possum. In particular, the analyses to date indicated that the species is particularly at risk in the event of additional fires and highlighted that the current reserve system is inadequate to conserve the species.

Geographic Distribution

21. GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION Describe the species' known or estimated current and past global distribution (include a map if available). Does the species exist within a threatened ecological community listed under the EPBC Act?      

Leadbeater’s Possum’s entire range is restricted to a 70 x 80 km area of eastern Victoria, where the majority of populations inhabit montane forests between 500 and 1500 m a.s.l (reviewed by Harley 2004; Lindenmayer 2009). The species’ distribution is bounded by Toolangi (in the west), Beenak (in the south), Mt Baw Baw (in the east) and Rubicon (in the north) (Lindenmayer et al. 1991). The genetically distinct population at Yellingbo (110 m a.s.l.) is approximately 16 km from the nearest populations in montane ash forest (Harley et al. 2005).

Based on a small number of known historical records, at the time of European arrival, the species’ range extended c. 120 km further to the north-east (Mt Wills), and approximately c. 65 km to the south in the Western Port district (Harley 2004).

There are fossil records of Leadbeater’s possum from the Buchan district of eastern Victoria and from the Wombeyan Caves and Marble Arch in south-eastern New South Wales (reviewed by see Harley 2004). This indicates that the possum once had a more extensive distribution to the north and east of its current range. Changes in climate, and the associated forest cover changes, probably account for the absence of the species from these areas today.

Five Leadbeater’s Possums, three from Yellingbo and two from Lake Mountain, are currently held in captivity at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria.

22. EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE within AustraliaNOTE: The distribution of the species within Australia is assessed in two ways, the EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE and the AREA OF OCCUPANCY. The two concepts are closely related, and often confused. Therefore, before you answer this question, please see the definitions and explanatory material in Attachment A.a. What is the CURRENT extent of occurrence (in km2)? Explain how it was calculated and provide relevant data

sources.b. Has the extent of occurrence changed over time (PAST to CURRENT)? If so, provide evidence.c. Is the extent of occurrence expected to decline in FUTURE? If so, provide evidence.d. Does the species’ extent of occurrence undergo extreme fluctuations? If so, provide evidence.      Menkhorst (2008) considered its Extent of Occurrence was <5,000 km2, and that ‘it has a limited distribution (<3,500 km2)’.

23. AREA OF OCCUPANCY NOTE: The distribution of the species within Australia is assessed in two ways, the EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE and the AREA OF OCCUPANCY. The two concepts are closely related, and often confused. Therefore, before you answer this question, please see the definitions and explanatory material in Attachment A.a. What is the CURRENT area of occupancy (in km2)? Explain how it was calculated and provide relevant data

sources.b. Has the area of occupancy changed over time (PAST to CURRENT)? If so, provide evidence.c. Is the area of occupancy expected to decline in FUTURE? If so, provide evidence.d. Does the species’ area of occupancy undergo extreme fluctuations? If so, provide evidence.      The total ‘range’ occupied by the species has been estimated to be 3,526 km2 (Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010).

24. PRECARIOUSNESS a. Is the species' geographic distribution severely fragmented, or known to exist at a limited number of locations?b. Is the area, extent and/or quality of the species' habitat in continuing decline (observed / inferred / projected)?c. Is the number of locations or subpopulations in continuing decline (observed / inferred / projected)?d. Are there extreme fluctuations in the number of locations or subpopulations of this species?Please ensure that you provide evidence and appropriate references.     

a. The species’ has a restricted range (70 x 80 km) and is patchily distributed throughout this area (Lindenmayer et al. 1991c). Molecular data suggest that there may be population fragmentation (Hansen 2008; Hansen et al. 2009). The cause of population fragmentation is related to habitat fragmentation arising from past fires and timber harvesting.

b. Substantial decline in habitat conditions has occurred in all three habitat types occupied by the species (described above). These declines are ongoing in montane ash forest (i.e. loss of hollow-bearing trees due to natural decay and collapse as accelerated rates of loss in logging areas) and lowland swamp forest (i.e. vegetation dieback). In sub-alpine woodland, habitat decline occurred from the 2009 Black Saturday fire. In addition, widespread clearfell logging is leading to forested areas becoming unsuitable habitat in the long

term (Lindenmayer 1994, 2009) and fragmenting patches of suitable habitat (Lindenmayer et al., 1993). c. The 2009 fires burnt 45% of the best habitat for the species in montane ash forest. Post-fire, the species has

not been detected at burnt sites (Lindenmayer et al., 2013), indicating a substantial reduction in total population size and the number of occupied sites.

d. Extreme fluctuations in the number of occupied sites and population size are driven by fire impacts (e.g. Black Saturday fire in 2009) and clearfell logging impacts, which result in cutover areas becoming unsuitable in the long-term. More gradual, ongoing declines are attributable to the collapse of dead trees with hollows (i.e. ‘stags’) from natural decay (Lindenmayer et al. 1990, 1997). The scarcity of suitable tree hollows for denning is currently limiting Leadbeater’s Possum populations (Lindenmayer et al., 2012).

e. Recent modelling work strongly indicates that the existing reserve system is inadequate for Leadbeater’s Possum, particularly in the advent of further wildfires in the Central Highlands of Victoria (………………………)

25. PROTECTED AREASIs the species protected within the reserve system (e.g. national parks, Indigenous Protected Areas, or other conservation estates, private land covenants, etc.)? If so, which populations? Which reserves are actively managed for this species? Give details.     Nearly all of Leadbeater’s Possum’s distribution occurs on public land.

The species occurs in several parks and reserves (see below) and in 2008 a permanent reserve system was established to protect the species (45% of which was burnt in the 2009 fires).

Tenure for public land in the species’ range is listed below.

Area (in hectares) of public land within the Leadbeater’s Possum range including permanent reserve system [Note: Areas are indicative only and have been rounded to nearest 100 ha]

Reservation/Zone Within permanent reserve system

Excluding permanent reserve system Total

Parks and Reserves 17,600 83,800 101,400

Special Protection Zone 12,700 60,500 73,200

General Management Zone* 0 178,000 178,000

Total 30,300 322,300 352,600

* Area available for timber harvesting

The species is present in the following conservation reserves:

Yarra Ranges National Park

Baw Baw National Park

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

‘Active management’ for Leadbeater’s Possum conservation has occurred at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve (targeted revegetation and provision of artificial dens) and Yarra Ranges National Park (provision of artificial dens).

Threats

26. KNOWN THREATS Identify any KNOWN threats to the species, and state clearly whether these are past, current or future threats.

NB – CLIMATE CHANGE AS A THREAT. If climate change is an important threat to the nominated species it is important that you provide referenced information on exactly how climate change might significantly increase the nominated species’ vulnerability to extinction. For guidance refer to the Guidelines for assessing climate change as a threat to native species (Attachment B; Part B2).

Logging operationsClearfelling is the traditional form of logging in montane ash forests. The impacts of clearfelling on Leadbeater’s Possum have been summarized in a series of studies (reviewed in Lindenmayer et al., 1990, Lindenmayer 1994, 1996 2009). The primary impacts of clearfelling are that it significantly reduces the abundance of large old trees on which Leadbeater’s Possum depends for nesting and denning. This occurs through removing existing large trees, accelerating the decay and collapse of existing large old trees, and significantly setting back the recruitment of new trees. Indeed, logging on 80-120 year rotations means that large old trees never develop on logged and regenerated sites. This is because re-entries into logged areas occur before trees can develop cavities. Clearfelling has other impacts including fragmenting areas of suitable habitat and, in turn, leaving areas of potentially suitable habitat unoccupied (Lindenmayer et al., 1993). Finally, recent studies suggest that clearfell logging in montane ash forests may increase fire proneness with data indicating ((P=0.004) that logged forests burn at higher severity than unlogged areas with fires burning with greater spatial contagion (Lindenmayer et al., 2011, …………………………………….). In addition, forests that are burned are subject to post-fire salvage logging and this can set back habitat suitability for Leadbeater’s Possum by 150-200 years (Lindenmayer and Ough 2006; Lindenmayer et al., 2008).

There is significant logging pressure on remaining “green” (unburned) montane ash forest, with 412 coupes covering 17,640 ha proposed for clearfelling under the Victorian Government’s Timber Release Plan to 2016.

Firea. Actual – past (1939 fire), current (2009 fire) and future threat

b. Applies to all habitats

c. 36% of all montane ash forest in the species’ range burnt in 2009, including 45% of the high quality habitat in the permanent reserve system (………………………). Fire results in direct mortality (e.g. ≥ 95% mortality at Lake Mountain). The species has not been detected at sites that were burnt in 2009, regardless of fire severity (Lindenmayer et al. 2013). Fire also reduces hollow availability (esp. large dead trees which are highly susceptible to burning) (Lindenmayer et al. 2012).

d. Fire frequency is predicted to increase under various climate change scenarios (Mackey et al., 2012; Cary et al., 2012). Fire in old growth habitat may create stags, however fire in younger forest is not likely to produce these hollows (Lindenmayer 2009). Just 1.16% of the remaining montane ash forest comprises old growth forest (Lindenmayer et al., 2012). The predominance of young forest in the Victorian Central Highlands means that another large fire there during the next 50 years would have pronounced negative impacts on Leadbeater’s Possum populations (i.e. exacerbate hollow scarcity) (Lindenmayer et al., 2012). The localized lowland population at Yellingbo could easily be eliminated by a single, small fire.

e. Importance and magnitude of impact are extreme.

Loss of hollow-bearing treesa. Actual – current and future threat

b. Impacts are particularly severe in montane ash forest (where the majority of the population presently occurs).

c. Recently published studies indicate a rapid loss of large old hollow-bearing trees throughout montane ash forests (Lindenmayer et al., 2012a, 2012b). Fire consumed 57-100% of dead hollow-bearing trees on burned sites and killed 79% of previously living large old trees on burned sites. In addition, on unburned sites, 14% of large living trees died between 1997 and 2011 (Lindenmayer et al., 2012a).

d. The dominant eucalypts in montane ash forest do not begin to form hollows until trees are 120 years old (Ambrose 1982), and do not develop hollows suitable for Leadbeater’s Possum until trees attain 190 years of age (Smith and

Lindenmayer 1988). Forests regenerating from the 1939 and 2009 fires may not develop hollows suitable for Leadbeater’s Possum for more than a century (Lindenmayer et al., 1993). The areas where large old trees with hollows are most prevalent are old growth stands. Old growth stands of Mountain Ash cover 1.16% of the Mountain Ash forest estate. There is currently ~ 1886 ha of old-growth Mountain Ash forest and it is fragmented through being distributed among 147 different patches.

e. The importance and magnitude of the impact of the loss of large old trees through any cause is extreme.

Decline in habitat conditiona. Actual – current threat

b. Impacts lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve

c. 46% of active territories at Yellingbo have been abandoned during the past nine years due to deterioration in habitat quality (…………………………………………). Molecular analyses also indicate that the habitat decline has resulted in population fragmentation within the reserve (Hansen 2008).

d. Deterioration in habitat conditions is ongoing at Yellingbo. Thus, further population declines are anticipated and local extinction is a strong likelihood.

e. Importance and magnitude of impact are extreme (but localized to Yellingbo which supports the last extant lowland population).

Population fragmentationa. Actual – current and future threat

b. Applies primarily to montane ash forest

c. Molecular studies have detected genetic differentiation in Leadbeater’s Possum populations in the north of the species’ range (e.g. around Marysville) to those in the south (e.g. near Powelltown) (Hansen 2008, Hansen et al. 2009). This is thought to be the result of recent habitat fragmentation.

d. As hollow availability declines (Lindenmayer et al. 1990, 1997), the populations are likely to become increasingly fragmented.

e. Importance and magnitude of impact are unknown.

27. POTENTIAL THREATS Identify any POTENTIAL threats to the species.

Climate changea. Potential – future threat

Past bioclimatic modelling has indicated that the impacts of climate change could have significant negative impacts on the distribution of Leadbeater’s Possum (Lindenmayer et al., 1991, Brereton et al., 1995) and also on the montane ash forests in which the species lives (Lindenmayer et al., 1991). More detailed analyses have confirmed this prospect using updated regional climatic models and estimates of potential changes in fire regimes (Mackey et al., 2002).

b. The potential effects of climate change apply to all habitats (but especially montane ash forest).

c. Major climate-change related effects in montane ash forest include likely increases in fire frequency, extreme fire weather (Clarke et al., 2012), which will have major impacts on the structure and composition of montane ash forests (Mackey et al., 2002). In addition, changes in climatic conditions are likely to reduce the environmental niche and in turn compress the area of suitable habitat for Leadbeater’s Possum (Lindenmayer et al., 1991, Bennett et al., 1995)

d. Reduced area of suitable habitat has the potential to result in further population declines. Increased habitat fragmentation.

e. The importance and magnitude of probable climate change impacts are likely to be extreme.

In the sclerophyll forest biome the relevant trends include increasing occurrence of fire weather (extreme days and

duration of fire season); and possible increase in ignitions (summer storms) (Mackey et al., 2002; Williams et al., 2007). In addition, the regeneration niche of Mountain Ash forest is likely to be under considerable pressure (Nitschke et al., 2009). Together these are likely to drive increases in fire frequencies, which will lead to changes in vegetation structure and composition. As well as changes to averages, changes to regimes of drought (frequency and severity) and rainfall (seasonality and events) are likely to have significant effects (Clarke et al., 2012) but these are presently poorly understood impacts. (Dunlop et al. 2012)

28. THREAT ABATEMENT Give an overview of recovery and threat abatement/mitigation actions that are underway and/or proposed.

Montane ash forest

Permanent reserve system: established in 2008; includes 30,300 ha; based on habitat attributes rather than LBP records. It remains unclear whether this reserve supports significant populations. In addition, a substantial proportion of the species’ habitat within the reserve system was severely damaged in the 2009 fires (45% burnt). However, recent modelling work strongly indicates that the existing reserve system is inadequate for supporting viable populations of Leadbeater’s Possum, particularly in the advent of further wildfires in the Central Highlands of Victoria (………………………………………………………………). Prescriptions in the General Management Zone (where timber harvesting is permitted): since the mid-1990s, montane ash forests have been zoned according to the density of hollow-bearing trees per 3 ha. Three categories exist: Zone 1A where Leadbeater’s Possum conservation is the priority (i.e. timber harvesting excluded); Zone 1B: Leadbeater’s Possum conservation and timber production are joint priorities; Zone 2: Timber production is the priority.

Provision of supplementary hollows: the use of artificial nest boxes to supplement natural hollows has been trialled extensively in montane ash forest with limited success (Lindenmayer et al., 2003, 2009). In 1998, the use of artificial nest boxes by arboreal marsupials including Leadbeater's Possum was investigated in the Central Highlands (Lindenmayer et al. 2003a). There were only low rates of occupancy by Leadbeater's Possum, possibly due to differences in vegetation structure or because natural hollows are generally located substantially higher in montane ash forest than the heights at which nest boxes were installed (Smith & Lindenmayer 1988; Harley 2006). There was also a high rate of nest box loss due to falling branches (Lindenmayer et al. 2009). This should only be viewed as an interim measure (with serious limitations) to offset the collapse of existing large old trees and until replacement hollows develop in regenerating forests.

Sub-alpine woodland

Provision of supplementary hollows: 87 nest boxes installed at Lake Mountain and 52 nest boxes installed at Mt Bullfight. Monitored by Parks Victoria and ……………...

Supplementary Feeding Trial: Following the 2009 fires, the two surviving Leadbeater’s Possum colonies on the Lake Mountain plateau were supplementary fed twice per week during winter for three consecutive years (2009-11). This work was coordinated by Parks Victoria and undertaken by the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum.

Lowland swamp forest

Provision of supplementary hollows: c. 165 nest boxes installed at Yellingbo. Every Leadbeater’s Possum colony has access to ≥ 3 nest boxes, and the majority of the total population (>90%) regularly den in nest boxes. Monitored by ……………………. and Parks Victoria annually.

Targeted revegetation: Targeted revegetation has been undertaken in a small number of active Leadbeater’s Possum territories at Yellingbo in an attempt to maintain dense vegetation structure and provide some E. camphora recruitment. This is an interim measure that cannot be applied on a large-scale (i.e. a temporary measure until more appropriate floodplain management regimes are implemented). Implemented by Parks Victoria and the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum.

Hydrological restoration: Melbourne Water are investigating options to undertake on-ground works in 2014 to improve hydrology in the Cockatoo Creek floodplain. This is thought to be the major cause of vegetation dieback within the swamp forest.

Captive-breeding: In 2012, Zoos Victoria initiated a captive-breeding program to prevent the extinction of the lowland ESU. The first four founders for the breeding program were obtained from Yellingbo in 2012.

Surveys and Monitoring

29. DISTINCTIVENESSGive details of the distinctiveness of the species.

Is this species taxonomically distinct? Taxonomic distinctiveness is a measure of how unique a species is relative to other species.

How distinct is this species in its appearance from other species? How likely is it to be misidentified?

Leadbeater’s Possum is the sole member of the Genus Gymnobelideus.

No subspecies are recognised. However, molecular analyses have identified distinct genetic differentiation between montane populations and the last lowland population at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve (Hansen 2008; Hansen & Taylor 2008). For management purposes these are currently being treated as two separate ‘Evolutionarily Significant Units’ (ESUs).

Notably, Leadbeater’s Possum was assigned a very high ‘EDGE score’ (ranked 49th in the world from more than 4000 species assessed in 2011) in the Zoological Society of London’s EDGE program, that assesses the world’s mammals according to the amount of unique evolutionary history each species represents and their conservation status. In terms of ‘evolutionary distinctness’, Leadbeater’s Possum was ranked 130 th from more than 5000 species of mammal assessed.

30. DETECTABILITYProvide information on how easy the species is to detect and the ease of which it has been/can be surveyed. If possible, provide information on when and how surveys should be conducted, for example:

- Recommended methods- Season, time of day, weather conditions- Length, intensity and pattern of search effort- Limitations and whether or not the method is accepted by experts- Survey-effort guide- Methods for detecting the species.

     Leadbeater’s Possum is cryptic and difficult to detect, resulting in a gaps in knowledge about where population strongholds currently occur, especially in montane ash forest. The absence of this information restricts the effectiveness of recovery actions for the species. A key knowledge gap surrounds where populations have persisted following the 2009 Black Saturday fires.

The possum is notoriously difficult to detect using traditional mammal survey methods (e.g. trapping, spotlighting). Surveys for the species in montane ash forest have traditionally been conducted using a technique known as ‘stagwatching’, which involves the direct observation of trees at dusk to record the emergence of animals from their dens (Smith et al. 1989). Stagwatching is an effective survey technique for identifying sites occupied by G. leadbeateri. However, it is labour intensive, which limits its suitability for broad-scale surveys.

The Australian National University successfully utilise stagwatching for the long-term monitoring of arboreal mammal populations, incuding Leadbeater’s Possum, across 161 long-term monitoring sites in the Victorian Central Highlands (Lindenmayer et al. 2003b, 2011). This monitoring provides they key data regarding the possum’s population trends in this forest type (and the relationship between Leadbeater’s Possum presence and tree hollow density).

Nest boxes have been highly successful for targeted surveys of the species in sub-alpine woodland and lowland swamp

forest (Harley 2004b, 2006) (but have failed to produce comparable results in montane ash forest – Lindenmayer et al., 2004, 2009).

Following the 2009 fires, a study examined the utility of infrared camera traps to facilitate broad-scale surveys for Leadbeater’s Possum in montane ash forest. All testing was conducted at sites known to be occupied by the species to directly assess the effectiveness of cameras traps at detecting the species (……………………..). The objective was to develop a camera trapping survey protocol effective at detecting the possum with high probability, and to then use this protocol to conduct surveys for the species in fire-affected areas. The research confirmed that remote cameras are very effective at capturing images of Leadbeater’s Possum. However, identifying a bait that readily attracts the species into the view of cameras proved to be problematic. Further testing of creamed honey in an open feeder is required to determine whether it is a strong enough lure to permit reliable interpretation of survey results (i.e. are we confident the species is absent from sites where cameras fail to detect it) (……………………………….).

During 2012, the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research undertook surveys for Leadbeater’s Possum across the Victorian Central Highlands using call playback (i.e. broadcasting recording of Leadbeater’s Possum calls). This method can sometimes elicit a territorial response from resident animals, that may be attracted to investigate. Thermal cameras improved the ability of observers to detect possums on occasions when they responded to the broadcasted calls. Call imitation (or ‘call playback’) has previously been used with some effectiveness by ………………. However, its reliability has not been adequately tested to date (e.g. how response rates vary according to the type of call that is broadcast, time of night, season, position in the territory, number of visits to a site etc). Thus, while the technique has potential, there is a strong likelihood of ‘false negative’ survey results (i.e. failure to detect the species at a site using this method should not be interpreted as ‘species absence’).

31. SURVEYS Provide information on survey effort to date, and any ongoing/proposed monitoring programs.

Montane Ash Forest

Since the species’ rediscovery in 1961, multiple surveys have been conducted throughout the species’ range in montane ash forest (Owen 1963; Smith et al. 1985; Lindenmayer et al. 1989; Smith et al. 1989; Lindenmayer et al., 2003, 2011, 2013).

Dr Andrew Smith undertook intensive population monitoring at Cambarville between 1978-1980 (Smith 1980).

Professor David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University has coordinated a major long-term monitoring program across a collection of 161 sites in the Victorian Central Highlands since 1983 (Lindenmayer et al. 2003b, 2011, 2013). This is the most important source of data for the species in this habitat type.

During 2012, the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research conducted ‘call playback’ surveys for Leadbeater’s Possum across the species’ range in the Central Highlands (described above).

Following the 2009 fires, identifying population strongholds in montane ash forest, and ensuring that they receive adequate protection, is an urgent priority.

Sub-alpine Woodland

……………….. and Parks Victoria initiated targeted nest box surveys for the species in sub-alpine woodland at Lake Mountain in 2003 and Mt Bullfight in 2010. Both monitoring programs are ongoing.

Nest box surveys will commence on the Mt Baw Baw plateau in 2013.

Lowland Swamp Forest

………………….. completed intensive population monitoring at Yellingbo between 1996 – 1999 as part of his PhD research.

In 2001, …………………. and Parks Victoria initiated an annual population monitoring program at Yellingbo that provides several measures of population condition (described above).

Targeted surveys in lowland swamp forest dominated by E. camphora in Bunyip State Park failed to detect the species (Harley 2004c).

Conservation Dependent ConsiderationsNote: Only complete this section if nominating for consideration under the conservation dependent category, or if nominating a fish (or harvested marine species) with a management plan. Answer either Q.32 OR Q.33, whichever is more appropriate.

32. CONSERVATION PROGRAM (if species is a fish or harvested marine species, see Q.33 first)a) Give details of the conservation program for which this species is a focus.b) Provide details of how the species would become vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered should the

program cease.     

33. FISH MANAGEMENT PLANS a) Give details of the plan of management that focuses on the fish. b) Provide details of how the plan provides for management actions necessary to stop the decline of and

support the recovery of the species, so that its chances of long term survival in nature are maximised.c) Explain the effect on the fish if the plan of management ceased

     

N.A.

34. MANAGEMENT PLAN’S LEGISLATIVE BASIS Is the plan of management (or some component/s of it) in force under Commonwealth or State/Territory law? If so, provide details.

Indigenous Values

35. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCEIs the species known to have cultural significance for Indigenous groups within Australia? If so, to which groups? Provide information on the nature of this significance if publicly available.     

Not known

Reviewers and Further Information

36. REVIEWER(S)Has this nomination been peer-reviewed? Have relevant experts been consulted on this nomination? If so, please include their names, current professional positions and contact details.     ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

37. FURTHER INFORMATIONIdentify relevant studies or management documentation that might relate to the species (e.g. research projects, national park management plans, recovery plans, conservation plans, threat abatement plans, etc.).     ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

38. REFERENCE LISTPlease list key references/documentation you have referred to in your nomination.

Brereton, R., Bennett, S., Mansergh, I. (1995). Enhanced greenhouse climate change and its potential effect on selected fauna of south-eastern Australia: a trend analysis. Biological Conservation, 72, 339-354.

Clarke, H., Lucas, C., Smith, P., 2012. Changes in Australian fire weather between 1973 and 2010. Int. J. Climatol., doi: 10.1002/joc.3480.

Dunlop M., Hilbert D.W., Ferrier S., House A., Liedloff A., Prober S.M., Smyth A., Martin T.G., Harwood T., Williams K.J., Fletcher C., and Murphy H. 2012. The Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Reserve System: Final Synthesis. A report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship, Canberra.

Hansen, B.D. 2008. Population genetic structure of Leadbeater's Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri, and its implications for species conservation. PhD Thesis, Monash University, Clayton.

Hansen, B.D., and Taylor, A.C. 2008. Isolated remnant or recent introduction? Estimating the provenance of Yellingbo Leadbeater's possums by genetic analysis and bottleneck simulation. Molecular Ecology 17: 4039–4052.

Hansen, B.D., Harley, D.K.P., Lindenmayer, D.B. and Taylor, A.C. 2009. Population genetic analysis reveals a long-term decline of a threatened endemic Australian marsupial. Molecular Ecology 18: 3346–3362.

Harley, D.K.P. 2004a. A review of recent records of Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). Pp. 330–338 in R. Goldingay and S. Jackson eds. The Biology of Australian Possums and Gliding Possums. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney.

Harley, D.K.P. 2004b. Patterns of nest box use by Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri): applications to research and conservation. In The Biology of Australian Possums and Gliders. (Eds R. Goldingay and S. Jackson.) pp. 318–329. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Sydney.)

Harley, D. 2004c. A survey for Leadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri in lowland swamp forest at Bunyip State Park. Victorian Naturalist 121: 158–163.

Harley, D.K.P. 2005. The life history and conservation of Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in lowland swamp forest. . PhD Thesis, Monash University, Melbourne.

Harley, D. 2006. A role for nest boxes in the conservation of Leadbeater’s possum ( Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). Wildlife Research 33: 385–395.

Harley, D.K.P., Worley, M.A. and Harley, T. K. 2005. The distribution and abundance of Leadbeater's Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri in lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Australian Mammalogy 27: 7–15.

Harley, D.K.P., and Lill, A. 2007. Reproduction in a population of the endangered Leadbeater's possum inhabiting lowland swamp forest. Journal of Zoology 272: 451–457.

Harley, D.K.P., and Antrobus, J. 2007. Population Monitoring of Leadbeater's Possum at Yellingbo Conservation Reserve - 2005. Unpublished Report for Parks Victoria.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Jelinek, A., Cameron, D., Belcher, C. and Turner, L. 1995. New perspectives on the ecology of Lake Mountain: the discovery of Leadbeater's Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy in sub-alpine woodland. Victorian Naturalist 112: 112–115.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Smith, A.P., Craig, S.A. & Lumsden, L.F. 1989. A survey of the distribution of Leadbeater’s Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy in the central highlands of Victoria. Victorian Naturalist 106: 174-178.

Lindenmayer, D. B. 1992. Some impacts on arboreal marsupials of clearfelling on a 80–120 year rotation in mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests in the central highlands of Victoria. Victorian Naturalist 109: 181–186.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B., Tanton, M.T. and Smith, A.P. 1990. The conservation of arboreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the central highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia .2. The loss of trees with hollows and its implications for the conservation of Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy (Marsupialia: Petauridae). Biological Conservation 54: 133–145.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B., Tanton, M.T., Nix, H.A. and Smith, A.P. 1991a. The conservation of arboreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the central highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia: III. The habitat requirements of Leadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri and models of the diversity and abundance of arboreal marsupials. Biological Conservation 56: 295–315.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B., Tanton, M.T., Smith, A.P. and Nix, H.A. 1991b. Characteristics of hollow-bearing trees occupied by arboreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the central highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia. Forest Ecology and Management 40: 289–308.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Nix, H.A., McMahon, J.P., Hutchinson, M.F. and Tanton, M.T. (1991). The conservation of Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy: a case study of the use of bioclimatic modelling. Journal of Biogeography, 18, 371-383.

Lindenmayer, D. B., and Lacy, R. C. 1995. Metapopulation viability of Leadbeater’s possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri, in fragmented old-growth forests. Ecological Applications 5, 164–182.

Lindenmayer, D. B., and Possingham, H.P. 1995a. Modelling the impacts of wildfire on the viability of metapopulations of the endangered Australian species of arboreal marsupial, Leadbeater’s Possum. Forest Ecology and Management 74: 197–222.

Lindenmayer, D. B., and Possingham, H. P. 1995b. The conservation of arboreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the central highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia: VII. Modelling the persistence of Leadbeater’s possum in response to modified timber harvesting practices. Biological Conservation 73: 239–257.

Lindenmayer, D. B., and Possingham, H. P. 1996. Ranking conservation and timber management options for Leadbeater’s possum in southeastern Australia using population viability analysis. Conservation Biology 10: 235–251.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B. and Donnelly, C.F. 1997. Decay and collapse of trees with hollows in eastern Australian forests: Impacts on arboreal marsupials. Ecological Applications 7: 625–641.

Lindenmayer, D. B., MacGregor, C. I., Cunningham, R. B., Incoll, R. D., Crane, M., Rawlins, D., and Michael, D. R. 2003. The use of nest boxes by arboreal marsupials in the forests of the central highlands of Victoria. Wildlife Research 30: 259–264.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B., MacGregor, C., Incoll, R.D. and Michael, D. 2003. A survey design for monitoring the abundance of arboreal marsupials in the Central Highlands of Victoria. Biological Conservation 110: 161–167.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Hunter, M.L., Burton, P.J. and Gibbons, P. (2009). Effects of logging on fire regimes in moist forests. Conservation Letters, 2: 271-277.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Welsh, A., Donnelly, C., Crane, M., Michael, D., Macgregor, C., McBurney, L., Montague-Drake, R., Philip Gibbons, P. 2009. Are nest boxes a viable alternative source of cavities for hollow-dependent animals? Long-term monitoring of nest box occupancy, pest use and attrition. Biological Conservation 142: 33 – 42.

Lindenmayer, D.B. (2009). Forest Pattern and Ecological Process: A Synthesis of 25 Years of Research. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. 302 pp.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Hobbs, R.J., Likens, G.E., Krebs, C. and Banks, S. (2011). Newly discovered landscape traps produce regime shifts in wet forests. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108, 15887-15891.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Wood, J.T., McBurney, L., Michael, D., Crane, M., MacGregor, C., Montague-Drake, R., Gibbons, P. and Banks, S.C. (2011). Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research: A case study of trees with hollows and marsupials in Australian forests. Ecological Monographs, 81, 557-580.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Blanchard, W., McBurney, L., Blair, D., Banks, S.,Likens, G.E., Franklin, J.F., Laurance, W.F., Stein, J.A.R., Gibbons, P. 2012. Interacting Factors Driving a Major Loss of Large Trees with Cavities in a Forest Ecosystem. PLoS ONE 7(10): e41864.

Lindenmayer, D.B., Blanchard, W., McBurney, Blair, D., Banks, S., Driscoll, D., Smith, A. and Gill, A.M. Novel fire severity and fire-derived landscape context effects on arboreal marsupials. (Biological Conservation) (in review).

Mackey, B.G., Lindenmayer, D.B., Gill, A. M., McCarthy, M. A. and Lindesay, J. A. (2002). Wildlife, Fire and Future Climate: A forest ecosystem analysis. CSIRO Publishing. Melbourne. 188 pp. Owen, W.H. 1963. Further sight records of Leadbeater’s Possum. Victorian Naturalist 79: 292-293.

Smales, I.J. 1994. The discovery of Leadbeater’s Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy, resident in lowland swamp woodland. Victorian Naturalist 111: 178–182.

Smith, A. 1984a. Demographic consequences of reproduction, dispersal and social interaction in a population of Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). In Possum and Gliders. Eds A. P. Smith and I. D. Hume. pp. 359-373. Australian Mammal Society, Sydney.

Smith, A.P. 1980. The diet and ecology of Leadbeater's Possum and the Sugar Glider. Ph.D. Thesis. Monash University, Clayton.

Smith, A.P. 1984b. Diet of Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri (Marsupialia). Australian Wildlife Research 11: 265–273.

Smith, A., Lindenmayer, D. & Suckling, G. 1985. The Ecology and Management of Leadbeater’s Possum. Research Report to the World Wildlife Fund Australia. University of New England, Armidale, N.S.W.

Smith, A.P., and Lindenmayer, D.B. 1988. Tree Hollow Requirements of Leadbeater's Possum and Other Possums and Gliders in Timber Production Ash Forests of the Victorian Central Highlands. Australian Wildlife Research 15: 347–362.

Smith, A.P., Lindenmayer, D., Begg, R.J., Macfarlane, M.A., Seebeck, J.H. and Suckling, G.C. 1989. Evaluation of the stag-watching technique for census of possums and gliders in tall open forest. Australian Wildlife Research 16: 575–580.

Smith, A.P., and Lindenmayer, D.B. 1992. Forest succession and habitat management for Leadbeater’s possum in the state of Victoria, Australia. Forest Ecology and Management 49: 311–332.

39. APPENDIXPlease place here any figures, tables or maps that you have referred to within your nomination. Alternatively, you can provide them as an attachment.     

40. DECLARATION I declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the information in this nomination and its attachments is true and correct.

Signed………………………………….:

Date: 20 December 2012

* If submitting by email, please attach an electronic signature

Prior to lodging your nominationIn order for received nominations to be eligible for consideration by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for inclusion on the Finalised Priority Assessment List, nominations must contain all information required by Division 7.2 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (the Regulations) http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2000B00190.

To assist nominators in identifying information that is required to be included in the nomination, a checklist has been provided for reference. You are not required to complete the checklist and submit it with your nomination. Checking against the Regulations will be done by the department. The checklist is provided as a tool to so that you may ensure that the nomination contains the required information and can be considered for assessment.

If the required information is not available to be provided in the nomination because of a lack of scientific data or analysis it is a requirement of the Regulations that the nomination includes an explicitly statement that the data are not available for that question.

Please check that your nomination contains the required information listed in the checklist prior to submission

How to lodge your nominationCompleted nominations may be lodged either:1. by email to: epbc.nominations@environment.gov.au, or2. by mail to: The Director

Species Listing SectionDepartment of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and CommunitiesGPO Box 787Canberra ACT 2601

* If submitting by mail, please include an electronic copy on memory stick or CD.

Where did you find out about nominating items?The Committee would appreciate your feedback regarding how you found out about the nomination process. Your feedback will ensure that future calls for nominations can be advertised as widely as possible.

Please tick

DSEWPAC website Australian newspaper word of mouth

Journal/society/organisation web site or email? if so which one………………………………………………………………….

web search Other…………………………………………………………………………………..

Attachment A: Further information on completing this form <back to top>

1. NAME OF NOMINATED SPECIES/SUBSPECIES <back to Q1> You may nominate a native species or subspecies for listing under the EPBC Act. If the taxon you wish to nominate is not a species or subspecies (e.g. a family, race, variation or hybrid) please contact the Director of the Species Listing Section, on (02) 6274 2238 for further guidance.

For the purposes of this form, subspecies are hereafter referred to as ‘species’.

You may wish to search the current list of threatened species in the department’s Species Profile and Threats Database, found here: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

You can also find a full list of fauna and flora that are listed as threatened under the EPBC Act, here:

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=faunahttp://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora

You will find a list of unsuccessful nominations that have been assessed here:http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/unsuccessful-species.html

2. NOMINATED CATEGORY <back to Q2> Please specify the EPBC Act listing category for which you are nominating the species: Extinct Extinct in the Wild Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Conservation Dependent.

For more information about these categories, see Attachment B, or Section 179 of the EPBC Act.

4. CURRENT LISTING CATEGORY <back to Q4> Please specify the EPBC Act listing category in which the species is listed: Extinct Extinct in the Wild Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Conservation Dependent.

For more information about these categories, see Attachment B, or, you can also find a full list of fauna and flora that are listed as threatened under the EPBC Act, here:

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=faunahttp://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora

6. CONSERVATION STATUS <back to Q6>  For example, is it listed on an annex or appendix under the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Fauna and Flora (CITES), or the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)?

11. TAXONOMY <back to Q11>  What are the currently accepted scientific and common name(s) for the species (include Indigenous

names, where known)? Note any other scientific names that have been used recently. Note the species’ authority and the taxonomic group to which the species belongs (Family name is sufficient for plants; both Order and Family name are required for invertebrates).

- If the species' taxonomy is NOT conventionally accepted, then please provide:- a taxonomic description of the species in a form suitable for publication in conventional scientific

literature; OR- evidence that a scientific institution has a specimen of the species, and a written statement

signed by a person who is a taxonomist and has relevant expertise (has worked with, or is a published author on, the class of species nominated), that the species is considered to be a new species.

Is the species known to hybridise with other species? Describe any cross-breeding with other species in the wild, indicating how frequently and where this occurs.

13. BIOLOGY <back to Q13>  Life Cycle: Provide detail on the age at sexual maturity, average life expectancy, natural mortality rates,

and generation length- "Generation length" is defined as the average age of parents of the current cohort (i.e. newborn

individuals in the population). Generation length therefore reflects the turnover rate of breeding individuals in a population. Generation length is greater than the age at first breeding and less than the age of the oldest breeding individual, except in species that breed only once. Where generation length varies under threat, the more natural, i.e. pre-disturbance, generation length should be used. It is often calculated as =(longevity + age at maturity)/2. Provide details of the methods used to calculate the generation length.

Reproduction: Provide detail on the reproductive requirements of this species.- Flora : When does the species flower and set fruit? What conditions are needed for this? What is

the pollinating and seed dispersal mechanisms? If the species is capable of vegetative reproduction, include a description of how this occurs, the conditions needed and when. Does the species require a disturbance regime (e.g. fire, cleared ground) in order to reproduce?

- Fauna : provide an overview of the species' breeding system and breeding success, including: when it breeds; what conditions are needed for breeding; whether there are any breeding behaviours that may make it vulnerable to a threatening process?

For fauna:- Feeding : Summarise the species’ feeding behaviours, diet, and the timing/seasonality associated

with these. Include any behaviour that may make the species vulnerable to a threatening process.- Movement: provide information on daily and seasonal movement patterns.

14. HABITAT <back to Q14>  Provide information on aspect, topography, substrate, climate, forest type, associated species, sympatric

species and anything else that is relevant to the species’ habitat. Explain how habitats are used (e.g. breeding, feeding, roosting, dispersing, basking, etc.) Does the species use refuge habitat (e.g. in times of fire, drought or flood)? Describe this habitat.

15. REASONS FOR THE NOMINATION TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CATEGORY <back to Q15  

Please specify the reason for the nomination to transfer to another category.

Genuine. The change in category is the result of a genuine status change that has taken place since the previous assessment. For example, the change is due to an increase in the rate of decline, a decrease in population or range size or habitat, or declines in these for the first time (owing to increasing/new threats).

Knowledge. The change in category is the result of new knowledge, e.g. owing to new or newly synthesized information about the status of the taxon (e.g. better estimates for population size, range size or rate of decline).

Taxonomy. The new category is different from the previous owing to a taxonomic changeadopted during the period since the previous assessment. Such changes include:

newly split (the taxon is newly elevated to species level) newly described (the taxon is newly described as a species) newly lumped (the taxon is recognized following lumping of two previously recognized taxa) no longer valid/recognised (either the taxon is no longer valid e.g. because it is now considered

to be a hybrid or variant, form or subspecies of another species, or the Red List Guidelines 11 previously recognized taxon differs from a currently recognized one as a result of a split or lump).

Mistake. The previous category was applied in error.

Other. The change in category is the result of other reasons not easily covered by the above, and/or requires further explanation. Examples include change in assessor’s attitude to risk and uncertainty (as defined in section 3.2.3) and changes in this guidelines document.

16. INITIAL LISTING <back to 16> 

Information on the reasons for the initial listing may be available in the original listing and or conservation advice for the species. You can also find a full list of fauna and flora that are listed as threatened under the EPBC Act and advices associated with them here:

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora

If there is insufficient information to provide details as to the reasons for the original listing please state this.

18. NUMBERS <back to Q18>  Describe how population estimates were derived and how reliable they are. Are there other useful

measures of population size, and if so what are they? Important populations = key breeding populations, populations near the edge of the species’ range, or

populations needed to maintain genetic diversity. Does the species occur in a number of smaller populations of the species within the total population and if

so, the degree of geographic separation between the smaller populations within the total population? For each population give the locality, numbers and trends in numbers and tenure of land (include extinct populations). Can these be considered to be subpopulations? Explain.

"Subpopulations" are defined as geographically or otherwise distinct groups in the population between which there is little or no genetic exchange.

Are there any biological, geographic, human-induced or other barriers enforcing separation?

19. TREND <back to Q19> Note: For EPBC Act purposes the relevant period for decline is 10 years or 3 generations, whichever is the longer. Consequently, please try to ensure that you give as clear an indication as possible of the likely trends over either or both of the previous 10 years/3 generations and the next 10 years/3 generations into the future. (See 13. Biology for generation length). "Extreme fluctuations" can be said to occur when the species’ population varies widely, rapidly and

frequently, typically with a variation greater than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold increase or decrease).

21. GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION <back to Q21>  If the species occurs only within the Australian jurisdiction:

- Describe the species’ current distribution within Australia (including its external territories if relevant).

- Provide a map, if available, indicating latitude, longitude, map datum and location names. If the species also occurs outside of the Australian jurisdiction:

- Include information on the species' geographic distribution within and outside Australia.- What percentage of the global population occurs in Australia, and what is its significance?- Is the Australian population distinct, geographically isolated, or does part or all of the population

migrate into/out of Australia’s jurisdiction?- Explain the relationship between the Australian population and the global population.- Do global threats affect the Australian population?

Give locations of other populations, e.g. captive/propagated populations, populations recently re-introduced to the wild, and sites for proposed population re-introductions. Note if these sites have been identified in recovery plans. Provide latitude, longitude, map datum and location name, where available, in an attached table.

- For fauna species only – give details of the species’ home ranges/territories. Describe any relevant daily and seasonal pattern of movement for the species, or other irregular patterns of movement, including relevant arrival/departure dates if migratory.

Does the species occur within an EPBC Act listed ecological community? You will find a list of EPBC Act listed ecological communities here: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publiclookupcommunities.pl

22 & 23. EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE AND AREA OF OCCUPANCY <back to Q22> <back to Q23>  Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy are easily confused, but essentially, the latter is a subset of

the former. Therefore, the area of occupancy should never be larger than the extent of occurrence. Please read the following before answering questions 14 and 15.

EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE is defined as the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred or projected sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of vagrancy (see Figure 1 below). This measure may exclude

Figure 1. Two examples of the distinction between extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

(A) is the spatial distribution of known, inferred or projected sites of present occurrence.

(B) shows one possible boundary to the extent of occurrence, which is the measured area within this boundary.

(C) shows one measure of area of occupancy which can be achieved by the sum of the occupied grid squares.

discontinuities or disjunctions within the overall distributions of species (e.g. large areas of obviously unsuitable habitat, see 'area of occupancy' below). Extent of occurrence can often be measured by a minimum convex polygon (the smallest polygon in which no internal angle exceeds 180 degrees and which contains all the sites of occurrence).

AREA OF OCCUPANCY is defined as the area within its 'extent of occurrence' (see above) which is occupied by a species, excluding cases of vagrancy. The measure reflects the fact that a species will not usually occur throughout the area of its extent of occurrence, which may contain unsuitable or unoccupied habitats. In some cases (e.g. irreplaceable colonial nesting sites, crucial feeding sites for migratory species) the area of occupancy is the smallest area essential at any stage to the survival of existing populations of a species. The size of the area of occupancy will be a function of the scale at which it is measured, and should be at a scale appropriate to relevant biological aspects of the species, the nature of threats and the available data. To avoid inconsistencies and bias in assessments caused by estimating area of occupancy at different scales, it may be necessary to standardize estimates by applying a scale-correction factor. It is difficult to give strict guidance on how standardization should be done because different species have different scale-area relationships.

"Extreme fluctuations" can be said to occur when the species’ extent of occurrence or area of occupancy vary widely, rapidly and frequently, typically with a variation greater than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold increase or decrease).

24. PRECARIOUSNESS <back to Q24> If considered precarious: Describe the cause of fragmentation (e.g. biological, geographic, human-induced or other barriers)

- "Severely fragmented" refers to the situation in which increased extinction risk to the species results from most individuals being found in small and relatively isolated subpopulations (in certain circumstances this may be inferred from habitat information). These small subpopulations may go extinct, with a reduced probability of recolonisation.

Specify which aspects of the species' habitat are affected. ‘Extreme fluctuations’ can be said to occur when the number of locations or subpopulations of the species

vary widely, rapidly and frequently, typically with a variation greater than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold increase or decrease).

26 & 27. THREATS <back to Q26 <back to Q27>  For each threat, describe:

a. whether the threats are actual or potential ;b. how and where it impacts on this species;c. what its effect has been so far (indicate whether it is known or suspected; present supporting

information/research; does it only affect certain populations);d. what is its expected effect in the future (is there supporting research/information; is the threat only

suspected; does it only affect certain populations);e. what is the relative importance or magnitude of the threat to the species.

If subject to natural catastrophic events, i.e. events with a low predictability that are likely to severely affect the species, identify the type of event, explain its likely impact and indicate the likelihood of it occurring (e.g. a drought/cyclone in the area every 100 years).Identify and explain any additional biological characteristics particular to the species that are threatening to its survival (e.g. low genetic diversity).

28. THREAT ABATEMENT <back to Q20>  Describe how threats are or could be abated. Identify who is undertaking these activities and how successful the activities have been to date. Describe any mitigation measures or approaches that have been developed specifically for the species at

identified locations. Identify who is undertaking these activities and how successful the activities have been to date.

For species nominated as extinct in the wild, provide details of the locations in which the species occurs in captivity and the level of human intervention required to sustain the species.

31. SURVEYS <back to Q31>  Provide an overview of the survey effort for this species to date, and the likelihood of the species’ current

known distribution and/or population size being its actual distribution and/or population size. Where available, include references that document survey results and methodology. Provide latitude, longitude, map datum, location name, land tenure, number of individuals and date of survey where available. Include any other relevant comments regarding the species’ location.

For species nominated as extinct or extinct in the wild, please provide details of the most recent known collection, or authenticated sighting of the species, and whether additional populations are likely to exist and the basis for this assertion. Provide latitude, longitude, map datum and location name, where available.

32 CONSERVATION PROGRAM <back to Q 32> Note that according to the EPBC Act a fish includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms, but does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.

A species that has a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, may be eligible for listing as conservation dependent.

Please provide information such as:Details of the program, its publication and/or availability for viewing Who implements the program? What is the length of the program, date of termination, or is it perpetual? Is it a single program or a combination of programs and/or actions, and if so, provide details.

Does the program manage the entire range of the species, or part? If part, to what extent does this prevent the entire species from being eligible for listing as as vulnerable,

endangered or critically endangered. What is the estimated probability of decline to vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered for the

species if the program ceases. Does the program address all known threats to the species that would otherwise cause the species to

become vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered?

Note: If eligible as conservation dependent based on a specific conservation program (Section 179 (6)(a)), the species cannot also be found to be eligible as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

33 FISH MANAGEMENT PLANS <back to Q33>  Provide details of the management plan, its publication and/or availability for viewing. Who implements the management plan? What is the length of the management plan, date of termination, or is it perpetual? Is it a single management plan or a combination of plans, and if so, provide details. Does the management plan manage the entire range of the species, or part? Provide details of the management actions that stop the species’ decline, and support its recovery so that

its chances of long term survival in nature are maximised? Note that only legislated actions (in force under law) can be considered in this criterion.

What is the projected recovery under the plan (population numbers, percentage of virgin biomass) and in what timeframe?

Is there an estimation of likelihood of recovery under the plan within the timeframe provided (e.g., % chance of recovery to the identified level)?

Note: If a fish is found eligible as conservation dependent based on a management plan (Section 179 (6)(b)), the species is not necessarily ineligible as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

34 MANAGEMENT PLAN LEGISLATIVE BASIS <back to Q34>  Is the plan in its entirety legislated?

- If yes, provide details of the legislation. - if no, are specific actions within it legislated? Note, only these actions can be considered in

meeting this criterion. Provide specific details of the legislated actions and explain to what extent the plan is not in force under law. To what extent do these management actions provide for the entire species?

40. DECLARATION <back to Q40>  In signing this nomination form, you agree to grant the Commonwealth of Australia (as represented by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, publish, communicate and distribute information described in the nomination form (i.e. information you have provided that is not referenced to other sources), but excluding any information specifically requested by you to remain confidential, in the Department’s websites and publications and to promote those web sites and publications in any medium.

As nominator however your details are automatically subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 and will not be divulged to third parties if advice regarding information in the nomination is sought.

If you subsequently agree to be cited as the author of specific, cited information, you will be acknowledged in all publications and websites in which that information appears, in a manner consistent with the Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers (latest edition).

Attachment B: Guidelines for Assessing the Conservation Status of Native Species according to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and EPBC Regulations 2000 

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

Assessments of the conservation status of native species under the EPBC Act are made against statutory criteria which are established under the EPBC Regulations 2000. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has developed indicative thresholds to help the application of these criteria to the nomination process, and which may be used by the Committee to assess whether a species is eligible for listing (see Part B1 below). It should be noted that the Committee does not apply these thresholds strictly, but has regard to them when making judgments about species in terms of their biological contexts, and on a case-by-case basis.

More detailed information on all categories for threatened species can be found in Section 179 of the EPBC Act, and the statutory criteria can be found in Division 7.1 of the EPBC Regulations 2000. These are available at: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html.

For questions regarding nominations, please contact:

The DirectorSpecies Listing SectionDepartment of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and CommunitiesGPO Box 787Canberra ACT 2601

Telephone (02) 6274 2238Fax (02) 6274 2214

Part B1 Statutory listing criteria and indicative thresholdsPart B2 Guidelines for assessing climate change as a threat to native species

PART B1: Indicative thresholds that may be used by the Committee to determine the eligibility of species for listing under the EPBC Act 

When assessing a species’ eligibility against the EPBC Act listing criteria (as established under the EPBC Regulations 2000), the Committee exercises its judgement to give practical meaning to the subjective terms of the criteria. The Committee does this by considering the information provided to it via the nomination form in the context of the species’ biology and relevant ecological factors, and having regard to the degree of complexity and uncertainty associated with that context and the information provided.

The Committee is also informed, but not bound, by indicative thresholds, which have been adapted from “IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1, 2001”. When considering whether to use these thresholds, the Committee judges whether they are appropriate to the species in question. For example, a relatively long-lived species with slow reproduction and relative population stability (such as most mammals) might be more impacted by, for example, a 30% decline in numbers than might a relatively short-lived species with fast reproduction and naturally fluctuating populations (such as most insects). This consideration of biological attributes is placed in the context of matters such as the relative population size so as to judge whether, for the species in question, a decline is substantial, severe or very severe, for the purposes of the criteria for listing.

When considering thresholds for assessing commercially harvested marine fish, the Committee refers to the “Commonwealth Government Harvest Strategy Policy”. This policy allows that declines of up to 60% (from pre-fishing biomass levels) are acceptable for commercially harvested fish species where depletion is a managed outcome. Variations in the extent of acceptable decline depend on the biology of the individual species. The Committee is informed, but not bound, by a series of biological reference trigger points (commonly referred to as BLIM and BTARG) provided in the policy for management intervention for species that decline below 60% of their pre-fishing biomass. These interventions include listing assessments.

Table 1: Criteria for listing as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED, ENDANGERED OR VULNERABLE and indicative thresholds <back to top> Critically

Endangered Endangered Vulnerable

Criterion Matters considered Indicative Thresholds

1Reduction in

numbers

Based on any of A1 – A4

A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following:a) direct observationb) an index of abundance appropriate to the speciesc) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitatd) actual or potential levels of exploitatione) the effects of introduced species, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites.

Very severe Severe Substantial

90% 70% 50%

A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

80% 50% 30%

A3. A population size reduction, projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.

80% 50% 30%

A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction over any 10 year or three generation period, whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

80% 50% 30%

2Precarious geographic distribution

Based on either A1 or A2;

ANDat least two of

(a) – (c)

A1. Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than:A2. Area of occupancy estimated to be less than:

Very restricted100 km2

10 km2

Restricted5,000 km2

500 km2

Limited20,000 km2

2,000 km2

ANDa) Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited locationb) Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:

i. extent of occurrenceii. area of occupancy

iii. area, extent and/or quality of habitativ. number of locations or subpopulationsv. number of mature individuals

c) Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: i. extent of occurrence

ii. area of occupancyiii. number of locations or subpopulationsiv. number of mature individuals

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

<back to top>

Criterion Matters considered Indicative Thresholds

3Precarious geographic distribution

Fewer than 10,000 mature

individuals;AND

either A1 or A2

Estimated total number of mature individualsAND either of (A1) or (A2) is true

Very low Low Limited

<250 <2,500 <10,000

A1. Rate of continued decline

Very high High Substantial25% in 3 years or 1 generation

(up to 100 years),

whichever is longer

20% in 5 years or 2 generations

(up to 100 years),

whichever is longer

10% in 10 years or 3 generations

(up to 100 years),

whichever is longer

ORA2. Continued decline and geographic distribution is precarious (based on at least two of a – c):

a) Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.b) Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:

i. extent of occurrenceii. area of occupancy

iii. area, extent and/or quality of habitativ. number of locations or subpopulationsv. number of mature individuals.

c) Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: i. extent of occurrence

ii. area of occupancyiii. number of locations or subpopulationsiv. number of mature individuals

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

Geographic distribution

considered to be precarious* for the species’

survival

4Small

population size

Number of mature individualsExtremely low Very low Low

< 50 < 250 < 1,000

5Probability of extinction in

the wild

Immediate future Near future Medium-term

future

Based on a quantitative analysis which shows the species is likely to become extinct in the wild within: (Note: probability must be at least 50% for critically endangered, 20% for endangered, 10% for vulnerable)

10 years or three

generations, whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of

100 years)

20 years or five generations,

whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of 100 years)

100 years

* Precariousness is judged on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the degree of threat operating on the species

Table 2: Criteria for listing as CONSERVATION DEPENDENT <back to top>

Criterion Matters considered

1 The species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

2The species is a species of fish; and The species is the focus of a plan of management that provides for management actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of,

the species so that its chances of long term survival in nature are maximised; and The plan of management is in force under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; and Cessation of the plan of management would adversely affect the conservation status of the species.

PART B2: Guidelines for assessing climate change as a threat to native species Anthropogenic climate change is occurring at an unprecedented rate and is likely to place greater climate stresses on species than has occurred for many thousands of years.

All species will be affected by climate change to a greater or lesser degree. Species will respond to these stresses in a range of ways: they may remain in areas where they are able to tolerate or adapt to conditions; move to more suitable habitats where possible; or die out.

These guidelines are to assist you in determining whether the important threat posed by climate change has had, is having, or will be an important threat to the nominated species’ and will increase the species’ vulnerability to extinction in the immediate to medium term future (i.e. 10 to 50 years).

A species’ vulnerability to climate change will depend on a combination of biological traits and microhabitat use and behaviour, as well as its degree of exposure to climate change.

If climate change is an important threat to the nominated species it is important that you provide referenced information on exactly how climate change might significantly increase the nominated species’ vulnerability to extinction. Please cite the climate change references that you use to argue for significant climate change impact the nominated species over the immediate to medium term time frame (i.e. 10 to 50 years).

A species’ sensitivity to change is reflected in its life history characteristics and can be assessed from information provided in the nomination form.

References:Hobday AJ, Okey TA, Poloczanska ES, Kunz TJ, and Ricardson AJ (eds) (2006). Impacts of climate change on Australian marine life. Report to the Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra, Australia.

http://www.australiancoralreefsociety.org/pdf/Hobday%20et%20al%202006.pdfSteffen W, Burbidge A, Hughes L, Kitching R, Lindenmayer D, Musgrave W, Stafford Smith M & Werner P (2009). Australia's Biodiversity and Climate Change. CSIRO Publishing.Steffen W, Burbidge A, Hughes L, Kitching R, Lindenmayer D, Musgrave W, Stafford Smith M & Werner P 2009. Australia's Biodiversity and Climate Change, Technical Synthesis. Technical

synthesis of a report to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Department of Climate Change. Commonwealth of Australia. http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/biodiversity/biodiversity-climatechange.aspx (only available online)

REGULATIONS CHECKLIST FOR THREATENED SPECIES NOMINATED FOR LISTING UNDER THE EPBC ACT

Name of nominated species:Date of receipt:Nominee/s:

Administrative Information that must be included in the nomination

R7.03 - Notices inviting nominations for an assessment period Yes/No Nomination question no.

(2a) Is the nomination made in writing or electronically. n/a

(2b) Is the nomination is of a length, size and form that can be:

(i) understood by the public; and n/a

(ii) published on the Internet. n/a

(3a) Does the nomination include the name of each person making the nomination (nominee)? Q 8

(3b) If applicable, is the name of the organisation the each nominee represents included? Q.9

(3c) For each nominee are the following details provided?

(i) postal address; and Q.10

(ii) telephone number; and Q.10

(iii) email address, if applicable. Q.10

(3d) If the Minister has determined a conservation theme as a priority theme for the assessment period, is a statement indicating how the nomination fits within the conservation theme included?

Q.5

R7.04 - Nominations of native speciesScientific Information that MUST be included in the nomination

When checking whether the Regulations below have been satisfied, please use the following:

YR – Information provided has been referenced

NR – Information provided has not been referenced

ST – No information provided, statement has been supplied indicating what is not available

NO – No information provided

For species nominations, information must be provided as per Regulation 7.04, and must include the source of the information and when the information became available (R7.03(3)(e)&(h)).

If information is not available for each of the Regulations below, because of lack of scientific data or analysis,

Page 32 of 34

the nomination must include a statement identifying the data or analysis that is not available (R7.04(3)).

Note: the regulation number is at the front of the question, these are not necessarily in numerical order, the questions are in order of how they appear on the nomination form to make checking easier.

YR/NR/ST/NO or N/A

Nomination question

no.

(1a) Is the Scientific name of the species provided, if any Q.1

(1b) Have any common names by which the species is know to the nominator been provided?

Q.1

(2c) Has a statement setting out the following been included?(i) the category in subsection 178 (1) of the Act under which the nominee

considers the species should be listed; andQ.3

(ii) the reasons why the species should be listed under that category, by reference to the criteria in regulation 7.01.

Q.3

(1c) If the species is not conventionally accepted, then: (i) has a taxonomic description of the species in a form suitable for publication

in conventional scientific literature been provided?

Q.11

(ii) If information provided in the above question is not available, then:(A) has evidence that a scientific institution has a specimen of the species

been provided; and

Q.11

(B) has a written statement, signed by a person who is a taxonomist and has relevant expertise, that the person thinks the species is a new species been provided?

Q.11

NOTE: A person has relevant expertise if the person has worked with, or is a published author on, the class or species nominated (R7.04(4)).

(1g) Has information on the species’ life cycle, been provided including:(i) age at sexual maturity; and Q.13(ii) life expectancy; and Q.13(iii) natural mortality rates. Q.13

(1h) If the nomination is for a fauna species has the following information been included?

(i) feeding behaviour and food preferences; and Q.13(ii) daily and seasonal movement patterns. Q.13

(1i) If the nomination is for a for flora species has information on pollination and seed dispersal been provided?

Q.13

(1e) (v) estimated generation length, and the method used to estimate the generation length.

Q.13

(1f) Has information on the habitat requirements for the species been provided? Q.14

(1e) Has the following information about the population been provided:(i) the number of mature individuals; Q.18(ii) whether there are smaller populations of the species within the total

population and, if so, the degree of geographic separation between the smaller populations within the total population;

Q.18

(iii) any biological, geographic, human-induced or other barriers enforcing Q.18

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separation;(iv) whether the population trend is increasing or decreasing, or whether the

population is static;Q.19

(1d) Has information on the species’ known or estimated current and past distribution, been included, including a map, if available.

Q.21

(2a) Has a description of past, current and future threats to the survival of the species been provided, including:

(i) whether the threats are actual or potential; and Q.26 & 27(ii) how and where the species is affected by the threats; and Q.26 & 27(iii) how the threats are being, or could be, abated. Q.28

Does the nomination meet the Regs? Yes NoDoes the nomination need more information? Yes NoComments:

Officer:

Date:

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