consultation on species listing eligibility and conservation ... · web viewalthough weed invasion...

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) You are invited to provide your views and supporting reasons related to: 1) the eligibility of Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list in the Critically Endangered category; and 2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species. The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the status of the species and help inform on conservation actions and further planning. As such, the below draft assessment should be considered to be tentative as it may change following responses to this consultation process. Evidence provided by experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be provided by any interested person. Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment. Responses are to be provided in writing by email to: [email protected] . Please include species scientific name in Subject field. or by mail to: The Director Bushfire Affected Species Assessments Section Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Threatened Species Scientific Committee 1

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Page 1: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

You are invited to provide your views and supporting reasons related to

1) the eligibility of Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list in the Critically Endangered category and

2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species

The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the status of the species and help inform on conservation actions and further planning As such the below draft assessment should be considered to be tentative as it may change following responses to this consultation process

Evidence provided by experts stakeholders and the general public are welcome Responses can be provided by any interested person

Anyone may nominate a native species ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment

Responses are to be provided in writing by email to speciesconsultationenvironmentgovau Please include species scientific name in Subject field

or by mail to

The DirectorBushfire Affected Species Assessments SectionDepartment of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentJohn Gorton Building King Edward TerraceGPO Box 858Canberra ACT 2601

Responses are required to be submitted by 24 June 2021

Contents of this information package PageGeneral background information about listing threatened species 2Information about this consultation process 3Consultation questions specific to the assessment 3Information about the species and its eligibility for listing 11Conservation actions for the species 27Listing assessment 39References cited 31

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

1

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

General background information about listing threatened species

The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act Once listed under the EPBC Act the species becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act More information about threatened species is available on the departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenedindexhtml

Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the department In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of criteria These criteria are available on the Departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespagesd72dfd1a-f0d8-4699-8d43-5d95bbb02428filestssc-guidelines-assessing-species-2018pdf

As part of the assessment process the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to obtain specific details about the species as well as advice on what conservation actions might be appropriate Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the Committee in its assessment The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate The Minister decides to add or not to add the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act More detailed information about the listing process is at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenednominationshtml

To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities conservation advices and where required recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of the EPBC Act Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level Recovery plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework Information about recovery plans is available on the departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenedrecoveryhtml

Privacy notice

The Department will collect use store and disclose the personal information you provide in a manner consistent with the Departmentrsquos obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy

Any personal information that you provide within or in addition to your comments in the threatened species assessment process may be used by the Department for the purposes of its functions relating to threatened species assessments including contacting you if we have any questions about your comments in the future

Further the Commonwealth State and Territory governments have agreed to share threatened species assessment documentation (including comments) to ensure that all States and Territories have access to the same documentation when making a decision on the status of a potentially threatened species This is also known as the lsquoCommon Assessment Methodrsquo (CAM) As a result any personal information that you have provided in connection with your comments may be shared between Commonwealth State or Territory government entities to assist with their assessment processes

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

2

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy contains details about how respondents may access and make corrections to personal information that the Department holds about the respondent how respondents may make a complaint about a breach of an Australian Privacy Principle and how the Department will deal with that complaint A copy of the Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy is available at httpswwwawegovauaboutcommitmentprivacy

Information about this consultation process

Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1 All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment

In providing comments please provide references to published data where possible Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a lsquopersonal communicationrsquo unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself) The final advice by the Committee will be published on the departmentrsquos website following the listing decision by the Minister

Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination unless otherwise determined by the Minister

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS FOR ZEPHYRARCHAEA AUSTINI (KANGAROO ISLAND ASSASSIN SPIDER)

SECTION A - GENERAL

1 Is the information used to assess the nationally threatened status of the species robust Have all the underlying assumptions been made explicit Please provide justification for your response

2 Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment

3 Have you been involved in previous state territory or national assessments of this speciessubspecies If so in what capacity

PART 1 ndash INFORMATION TO ASSIST LISTING ASSESSMENT

SECTION B DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ECOLOGY OR BIOLOGY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section C)

Biological information

4 Can you provide any additional or alternative references information or estimates on longevity average life span and generation length

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

3

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

5 Do you have any additional information in the ecology or biology of the species not in the current adviceplan

SECTION C ARE YOU AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section D)

Population size

6 Has the survey effort for this taxon been adequate to determine its national adult population size If not please provide justification for your response

7 Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate Are there any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates Did the estimates measure relative or absolute abundance Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of the species If not please provide justification for your response

8 If not can you provide a further estimate of the current population size of mature adults of the species (national extent) Please provide supporting justification or other information

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimateNumber of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

SECTION D ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE OVERALL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section E)

9 Does the current and predicted rate of decline used in the assessment seem reasonable Do you consider that the way this estimate has been derived is appropriate If not please provide justification of your response

Evidence of total population size change

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

4

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

10 Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size in 2010 (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

11 Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the speciessubspeciesrsquo total population size over the last approximately 10 years (ie three generations) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of decline you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Decline estimated to be in the range of

1ndash30 31ndash50 51ndash80 81ndash100 90ndash100

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain suggests this range of decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

5

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

6

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

7

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

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DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

52

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 2: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

General background information about listing threatened species

The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act Once listed under the EPBC Act the species becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act More information about threatened species is available on the departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenedindexhtml

Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the department In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of criteria These criteria are available on the Departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespagesd72dfd1a-f0d8-4699-8d43-5d95bbb02428filestssc-guidelines-assessing-species-2018pdf

As part of the assessment process the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to obtain specific details about the species as well as advice on what conservation actions might be appropriate Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the Committee in its assessment The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate The Minister decides to add or not to add the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act More detailed information about the listing process is at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenednominationshtml

To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities conservation advices and where required recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of the EPBC Act Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level Recovery plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework Information about recovery plans is available on the departmentrsquos website at httpwwwenvironmentgovaubiodiversitythreatenedrecoveryhtml

Privacy notice

The Department will collect use store and disclose the personal information you provide in a manner consistent with the Departmentrsquos obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy

Any personal information that you provide within or in addition to your comments in the threatened species assessment process may be used by the Department for the purposes of its functions relating to threatened species assessments including contacting you if we have any questions about your comments in the future

Further the Commonwealth State and Territory governments have agreed to share threatened species assessment documentation (including comments) to ensure that all States and Territories have access to the same documentation when making a decision on the status of a potentially threatened species This is also known as the lsquoCommon Assessment Methodrsquo (CAM) As a result any personal information that you have provided in connection with your comments may be shared between Commonwealth State or Territory government entities to assist with their assessment processes

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

2

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy contains details about how respondents may access and make corrections to personal information that the Department holds about the respondent how respondents may make a complaint about a breach of an Australian Privacy Principle and how the Department will deal with that complaint A copy of the Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy is available at httpswwwawegovauaboutcommitmentprivacy

Information about this consultation process

Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1 All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment

In providing comments please provide references to published data where possible Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a lsquopersonal communicationrsquo unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself) The final advice by the Committee will be published on the departmentrsquos website following the listing decision by the Minister

Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination unless otherwise determined by the Minister

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS FOR ZEPHYRARCHAEA AUSTINI (KANGAROO ISLAND ASSASSIN SPIDER)

SECTION A - GENERAL

1 Is the information used to assess the nationally threatened status of the species robust Have all the underlying assumptions been made explicit Please provide justification for your response

2 Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment

3 Have you been involved in previous state territory or national assessments of this speciessubspecies If so in what capacity

PART 1 ndash INFORMATION TO ASSIST LISTING ASSESSMENT

SECTION B DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ECOLOGY OR BIOLOGY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section C)

Biological information

4 Can you provide any additional or alternative references information or estimates on longevity average life span and generation length

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

3

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

5 Do you have any additional information in the ecology or biology of the species not in the current adviceplan

SECTION C ARE YOU AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section D)

Population size

6 Has the survey effort for this taxon been adequate to determine its national adult population size If not please provide justification for your response

7 Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate Are there any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates Did the estimates measure relative or absolute abundance Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of the species If not please provide justification for your response

8 If not can you provide a further estimate of the current population size of mature adults of the species (national extent) Please provide supporting justification or other information

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimateNumber of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

SECTION D ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE OVERALL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section E)

9 Does the current and predicted rate of decline used in the assessment seem reasonable Do you consider that the way this estimate has been derived is appropriate If not please provide justification of your response

Evidence of total population size change

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

4

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

10 Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size in 2010 (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

11 Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the speciessubspeciesrsquo total population size over the last approximately 10 years (ie three generations) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of decline you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Decline estimated to be in the range of

1ndash30 31ndash50 51ndash80 81ndash100 90ndash100

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain suggests this range of decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

5

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

6

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

7

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

52

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 3: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy contains details about how respondents may access and make corrections to personal information that the Department holds about the respondent how respondents may make a complaint about a breach of an Australian Privacy Principle and how the Department will deal with that complaint A copy of the Departmentrsquos Privacy Policy is available at httpswwwawegovauaboutcommitmentprivacy

Information about this consultation process

Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1 All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment

In providing comments please provide references to published data where possible Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a lsquopersonal communicationrsquo unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself) The final advice by the Committee will be published on the departmentrsquos website following the listing decision by the Minister

Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination unless otherwise determined by the Minister

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS FOR ZEPHYRARCHAEA AUSTINI (KANGAROO ISLAND ASSASSIN SPIDER)

SECTION A - GENERAL

1 Is the information used to assess the nationally threatened status of the species robust Have all the underlying assumptions been made explicit Please provide justification for your response

2 Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment

3 Have you been involved in previous state territory or national assessments of this speciessubspecies If so in what capacity

PART 1 ndash INFORMATION TO ASSIST LISTING ASSESSMENT

SECTION B DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ECOLOGY OR BIOLOGY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section C)

Biological information

4 Can you provide any additional or alternative references information or estimates on longevity average life span and generation length

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

3

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

5 Do you have any additional information in the ecology or biology of the species not in the current adviceplan

SECTION C ARE YOU AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section D)

Population size

6 Has the survey effort for this taxon been adequate to determine its national adult population size If not please provide justification for your response

7 Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate Are there any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates Did the estimates measure relative or absolute abundance Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of the species If not please provide justification for your response

8 If not can you provide a further estimate of the current population size of mature adults of the species (national extent) Please provide supporting justification or other information

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimateNumber of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

SECTION D ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE OVERALL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section E)

9 Does the current and predicted rate of decline used in the assessment seem reasonable Do you consider that the way this estimate has been derived is appropriate If not please provide justification of your response

Evidence of total population size change

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

4

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

10 Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size in 2010 (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

11 Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the speciessubspeciesrsquo total population size over the last approximately 10 years (ie three generations) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of decline you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Decline estimated to be in the range of

1ndash30 31ndash50 51ndash80 81ndash100 90ndash100

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain suggests this range of decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

5

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

6

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

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10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 4: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

5 Do you have any additional information in the ecology or biology of the species not in the current adviceplan

SECTION C ARE YOU AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section D)

Population size

6 Has the survey effort for this taxon been adequate to determine its national adult population size If not please provide justification for your response

7 Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate Are there any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates Did the estimates measure relative or absolute abundance Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of the species If not please provide justification for your response

8 If not can you provide a further estimate of the current population size of mature adults of the species (national extent) Please provide supporting justification or other information

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimateNumber of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

SECTION D ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE OVERALL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section E)

9 Does the current and predicted rate of decline used in the assessment seem reasonable Do you consider that the way this estimate has been derived is appropriate If not please provide justification of your response

Evidence of total population size change

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

4

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

10 Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size in 2010 (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

11 Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the speciessubspeciesrsquo total population size over the last approximately 10 years (ie three generations) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of decline you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Decline estimated to be in the range of

1ndash30 31ndash50 51ndash80 81ndash100 90ndash100

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain suggests this range of decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

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8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

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10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

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38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

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Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

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Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 5: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

10 Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size in 2010 (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide a single number you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible subspecies numbers and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of

1ndash50 51ndash250 251ndash1 000 gt1 000 gt10 000

Level of your confidence in this estimate

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain information suggests this range

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates quantity within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

11 Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the speciessubspeciesrsquo total population size over the last approximately 10 years (ie three generations) Please provide justification for your response

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of decline you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Decline estimated to be in the range of

1ndash30 31ndash50 51ndash80 81ndash100 90ndash100

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much information to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain suggests this range of decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

5

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

6

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

7

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

19

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

20

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

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httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

52

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 6: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

95ndash100 - high level of certainty information indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data are accurate within this range

12 Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable increasing or declining

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section F)

Current Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

13 Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the speciessubspecies If not please provide justification for your response

14 Has the survey effort for this speciessubspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution If not please provide justification for your response

15 Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate If not please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information

16 Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

17 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

6

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

7

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

17

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

18

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

19

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

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httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

52

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 7: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section G)

Past Distributionrangeextent of occurrence area of occupancy

18 Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate Please provide justification for your response

19 Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence andor area of occupancy

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of

lt100 km2 100 ndash 1000 km2 1001 ndash 5000 km2 gt5000 km2

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7

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

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8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

17

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

18

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

19

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

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httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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52

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 8: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 - high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

If because of uncertainty you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy you may wish to provide an estimated range If so please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of

lt10 km2 11 ndash 500 km2 501 ndash 2000 km2 gt2000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence

0ndash30 - low level of certainty a bit of a guess not much data to go on

31ndash50 - more than a guess some level of supporting evidence

51ndash95 - reasonably certain data suggests this range of decline

95ndash100 -high level of certainty data indicates a decline within this range

99ndash100 - very high level of certainty data is accurate within this range

PART 2 ndash INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

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8

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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9

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

17

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

19

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

21

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

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httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

51

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

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Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 9: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section H)

20 Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately

21 To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the speciessubspecies in the future

22 Are the threats impacting on different populations equally or do the threats vary across different populations

23 Can you provide additional or alternative information on past current or potential threats that may adversely affect the speciessubspecies at any stage of its life cycle

24 Can you provide supporting datajustification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES (If no skip to section I)

25 What planning management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies To what extent have they been effective

26 Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the speciessubspecies

27 Would you recommend translocation (outside of the speciesrsquo historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this speciessubspecies

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES

28 Are you aware of other knowledge (eg traditional ecological knowledge) or individualsgroups with knowledge that may help better understand population trendsfluctuations or critical areas of habitat

29 Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species has

30 What individuals or organisations are currently or potentially could be involved in management and recovery of the speciessubspecies

31 How aware of this species are land managers where the species is found

32 What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the speciessubspecies

a Where there is awareness what are these interests of these individualsorganisations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

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10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 10: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

b Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community

PART 3 ndash ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33 Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

10

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 11: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions forZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)This document combines the draft conservation advice and listing assessment for the species It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning

Holotype female Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) in lateral view (legs removed) Scale bar = 1 mm copy Copyright Michael Rix (2012)

Conservation statusZephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion 1 and Endangered under Criterion 2 The Committeersquos assessment is at Attachment A The Committee assessment of the speciesrsquo eligibility against each of the listing criteria is

Criterion 1 A2ac Critically Endangered

Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) Endangered

Criterion 3 Insufficient data

Criterion 4 Insufficient data

Criterion 5 Insufficient data

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

11

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 12: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The main factor that makes the species eligible for listing in the Critically Endangered category is very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires The species also has restricted distribution and locations and continuing decline estimated in area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals due to increased intensity and frequency of bushfires and drought caused by climate change

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation see the httpwwwenvironmentgovaucgi-binspratpublicspratpl

Species informationTaxonomyConventionally accepted as Zephyrarchaea austini Rix and Harvey (2012)

DescriptionKangaroo Island Assassin Spiders belong to the Assassin Spider family (Archaeidae) Assassin Spiders are small (lt8 mm long) and morphologically distinct from other spiders They can be identified by their highly modified elongated spear-like jaws (celicerae) and elevated head regions on lsquonecksrsquo which are actually extensions of the cephalothorax

Only the female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has been described The female is approximately 3 mm long with a pale reddish-brown cephalothorax tan-brown legs with rings of darker pigmentation and a mottled grey-brown and beige abdomen The dorsal section of the exoskeleton (carapace) is short (approximately 1 mm long) with a pronounced concave post-ocular depression The lsquoheadrsquo is not strongly elevated dorsally The jaws lack accessory hair-like structures (setae) on the anterior face The abdomen is almost spherical in lateral profile without dorsal hump-like nodules (tubercles) Clusters of more than 15 sausage-shaped receptacles for storing sperm (spermathecae) are widely separated along the midline of the internal genital plate The male has not been described This description is drawn from Rix amp Harvey (2012a)

The female Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can be distinguished from Zephyrarchaea janineae (Karri Forest Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea mainae (Western Archaeid Spider) by the absence of dorsal hump-like nodules on the abdomen from Zephyrarchaea barrettae (Talyuberlup Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea melindae (Toolbrunup Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Eastern Massif Assassin Spider) by the shape of the post-ocular depression which is strongly concave in lateral view and from Zephyrarchaea grayi (Grampians Assassin Spider) Zephyrarchaea marae (West Gippsland Assassin Spider) and Zephyrarchaea vichickmani (Central Highlands Assassin Spider) by their smaller body size and shorter carapace (Rix amp Harvey 2012a)

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12

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

13

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

14

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

15

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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16

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

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DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 13: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DistributionPast distribution and biogeography

Assassin Spiders are an ancient taxon approximately 40 million years old first described from Baltic amber fossil specimens (Berendt 1845) Since then Assassin Spiders have been found in Mesozoic fossil strata up to 150 million years old in Myanmar and China suggesting Assassin Spiders were widely distributed across the Pangaean supercontinent (Penney 2003 Selden et al 2008 Poinar 2018) Two lineages of Assassin Spiders one in the northern hemisphere in Laurasia and the other in the southern hemisphere in Gondwana developed following the break-up of Pangaea (Wood et al 2013) The northern hemisphere lineage persisted in Laurasia until at least the Eocene but is now extinct (Poinar 2018) The southern hemisphere lineage which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is extant with highly restricted relictual distribution in Australia southern Africa and Madagascar (Wood et al 2007 Rix amp Harvey 2011) Extant Assassin Spiders were first documented in Madagascan forests in the mid-19th century (Cambridge 1881)

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats mostly in eastern or far south-western Australia (Rix amp Harvey 2011) These refugial mesic habitats are fragmented relics resulting from the contraction of mesic habitat during the Miocene aridification (Crisp et al 2004 Byrne et al 2008) The south-eastern Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider initially diverged from the western Australian lineage in the early Miocene approximately 24 million years ago (mya) following the formation of the Nullarbor Plain (Rix amp Harvey 2012b) Subsequently the South Australian lineage of Assassin Spiders which includes the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider diverged from the south-eastern Australian lineage in the early-middle Miocene between 23 and 14 mya following the formation of sclerophyllous lowlands known as the Naracoorte Gap (Rix amp Harvey 2012b)

Current distribution

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is the only member of the Assassin Spider family known from South Australia (SA Rix amp Harvey 2012a) The species is considered endemic to Kangaroo Island and only known from a single subpopulation near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) (Map 1) The Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) was systematically surveyed for the species in 2010 however no other areas had been surveyed prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although no other individuals or subpopulations were found in this area other subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the north-west of the Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

21

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

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httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

48

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

49

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

50

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 14: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The total area of Kangaroo Island is approximately 4400 km2 Native Vegetation Floristic Areas mapping for SA (SAVeg) indicate that approximately 2290 km2 (52 percent) of land was covered by native vegetation Although other estimates of native vegetation area are available (Ball amp Carruthers 1998 DEWNR 2017 NRKI 2017 Willoughby et al 2018) Pisanu et al (2014) have used SAVeg (Table 1) Suitable habitat for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands along drainage lines are more common in two landscapes on Kangaroo Island Central PlateauNorth Coast and Eastern PlainsDudley (Table 1 Map 2 Pisanu et al 2014) However mean annual rainfall is higher in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (541-831 mm from 1976-2005) than in the DudleyEastern Plains landscape (467-620 mm from 1976-2005 DEW 2013 Pisanu et al 2014) The mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) (Map 2) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is most likely to occur within the 130 km2 of native riparian shrublands and woodlands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Table 1 Map 2)

Table 1 Landscape Alteration State and Area of Native Vegetation within three landscapes of Kangaroo Island South Australia (from Pisanu et al 2014)

Landscape Landscape alteration

state

Total area (km2)

Total native vegetation Native riparian shrublandwoodland along

drainage lines

km2 of total area

km2 of total area

West and South Coast

Variegated Intact

0 965 0 820 85 - -

Central Plateau and North Coast

Fragmented Variegated

2010 1085 54 130 007

Eastern Plains and

DudleyFragmented 1425 0 385 27 035 003

Total - 4400 2290 52 - -

Note Pisanu et al (2014) used SAVeg data (DEWNR 2011a) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was derived by combining area of drainage lines (ha) and vegetation remnancy along drainage lines () for each landscape (provided in Table 2 of Pisanu et al (2014)) the area of native riparian shrublandwoodland along drainage lines (km2) was then compared to the total area of the landscape (km2) to derive the percentage of total area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 15: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 1 Modelled distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Source Base map Geoscience Australia species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database

Caveat The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to or as a consequence of anything containing herein

Species distribution mapping The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the specific habitat type or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or preferred habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur) and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur) These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records national and regional-scale environmental data environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

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DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

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DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 16: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Map 2 Ecological landscapes on Kangaroo Island

Source Pisanu et al (2014) Red outline denotes the Central Plateau and North Coast landscape Blue outline denotes the West and South Coast landscape Green outline denotes the Eastern Plains and Dudley landscape

Cultural and community significanceThe lands and waters of Kangaroo Island are culturally and spiritually significant to the Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) A detailed understanding of Country and the responsibility to care for lands and waters have been passed down through the generations (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017) The Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Narungga and Ramindjeri Peoples would like to be centrally involved in the development planning and implementation of natural resources and cultural heritage management in their traditional lands and waters (Ngarrindjeri Nation 2007 NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of significant value to the Kangaroo Island community due to its distinct charismatic appearance and endemism to Kangaroo Island (Kilvert 2020 Rix 2020) Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is of high scientific and evolutionary value to the scientific community due to its phylogenetic significance interesting araneophagic (spider-eating) ecology and restricted distribution (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider belongs to the ancient family of Assassin Spiders (Archaeidae) which dates back to the Pangaean supercontinent and holds a phylogenetic position near the base of the largest infraorder of spiders (Araneomorphae) (Wood et al 2013) Assassin Spiders are one of the few spiders for which a Gondwanan Vicariance Hypothesis has been tested and supported using molecular phylogenetics (Wood et al 2013)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 17: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Relevant biology and ecologyThe biology and ecology of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood Further studies are required to understand its ecological requirements life history traits distribution and population size

Habitat ecology

All Australian Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp and Austrarchaea spp) are closely tied to refugial mesic habitats (Rix amp Harvey 2011) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was first found in the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in heathland understory of Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree) and low shrubs in open eucalypt woodland near a riparian creek line (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly suitable habitat for this species is considered to be native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This is consistent with other congeneric Assassin Spiders (Zephyrarchaea spp) from temperate sub-coastal habitats which are restricted to rainforests wet sclerophyll forests and mesic temperate heathlands and known to have a close association with the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in low sedges herbs and grasses (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) These complex three-dimensional microhabitats provide high humidity and prey items (other spiders) for Assassin Spiders (Rix amp Harvey 2009) Given that even low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during bushfires and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020)

Reproductive ecology

The reproductive ecology and life history of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not well understood However it is thought to be long-lived for an araneomorph likely several years with very low fecundity and a breeding period that extends from late autumn to spring (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to produce 10 to 100 young per female per year (DAWE 2020b) More generally female Assassin Spiders are known to only lay a few eggs which are attached to the third leg (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997) Spiderlings have been observed clinging to the leg after hatching (Dippenaar-Schoeman amp Jocqueacute 1997)

The species likely matures in winter (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) The time to maturity and generation length of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are not known However the confamilial West Gippsland Assassin Spider and Austrarchaea platnickorum (New England Assassin Spider) have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Diet

Assassin Spiders are obligate specialised predators of other small spiders which they actively hunt and capture using fast-acting venom and highly modified elongated chelicerae (Legendre 1961 Forster amp Platnick 1984 Wood et al 2007 Wood 2008) Assassin Spiders move chelicerae 90 degrees away from the body to attack prey at a distance (Wood et al 2007)

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17

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

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18

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

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32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

43

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

46

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

47

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 18: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Dispersal

Many spiders can aerially disperse hundreds of kilometres by lsquoballooningrsquo that is floating on air and electric currents using silk (Weyman 1993 Bell et al 2005 Morley amp Robert 2018) However the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is considered a short-range endemic taxon (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) and is not known to balloon (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November) Accordingly it is expected to have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Survey season

Due to itsrsquo very small size the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider can only be reliably surveyed in winter when mature individuals are present (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Habitat critical to the survivalAs stated above this species requires open eucalypt canopy and thick shrub understorey to trap fallen leaves in a humid elevated leaf litter matrix (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas are considered to be suitable habitat for this species (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has only been found at one locality in Western River Wilderness Protection Area However it could persist in other suitable habitat on Kangaroo Island as no systematic surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted outside Western River Wilderness Protection Area prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly all riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the north-west of Kangaroo Island should be considered critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider until surveys have been conducted to assess their presence

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat

Important populations

The only known population of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider occurs near Billy Goat Falls in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Accordingly this population should be considered an important population If any further populations are found they should also be considered important

ThreatsThe Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is threatened by climate change invasive species and habitat loss disturbance and modifications (Table 2)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

18

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

19

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

20

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

21

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

24

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

39

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

40

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

41

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

42

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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45

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
Page 19: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Table 2 Threats impacting Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Habitat loss disturbance or modification

Too frequent fires Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Certain ecological traits may increase a speciesrsquo risk of bushfire-related mortality (Langlands et al 2011) Given low-intensity fires destroy leaf litter habitat (Gill amp Zylstra 2005 DPIE 2020) litter-dwellers including Assassin Spiders are extremely vulnerable to mortality during all fires (ie planned burns and bushfires) and require long unburnt habitat to survive (Rix amp Harvey 2009 Buckingham et al 2019 Hyman et al 2020) Moreover small non-ballooning and non-burrowing spiders may also be more vulnerable to mortality during fires as they are under-represented in post-fire assemblages (Langlands et al 2011) Additionally short-range endemic spiders can undergo very severe population reduction leading to population extinction following high intensity fires (Mason et al 2019) Given the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is a litter-dwelling small non-ballooning and non-burrowing short-range endemic it is likely extremely vulnerable to fire-related mortality The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Bushfires may also affect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider indirectly by facilitating the invasion and establishment of weeds in native vegetation (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) Additionally Phytophthora cinnamomi and weeds may be inadvertently spread during fire control activities if appropriate hygiene protocols arenrsquot in place (DPTI 2017 DELWP 2020) This could threaten the recovery of habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Land clearing and fragmentation

Status historical

Confidence inferred

Consequence catastrophic

Trend static

Extent across part of its range

Habitat loss and fragmentation via forestry land clearing road and urban development has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many endemic specialist species (Brooks et al 2002 Devictor et al 2008 Wilson et al 2016 Gonccedilalves-Souza et al 2020) Assassin Spiders are short-range endemics that require the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in the understory of mesic woodlands and shrublands (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a Barrett 2013) Additionally Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have low dispersive potential (lt10 m) and are unlikely to move between habitat fragments (DAWE 2020b) Accordingly the loss of mesic woodlands and shrublands via land clearing will likely result in the decline andor isolation of any known or unknown subpopulations

Broad-scale land clearing has ceased on Kangaroo Island since the introduction of the Native Vegetation Act (1991) in South Australia However intensive land clearing occurred from the 1950s to 1980s (Robinson amp Armstrong 1999) Pisanu et al (2014) consider all landscapes on Kangaroo Island to be fragmented to some extent (Table 1) Indeed approximately 2300 km2 of land on Kangaroo Island has been cleared and is used for agriculture mostly cropping sheep and cattle grazing (Dohle 2007 Pisanu et al 2014) Agriculture may cause soil erosion soil acidity water logging salinity and fertiliser spray drift which may have secondary impacts on remnant native vegetation (Dohle 2013)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders occurs in Western River Wilderness Protection Area where it is afforded a certain level of protection However much of the adjoining land has been cleared for agriculture or forestry activities likely reducing the opportunities for recolonization in these areas (Pisanu et al 2014)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Invasive species

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are found in all states and territories of Australia particularly in association with wetlands and river systems and have been listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2017) Feral pigs are widely established across the western half of Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 2009 NRKI 2017)

Feral pigs can destroy and degrade native vegetation particularly in mesic habitats by trampling plants preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2006 DOEE 2017 2018) As the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider relies on mesic habitat for shelter and foraging (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) habitat degradation caused by Feral pigs is a threat

The Feral pig population is expected to have dramatically reduced following the 2019-20 bushfires (PIRSA 2020) However remaining individuals have been observed to aggregate in small unburnt habitat patches which puts additional pressure on habitat recovery (PIRSA 2020) A Feral pig eradication plan is being implemented with the goal of eradicating Feral pigs on the Island by 2023 (PIRSA 2020) If eradication is successful Feral pigs will no longer be a threat to the species

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) and Feral deer (Dama dama and Cervus elaphus)

Status historical

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend static

Extent across the entire range

Unmanaged goats (Capra hircus) are found in all states and territories of Australia and have been listed as a KTP under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008) Similarly Feral deer including Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are considered a major emerging pest problem in Australia (DSEWPC 2011) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer can destroy and degrade native vegetation by trampling and grazing plants ring-barking young trees preventing plant regeneration altering ecological communities promoting weed invasion and spreading P cinnamomi (DEH 2001 2006 DEWHA 2008 DSEWPC 2011 DOEE 2018) Accordingly if present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Unmanaged goats and Feral deer could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival

Unmanaged goats and Feral deer were widespread across Kangaroo Island including in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006 NRKI 2017) However these species have now been eradicated from the Island following an intensive eradication program and amendment of the Natural Resources Management Act (2004) to require permits for domestic goats and deer (NRKI 2018) Indeed no domestic deer remain on the Island and only 23 properties are legally permitted to keep domestic goats (NRKI 2018) Unmanaged goats and Feral deer are no longer considered a threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider but they are likely to re-emerge as a threat if reintroduced

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Weed invasion Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Weeds can invade and establish in native vegetation particularly following disturbance events such as bushfires (Hobbs 1991 Hobbs 2002 Brown et al 2016) In particular grassy weeds can increase fuel load and alter fire regimes (Milberg amp Lamont 1995 Setterfield et al 2013) These altered fire regimes can create conditions that are detrimental to the maintenance of native species and favourable to the establishment and spread of weeds (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992 Grigulis et al 2005) Accordingly weed invasion may threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider by increasing bushfire risk and reducing suitable habitat via competition with native shrubs

Although the vast majority of weeds occur on the eastern extent of the Island (DEW 2020d) weed invasion has been identified as a threat to biodiversity in the Cape Forbin area which includes Western River Wilderness Protection Area particularly following fire (DEH 2009) Weeds are likely to migrate westward and spread to new locations via road maintenance activities vehicle movement and animals (NRKI 2017)

Eight Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and 27 Declared Weeds of South Australia (DWoSA) are found on Kangaroo Island including notable fire-adapted and fast-growing lsquopioneerrsquo weeds Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) and One-leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) (Thorp amp Lynch 2000 Landscape South Australia 2020a b NRKI 2020) Montpellier Broom is the only WoNS that has been recorded in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) However African Boxthorn and Blackberry have been recorded within five kilometres of the Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020d) Blackberry in particular poses a serious threat due to its ability to invade riparian habitats (Aghighi et al 2014) Additionally isolated subpopulations of Variegated Thistle a DWoSA have been recorded near the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders at Billy Goat Falls (DEH 2006)

Control and eradication of weeds is managed according to a regional weed management program in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEH 2006) Although weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider it may become a threat particularly if not appropriately managed following the 2019-20 bushfires (NRKI 2017 Landscape South Australia 2020a)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Disease

Habitat loss due to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi

Status future

Confidence suspected

Consequence moderate

Trend unknown

Extent across part of its range

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an introduced soil-borne pathogen which infects a large range of plant species and may contribute to plant death when other stresses are present such as waterlogging drought and bushfire (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi can disperse in water flowing from the roots of infected plants to the roots of healthy plants and via mud clinging to vehicles animals and hikers (DOEE 2018) Dieback caused by P cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act (DOEE 2018) Phytophthora cinnamomi was first detected on Kangaroo Island in the early 1990s However positive confirmation of its presence has been difficult in many areas (Taylor 2003) and its extent and rate of spread is unknown (NRKI 2017)

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is known to inhabit the elevated leaf litter matrix suspended in Xanthorrhoea and other shrubs in Eucalyptus woodland (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Both Xanthorrhoea and Eucalyptus are susceptible to infection by P cinnamomi (Weste 1994 Velzeboer et al 2005 Kueh et al 2012) Symptoms of P cinnamomi have been detected in Western River Wilderness Protection Area however no confirmed cases of the disease have been identified (DEW 2020c) The nearest occurrence record of P cinnamomi occurs within five kilometres of Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DEW 2020c) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be threatened by habitat loss if P cinnamomi spreads to Western River Wilderness Protection Area

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Overabundant native species

Browsinggrazing and habitat degradation by overabundant native herbivores

Status current

Confidence suspected

Consequence minor

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

High population densities of native browsers and grazers can have detrimental impacts on native vegetation on Kangaroo Island (Pisanu et al 2014)

On Kangaroo Island land clearance and changed water availability have favoured high population densities of Notamacropus eugenii eugenii (Tammar Wallaby) Macropus fulignosus (Western Grey Kangaroo) and Trichosurus vulpecular (Common Brushtail Possum DEH 2001 Pisanu et al 2014 NRKI 2017) Overabundant native browsers and grazers can prevent plant regeneration and reduce plant recruitment (NRKI 2017) If present in areas occupied by the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider overabundant native browsers and grazers could remove or degrade habitat critical to the species survival Moreover the abundance of macropods can increase following bushfires due to the availability of suitable food resources (post-fire regeneration) within recently burnt areas (Gill amp Catling 2002 Murphy amp Bowman 2007) Accordingly there may be increased browsing pressure on plants in areas burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires which may delay post-fire recovery of habitat However experts consider this threat to be of low consequence to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 9 November)

Additionally Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) was introduced to Kangaroo Island in the 1920s and reached pest status by the 1990s due to excessive browsing causing defoliation of Eucalyptus trees (Masters et al 2004) A Koala control program involving sterilisation and translocation commenced in 1997 (Whisson amp Shimmin 2006 DEWNR 2011b) Despite these efforts the Koala population reached approximately 50 000 individuals prior to the 2019-20 bushfires (DEW 2020a) The Koala population has likely been reduced to 25 000 individuals following the 2019-20 bushfires (Lynn 2020) however remaining individuals are concentrated in small unburnt habitat patches which may put additional pressure on habitat recovery

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

25

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Threat Status and severity a Evidence

Climate change

Increased temperature and change to precipitation patterns

Status current

Confidence inferred

Consequence major

Trend increasing

Extent across the entire range

Kangaroo Island is predicted to experience decreased rainfall increased average temperatures and frequency of droughts (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Indeed by 2050 annual rainfall on Kangaroo Island is projected to decrease by 7-9 (Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Although western Kangaroo Island has been described as resilient to climate change because it is considered insensitive to temperature increases (Guerin et al 2018) climate change is expected to reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014)

Assassin Spiders including the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders are only associated with relictual mesic habitat (Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 2012a) and require high rainfall and humidity (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly loss of mesic habitat due to altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature is likely to threaten the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Additionally following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia in 2019-20 On Kangaroo Island approximately 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) The only known subpopulation of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during targeted surveys in 2020 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Such catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016)

Warmer temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may also favour the spread of weeds (Scott et al 2014) and P cinnamomi (Thompson et al 2014 Homet et al 2019)

Statusmdashidentify the temporal nature of the threat

Confidencemdashidentify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species

Consequencemdashidentify the severity of the threat

Trendmdashidentify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species

Extentmdashidentify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

26

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Each threat has been described in Table 2 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions In preparing a risk matrix several factors have been taken into consideration they are the life stage they affect the duration of the impact and the efficacy of current management regimes assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with in-house expertise using available literature

Table 3 Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk

Increased temperatures and change to precipitation patterns

Very high risk

Too frequent fire

Likely Low risk Moderate risk

Browsing grazing and habitat degradation by native herbivores

High risk Very high risk Very high risk

Possible Low risk Moderate risk

Weed invasion

High risk

Dieback caused by P cinnamomi

Habitat degradation by Feral pigs

Very high risk Very high risk

Unlikely Low risk Low risk

Grazing and habitat degradation by Unmanaged goats and Feral deer

Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Land clearing and fragmentation

Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be lsquovery highrsquo or lsquohighrsquo

Conservation and recovery actionsPrimary conservation outcomeRecover the population size to pre-2019 levels and prevent further sustained decline

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

27

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation and management prioritiesClimate change and bushfires

Provide fire and land managers including the South Australian Country Fire Service with maps of known and likely habitat and specific advice to support decision making in fire prevention preparedness response and recovery This includes pre-burn surveys in winter andor avoidance of planned burns in likely habitat for the species

If extant subpopulations are discovered develop and implement a fire management strategy that optimises the survival of the species during fires

Habitat loss disturbance and modifications

Designate protection zones around the known subpopulation(s) supported by signage and fencing if necessary and implement a management program to ensure suitable habitat is maintained

Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)

Implement management actions for Feral pigs in consultation with land managers and community groups as detailed in the relevant threat abatement plan (DOEE 2017) and eradication action plan (PIRSA 2020)

Implement weed management actions in consultation with land managers and community groups using appropriate techniques to minimise the effect of herbicide on native vegetation

Prevent introduction or re-introduction of weeds and pest animals including Unmanaged goats and Feral deer Control those already present through consolidated landscape-scale programs Carefully manage weeds and other pests following any fires

Disease

Ensure appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to when entering or exiting known localities of the species such as those outlined in Podger et al (2001) to minimise the risk of dieback caused by the spread of P cinnamomi

Overabundant native species

Manage kangaroos wallabies and possums where appropriate to reduce their impact on biodiversity and habitat critical to the survival of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider Continue to implement the Koala control program on Kangaroo Island as appropriate

Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action

To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity establish a captive breeding and reintroduction program if feasible

Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement Engage and involve Traditional Owners in conservation actions including the

implementation of Indigenous fire management and other survey monitoring and management actions

Liaise with the local community and government agencies to ensure that up-to-date population data and scientific knowledge inform the implementation of conservation actions for this species

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

28

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Contribute to impact assessment and planning processes on measures to protect the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider and its habitat including park management plans and environmental impact assessments

Educate landowners and managers of the importance of maintaining native vegetation and the integration of habitat protection into land management regulations

Promote awareness of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider in the local community

Survey and monitoring priorities Survey the known subpopulation(s) to monitor ongoing impacts from the bushfires Survey

suitable habitat and potential habitat during winter to locate any additional subpopulations or occurrences to assess population size and distribution more precisely

Undertake annual monitoring of habitat condition and degradation including impacts from herbivores weed invasion and diseases such as P cinnamomi

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management for pests and diseases which affect the habitat of the species

Information and research priorities Investigate the ecological requirements of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider including

population genetic structure levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size

life history traits such as time to maturity longevity fecundity breeding period and number of young and

diet and habitat preferences

Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding programs for this species to enable linking enhancing or establishing additional subpopulations

Understand the potential impacts of climate change on the long-term survival prospects of the species due to altered temperatures rainfall patterns bushfires environmental stressors and diseases

Investigate options to enhance the resilience of the speciesrsquo current habitat to climate change and options for providing new habitat that would be suitable for the species under climate change scenarios

Avoid any use of managed fire research and other activities that impact upon the persistence of the population unless there is evidence to show the impact would be a positive and enduring effect on the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiderrsquos persistence

Ascertain the cultural significance of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider to Traditional Owners

Recovery plan decisionNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

29

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Links to relevant implementation documentsThreat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (2018)

Threat abatement plan for Predation Habitat Degradation Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) (2017)

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017-2027 (2017)

Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats (2008)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

30

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment referencesAghighi S Fontanini L Yeoh PB Hardy GSJ Burgess TI amp Scott JK (2014) A conceptual model to

describe the decline of European blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans) a weed of national significance in Australia Plant disease 98 580-589

Ball D amp Carruthers S (1998) Technical report Kangaroo Island vegetation mapping Department for Transport Urban Planning and the Arts (SA) Adelaide

Barrett RL (2013) Ecological importance of sedges a survey of the Australasian Cyperaceae genus Lepidosperma Annals of Botany 111 499-529

Bell JR Bohan DA Shaw EM amp Weyman GS (2005) Ballooning dispersal using silk world fauna phylogenies genetics and models Bulletin of Entomological Research 95 69-114

Berendt GC (1845) Die im bernstein befindlichen organischen reste der vorwelt In commission der Nicolaischen buchhandlung

Bureau of Meterology (2020) Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwbomgovauclimatedrought

Brooks TM Mittermeier RA Mittermeier CG Da Fonseca GAB Rylands AB Konstant WR Flick P Pilgrim J Oldfield S Magin G amp Hilton-Taylor C (2002) Habitat loss and extinction in the hotspots of biodiversity Conservation Biology 16 909-923

Brown K Paczkowska G amp Gibson N (2016) Mitigating impacts of weeds and kangaroo grazing following prescribed fire in a Banksia woodland Ecological Management amp Restoration 17 133-139

Buckingham S Murphy N amp Gibb H (2019) Effects of fire severity on the composition and functional traits of litter-dwelling macroinvertebrates in a temperate forest Forest Ecology and Management 434 279-288

Byrne M Steane DA Joseph L Yeates DK Jordan GJ Crayn D Aplin K Cantrill DJ Cook LG Crisp MD Keogh JS Melville J Moritz C Porch N Sniderman JMK Sunnucks P amp Weston PH (2011) Decline of a biome evolution contraction fragmentation extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota Journal of Biogeography 38 1635-1656

Byrne M Yeates D Joseph L Kearney M Bowler J Williams M Cooper S Donnellan S Keogh J amp Leys R (2008) Birth of a biome insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota Molecular Ecology 17 4398

Cambridge RO (1881) On some new genera and species of Araneidea In Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Wiley Online Library pp 765-775

Crisp M Cook L amp Steane D (2004) Radiation of the Australian flora what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in presentndashday communities Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences 359 1551-1571

DAntonio CM amp Vitousek PM (1992) Biological invasions by exotic grasses the grassfire cycle and global change Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23 63-87

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

31

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020a) 2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Kangaroo Island Unpublished report for the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (Commonwealth) Canberra

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020b) Kangaroo Island invertebrates spreadsheet Viewed 23 December 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentgovausystemfilespages9a6a5628-21b9-4a1b-9474-e953fc5138dbfileskangaroo-island-priority-invertebratesxlsx

DAWE (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment) (2020c) National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent datasets Viewed 12 October 2020 Available at httpwwwenvironmentgovaufedcatalogsearchresourcedetailspageuuid=7B9ACDCB09-0364-4FE8-9459-2A56C792C7437D

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2001) Biodiversity plan for Kangaroo Island South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2006) Cape Torrens and Western River Wilderness Protection Areas management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) (2009) Fire management plan Cape Forbin integrated fire management plan Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

DELWP (Department of Environment Land Water and Planning) (2020) Early invader update Friends of WESI Weeds at the Early Stage of Invasion Project Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (VIC) Victoria

Devictor V Julliard R amp Jiguet F (2008) Distribution of specialist and generalist species along spatial gradients of habitat disturbance and fragmentation Oikos 117 507-514

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2013) Mean annual rainfall (1976-2005) ANUCLIM 61 Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1932

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020a) Kangaroo Island Koala population not at risk Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwenvironmentsagovaunews-hubnewsarticles202001fire-news-koalas~text=Before20the20fires20there20wereare20expected20to20have20died

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020b) Last fire dataset Viewed 30 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1164+amppa=dewnr

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020c) Phytophthora project (project 138) Viewed 28 October 2020 Available at httpappsenvironmentsagovauemapenvmaps-querydojsessionid=d815a70ba8e0d51a863aabe5192bkey=138ampcmd=suSurveySummaryDetailList

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

32

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DEW (Department for Environment and Water) (2020d) Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and Buffel Grass - South Australia Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=1167+amppa=dewnr

DEWHA (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts) (2008) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Unmanaged goats Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts Canberra

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011a) Native vegetation floristic areas - NVIS - statewide (incomplete version) Viewed 26 October 2020 Available at httplocationsagovaulmsReportsReportMetadataaspxp_no=898amppu=y

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2011b) The South Australian Koala conservation and management strategy Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

DEWNR (Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources) (2017) South Australian land cover layers 1987-2015 most likely layers Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Dippenaar-Schoeman AS amp Jocqueacute R (1997) African spiders an identification manual ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute Pretoria

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016) Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by Rabbits Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017) Threat abatement plan for predation habitat degradation competition and disease transmission by Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

DOEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Canberra

Dohle L (2007) Report of condition of agricultural land on Kangaroo Island Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA) Adelaide

Dohle L (2013) Implications of the change of landuse from grazing to cropping on the soils of Kangaroo Island Rural Solutions SA Adelaide

DPAW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) (2016) Montane Heath and Thicket of the South West Botanical Province above approximately 900 m above sea level (Eastern Stirling Range Montane Heath and Thicket Community) Interim recovery plan 2016-2021 plan no 370 Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

DPIE (Department of Planning Industry and Environment) (2020) DPIE fire extent and severity mapping Department of Planning Industry and Environment (NSW) Sydney

DPTI (Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure) (2017) Phytophthora (dieback) control environmental instruction 213 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (SA) Adelaide

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

33

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

DSEWPC (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities) (2011) Feral deer Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (Commonwealth) Canberra

Forster RR amp Platnick NI (1984) A review of the Archaeid spiders and their relatives with notes on the limits of the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Arachnida Araneae) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural history 178 1

Gill A amp Catling P (2002) Fire regimes and biodiversity of forested landscapes In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 351-369

Gill AM amp Zylstra P (2005) Flammability of Australian forests Australian Forestry 68 87-93

Gonccedilalves-Souza D Verburg PH amp Dobrovolski R (2020) Habitat loss extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions Biological Conservation 246 108579

Grigulis K Lavorel S Davies ID Dossantos A Lloret F amp Vilagrave M (2005) Landscape-scale positive feedbacks between fire and expansion of the large tussock grass Ampelodesmos mauritanica in Catalan shrublands Global Change Biology 11 1042-1053

Guerin GR OrsquoConnor PJ Sparrow B amp Lowe AJ (2018) An ecological climate change classification for South Australia Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 142 70-85

Hobbs R (1991) Disturbance a precursor to weed invasion in native vegetation Plant Protection Quarterly 6 99-104

Hobbs R (2002) Fire regimes and their effects in Australian temperate woodlands In Bradstock R J Williams A Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press UK pp 305-326

Homet P Gonzaacutelez M Matiacuteas L Godoy O Peacuterez-Ramos IM Garciacutea LV amp Goacutemez-Aparicio L (2019) Exploring interactive effects of climate change and exotic pathogens on Quercus suber performance Damage caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi varies across contrasting scenarios of soil moisture Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 276-277 107605

Hope P Abbs D Bhend J Chiew F Church J Ekstroumlm M Kirono D Lenton A Lucas C McInnes K Moise A Monselesan D Mpelasoka F Timbal B Webb L amp Whetton P (2015) Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster report climate change in Australia projections for Australiarsquos Natural Resource Management Regions cluster reports In Ekstrom M P Whetton C Gerbing M Grose L Webb J Risbey (eds) CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Hyman IT Ahyong ST Koumlhler F McEvey SF Milledge G Reid CAM amp Rowley JJL (2020) Impacts of the 2019ndash2020 bushfires on New South Wales biodiversity a rapid assessment of distribution data for selected invertebrate taxa Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Online 32 1-17

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) (2019) Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria Version 14 Prepared by the IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee

Kilvert N (2020) Assassin spiders feared extinct after Kangaroo Island bushfires ABC News 18 January 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

34

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

httpswwwabcnetaunewsscience2020-01-18assassin-spider-extinct-kangaroo-island11876294~text=The20species20of20assassin20spiderProtection20Area20on20Kangaroo20Islandamptext=Our20biggest20concern20with20theso20destructive20and20so20hot

Kueh KH McKay SF Facelli E Facelli JM Velzeboer RMA Able AJ amp Scott ES (2012) Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi Plant Pathology 61 1165-1178

Laidlaw MJ McDonald WJF Hunter RJ Putland DA amp Kitching RL (2011) The potential impacts of climate change on Australian subtropical rainforest Australian Journal of Botany 59 440-449

Landscape South Australia (2020a) Bushfires and weeds Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiland-and-waterBushfire_recoveryBushfires_and_weeds

Landscape South Australia (2020b) Pest plants - priority weeds on Kangaroo Island Viewed 27 October 2020 Available at httpslandscapesagovaukiplants-and-animalspest-plants

Langlands PR Brennan KEC Framenau VW amp Main BY (2011) Predicting the post-fire responses of animal assemblages testing a trait-based approach using spiders Journal of Animal Ecology 80 558-568

Legendre R (1961) Eacutetudes sur les Archaea (Araneacuteides) ii La capture des proies et la prise de nourriture Bulletin of the Zoological Society of France 86 316-319

Lynn J (2020) Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass Viewed 3 November 2020 Available at httpswwwnasagovfeaturegoddard2020kangaroo-island-shows-burn-scars-on-one-third-of-the-land-mass

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 29 October 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2020) Personal communication by email 9 November 2020 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Marsh J (2021) Personal communication by email 12 February December 2021 Research Fellow at Murdoch University

Mason L Bateman PW Miller BP amp Wardell-Johnson GW (2019) Ashes to ashes intense fires extinguish populations of urban short-range endemics Austral Ecology 44 514-522

Masters P Duka T Berris S amp Moss G (2004) Koalas on Kangaroo Island from introduction to pest status in less than a century Wildlife Research 31 267-272

Milberg P amp Lamont BB (1995) Fire enhances weed invasion of roadside vegetation in southwestern Australia Biological Conservation 73 45-49

Morley EL amp Robert D (2018) Electric fields elicit ballooning in spiders Current Biology 28 2324-2330e2322

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

35

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Murphy B amp Bowman M (2007) The interdependence of fire grass kangaroos and Australian Aborigines a case study from central Arnhem Land northern Australia Journal of Biogeography 34 237-250

Ngarrindjeri Nation (2007) Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe plan caring for Ngarrindjeri sea country and culture prepared by the Ngarrindjeri Tendi Ngarrindjeri heritage committee and Ngarrindjeri native title management committee Ngarrindjeri land and progress association Camp Coorong Meningie

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2017) Kangaroo Island natural resources management plan 2017-2027 Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2018) Eradicating Feral goats and deer from Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

NRKI (Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board) (2020) Weeds declared for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (SA) Kingscote

Peace M amp Mills G (2012) A case study of the 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires - CAWCR technical report no 53 CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Australia

Penney D (2003) Afrarchaea grimaldii a new speies of Archaeidae (Araneae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber The Journal of Arachnology 31 122-130 129

PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) (2020) Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Action Plan Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) Kingscote

Pisanu P Rogers D OrsquoConnor J Thompson D amp Peters D (2014) Identifying priority landscapes and ecosystems for nature conservation in the ecosystems for nature conservation in the Kangaroo Island NRM region DEWNR Technical Report 201314 Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (SA) Adelaide

Podger FD James SH amp Mulcahly MJ (2001) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it - a protocol for identifying lsquoprotectable areasrsquo and their priority for management Draft report prepared for Department of Parks and Wildlife (WA) Perth

Poinar G (2018) Burmese amber evidence of Gondwanan origin and Cretaceous dispersion Historical Biology 31 1-6

Resilient Hills and Coasts (2016) Resilient hills and coasts climate change adaptation plan for the Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island region A report prepared for Alexandrina Council on behalf of Resilient Hills and Coasts project partners by Seed Consulting Services and URPS Adelaide

Rix M (2020) Letrsquos not forget the ldquolittle thingsrdquo Queensland Museum Network 13 May 2020 Viewed 21 October 2020 Available at httpsblogqmqldgovau20200513lets-not-forget-the-little-things

Rix M amp Harvey M (2009) Populations of Mainrsquos Assassin Spider (Austrarchaea mainae) near Albany Western Australian Museum Perth

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

36

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Rix M amp Harvey M (2011) Australian Assassins part i a review of the Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) of mid-eastern Australia Zookeys 123 1ndash100

Rix M amp Harvey M (2012a) Australian Assassins part ii a review of the new Assassin Spider genus Zephyrarchaea (araneae archaeidae) from southern Australia ZooKeys 191 1-62

Rix MG amp Harvey MS (2012b) Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone evidence for Miocene speciation within Tertiary refugia Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 375-396

Robinson AC amp Armstrong DM (1999) A biological survey of Kangaroo Island South Australia in November 1989 and 1990 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA) Adelaide

SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) (2020) Independent review of South Australiarsquos 2019-20 bushfire season South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission Adelaide

Scott JK Webber BL Murphy H Ota N Kriticos DJ amp Loechel B (2014) AdaptNRM weeds and climate change supporting weed management adaptation CSIRO and NCCARF Australia

Selden PA Diying H amp Dong R (2008) Palpimanoid spiders from the Jurassic of China The Journal of Arachnology 36 306-321 316

Seppaumllauml S Henriques S Draney M Foord S Gibbons A Gomez L Kariko S Malumbres-Olarte J Milne M Vink C amp Cardoso P (2018) Species conservation profiles of a random sample of world spiders i Agelenidae to Filistatidae Biodiversity Data Journal 6 e23555

Setterfield SA Rossiter-Rachor NA Douglas MM Wainger L Petty AM Barrow P Shepherd IJ amp Ferdinands KB (2013) Adding fuel to the fire the impacts of non-native grass invasion on fire management at a regional scale PLoS One 8 e59144

Taylor D (2003) The distribution of Xanthorrhea semiplana ssp tateana dieback on Kangaroo Island- a Phytophthora spp induced phenomenom or other causal factors at work Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Kingscote

Thompson SE Levin S amp Rodriguez-Iturbe I (2014) Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios Global Change Biology 20 1299-1312

Thorp JR amp Lynch R (2000) The determination of weeds of national significance National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee Launceston

Todd S amp Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most impacts and actions in key biodiversity areas affected by the 201920 bushfire crisis BirdLife Australia Melbourne

Velzeboer R Stubbs W West A amp Bond A (2005) Threatened plant species at risk from Phytophthora in South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) Adelaide

Weber LC VanDerWal J Schmidt S McDonald WJF amp Shoo LP (2014) Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations Journal of Biogeography 41 222-238

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

37

Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Weste G (1994) Impact of Phytophthora species on native vegetation of Australia and Papua New Guinea Australasian Plant Pathology 23 190-209

Weyman GS (1993) A review of the possible causative factors and significance of ballooning in spiders Ethology Ecology amp Evolution 5 279-291

Whelan RJ Rodgerson L Dickman CR amp Sutherland EF (2002) Critical life processes of plants and animals developing a process-based understanding of population changes in fire-prone landscapes In Bradstock RA JE Williams MA Gill (eds) Flammable Australia the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent Cambridge University Press Cambridge pp 94-124

Whisson D amp Shimmin G (2006) Managing an overabundant koala population for conservation of riparian habitats on Kangaroo Island South Australia Procedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference University of California Davis 23-28

Willoughby N Thompson D Royal M amp Miles M (2018) South Australian land cover layers an introduction and summary statistics Technical report 201801 Department for Environment and Water (SA) Adelaide

Wilson MC Chen X-Y Corlett RT Didham RK Ding P Holt RD Holyoak M Hu G Hughes AC Jiang L Laurance WF Liu J Pimm SL Robinson SK Russo SE Si X Wilcove DS Wu J amp Yu M (2016) Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation key findings and future challenges Landscape Ecology 31 219-227

Wood HM (2008) A revision of the Assassin Spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae Archaeidae) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 152 255-296

Wood HM Griswold CE amp Spicer GS (2007) Phylogenetic relationships within an endemic group of Malagasy Assassin Spiders (Araneae Archaeidae) ancestral character reconstruction convergent evolution and biogeography Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 612-619

Wood HM Matzke NJ Gillespie RG amp Griswold CE (2013) Treating fossils as terminal taxa in divergence time estimation reveals ancient vicariance patterns in the Palpimanoid spiders Systematic Biology 62 264-284

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

38

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austiniReason for assessmentThis assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the public

Assessment of eligibility for listingThis assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4 sub-criterion D2 The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM)

Key assessment parametersTable 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Number of mature individuals

Unknown Unknown Unknown The number of mature individuals is unknown

Trend Contracting Although the number of mature individuals is unknown it is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat and very severe population reduction in the only known subpopulation resulting from the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Generation time (years)

1 year 1 year Unknown The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Extent of occurrence

le 2010 km2 4 km2 2010 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to encompass these records as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019) As EOO was smaller than AOO the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (2010 km2 Table 1) (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Suitable habitat for the species occurs throughout the landscape

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting EOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Area of Occupancy

le130 km2 4 km2 le130 km2 The minimum plausible value has been calculated using record data for the only known subpopulation and applying 2 x 2 km grid cells as outlined in the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2019)

The maximum plausible value has been inferred based on the assumption that this short-range endemic species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a) has very specific habitat requirements which severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

The maximum plausible value has been used in this assessment as not all habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February)

Trend Contracting AOO is likely contracting due to loss of suitable habitat resulting from fires See Table 2 for further information

Number of subpopulations

Unknown 1 Unknown 1

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Metric Estimate used in the assessment

Minimum plausible value

Maximum plausible value

Justification

Trend Possibly contracting The only known subpopulation has likely undergone very severe population reduction following the 2019-20 bushfires Indeed no living individuals have been found in this subpopulation during post-bushfire surveys (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) suggesting this subpopulation may be extinct

Additionally 79 of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was burnt at high-very high severity and approximately 16 was burnt at low-moderate severity (Table 5) Accordingly if any other subpopulations exist they have most likely been severely affected by the 2019-20 bushfires See Table 2 for further information

Basis of assessment of subpopulation number

The limited dispersal ability of the species suggests that all sites separated by more than 10 metres of unsuitable habitat are likely to be geographically isolated

No locations le5 1 le5 The only known subpopulation was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area Even if further subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to be fewer than five This is because all habitat occurs within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of which 95 was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires

Trend Contracting The intensity frequency and scale of catastrophic bushfires will likely increase due to climate change Accordingly the number of locations in which a single bushfire can rapidly affect all individuals is likely to decrease

Basis of assessment of location number

Suitable habitat likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape of Kangaroo Island (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) A single bushfire could impact the only known subpopulation and much of the suitable habitat for this species

Fragmentation If further subpopulations are found the species may be considered severely fragmented due to subpopulation(s) occurring in small discrete site(s) the limited dispersal ability of the species and the remaining extent of its primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodland near creek lines) across the species range (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Fluctuations There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

ndash Critically Endangered

Very severe reduction

Endangered

Severe reduction

Vulnerable

Substantial reduction

A1 ge 90 ge 70 ge 50

A2 A3 A4 ge 80 ge 50 ge 30

A1 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased

A2 Population reduction observed estimated inferred or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

A3 Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3]

A4 An observed estimated inferred projected or suspected population reduction where the time period must include both the past and the future (up to a max of 100 years in future) and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible

Based on any of the following

(a) direct observation [except A3]

(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon

(c) a decline in area of occupancy extent of occurrence andor quality of habitat

(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation

(e) the effects of introduced taxa hybridization pathogens pollutants competitors or parasites

Criterion 1 evidenceEligible under Criterion 1 A2ac for listing as Critically Endangered

Generation length

The closely related species West Gippsland Assassin Spider and New England Assassin Spider have generation lengths of one year (Seppaumllauml et al 2018) Accordingly the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is thought to have a similar generation length (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Three generations gives a three-year timeframe However the minimum allowable time period is 10 years for this criterion

Extent of 2019-20 bushfires and associated decline in habitat quality

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt across Kangaroo Island was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt 32 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at high or very high severity and 285 km2 (17 percent of total area burnt 7 percent of total area on Kangaroo Island) burnt at low or moderate severity (Table 5 DAWE 2020a) The total area of native vegetation burnt in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was estimated to be approximately 1038 km2 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 21 January 2021)

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in ongoing and non-reversible decline in habitat quality for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Systematic surveys for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider have only been completed in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Therefore unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Further subpopulations may be found during post-bushfire surveys of suitable habitat However the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape was severely burnt during the 2019-20 bushfires and only two unburnt sites with suitable habitat Lathami Conservation Area and De Mole Estate have been identified within the fire footprint (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of Lathami Conservation Area did not find any Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Targeted surveys of De Mole Estate will be completed by July 2022 (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

Suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires

Experts suspect that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b)

Population reduction

The only known subpopulation was burnt at high-very high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Based on mortality at a typical severely burnt site 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) in this subpopulation are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) Indeed no living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been observed during targeted surveys of this site following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) This suggests very severe population reduction (gt80 percent) and possible extinction of the only known subpopulation If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2bc However until the possibility of other subpopulations can be eliminated suspected population reduction across all suitable habitat should be considered

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider has specific habitat requirements which most likely restrict its distribution to native riparian woodlands and shrublands in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) An estimate of the

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

proportion of native riparian woodlands and shrublands burnt by the 2019-20 bushfires is not available However assuming the proportion of the speciesrsquo habitat burnt is commensurate with the proportion of native vegetation burnt across the entire Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape then 87 percent of individuals (plausible range 73ndash90 percent) are suspected to have died due to the 2019-20 bushfires (Table 5) As the suspected population reduction is likely to be greater than 80 percent the species appears to meet the requirements for listing as Critically Endangered under A2c

Conclusion

The species appears to have undergone very severe population reduction over three generations (10 years for this assessment) from 2010 to 2020 which is equivalent to at least 80 percent The reduction has not ceased and the cause has not ceased The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

44

THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Table 5 Suspected population reduction of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider due to decline in habitat quality following the 2019-20 bushfires on Kangaroo Island South Australia

SubpopulationHabitat type

Total area (km2)

Total area burnt (km2)

Area burnt at high-very

high severity (km2)

Area burnt at low-moderate

severity (km2)

Proportion of total area

burnt at high-very high

severity ()

Proportion of total area

burnt at low-moderate

severity ()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

high-very high severity

()

Suspected population

reduction in area burnt at

low-moderate severity ()

Total suspected

population reduction ()

Western River Wilderness Protection Area subpopulation

- - - - 100

0

00 100

(90-100)

0 100

(90-100)

Total area of native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (Pisanu et al 2014)

1085 1038 0862 176 79 16 79

(71-79)

8

(2-11)

87

(73-90)

Note Area burnt was drawn from DAWE (2020a) and J Marsh (2020 Pers comm 18 21 December 2020 and 21 January 2021) Suspected population reduction was calculated using suspected mortality associated with 2019-20 bushfires (DAWE 2020b) Plausible range of population reduction is provided in parentheses

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THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee draft assessment

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence ANDOR area of occupancy

ndash Critically Endangered

Very restricted

Endangered

Restricted

Vulnerable

Limited

B1 Extent of occurrence (EOO) lt 100 km2 lt 5000 km2 lt 20000 km2

B2 Area of occupancy (AOO) lt 10 km2 lt 500 km2 lt 2000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number of locations

= 1 le 5 le 10

(b) Continuing decline observed estimated inferred or projected in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area extent andor quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidenceEligible under Criterion 2 B1ab(iiiv)+2ab(iiiv) for listing as Endangered

Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO)

The minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider are estimated at 4 km2 These figures are based on the mapping of point records from 2010 to 2020 for the only known subpopulation in Western River Wilderness Protection Area obtained from state governments museums and CSIRO The AOO was calculated using a 2 x 2 km grid cell method and as the species is only known from one subpopulation the estimate of AOO was also used for EOO (IUCN 2019) These estimates meet the requirements (EOO lt 100 km2 AOO lt 10 km2) for listing as Critically Endangered However only Western River Wilderness Protection Area (approximately 25 km2) has been systematically surveyed for the species (Rix amp Harvey 2012a J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) As not all suitable habitat has been systematically surveyed the species is very small difficult to locate and has a very short survey season the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider may be more widespread than current records suggest (J Marsh 2021 pers comm 12 February) Unknown subpopulations may occur in suitable habitat elsewhere on Kangaroo Island suggesting that EOO and AOO may exceed the minimum estimates

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Suitable habitat for this species includes native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Although native riparian shrublands and woodlands occur across Kangaroo Island (Table 1 Pisanu et al 2014) the mean annual rainfall required by the species likely only occurs in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations within this landscape EOO is considered to be equal to or less than the area of the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (le2010 km2)

Similarly the specific habitat requirements of this species severely restrict its potential AOO to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2 Table 1) (Pisanu et al 2014 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Accordingly until targeted surveys of suitable habitat can eliminate the possibility of other subpopulations AOO is considered to be less than equal to the area of native riparian woodlands and shrublands occurring along steep gullies in high rainfall areas in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (130 km2)

The speciesrsquo EOO and AOO appear to meet the requirements for listing as Endangered under B1 (lt5000 km2) and B2 (lt500 km2)

Number of locations

In 2019-20 following years of drought (Bureau of Meterology 2020) catastrophic bushfire conditions resulted in unprecedented extensive bushfires across Australia The western extent of Kangaroo Island including the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area was affected by major uncontrolled bushfires (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) The total area burnt was estimated using NIAFED and GEEBAM to be approximately 1674 km2 (38 percent of total Island area) with approximately 1390 km2 (83 percent of total area burnt) burnt at high or very high severity (DAWE 2020a)

The only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity in Western River Wilderness Protection Area (Table 5 J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) No living Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders have been found during targeted surveys of this locality following the bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Indeed experts suspect 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90ndash100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) and 50 percent of individuals (plausible range 10ndash70 percent) have been lost at a typical mildly burnt site (low to moderate severity) (DAWE 2020b) Additionally this species has low dispersive potential (lt10 m) (DAWE 2020b) This evidence suggests the species occurs in one location over which a single bushfire could rapidly affect all individuals

However unburnt fragments of unsurveyed suitable habitat remain within and outside the fire-affected area If subpopulations are found in unburnt habitat the species will occur in more than one location as multiple bushfire events would be required to rapidly affect all individuals However given the species restricted distribution within native vegetation in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape (95 percent of which was burnt in 2019-20) it is extremely unlikely to occur in more than five locations

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

The speciesrsquo number of locations appears to meet the requirement for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Severe fragmentation

If no further subpopulations are identified during targeted surveys the species cannot be considered severely fragmented However if further subpopulations are identified the species may be considered severely fragmented The speciesrsquo higher taxonomy suggests it will occur in small discrete sites with limited dispersal ability (lt10 m J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October Rix amp Harvey 2009 2011 Rix amp Harvey 2012a) Additionally the speciesrsquo primary habitat (mesic open eucalypt woodlands and shrublands) is considered fragmented following historical land clearing (Pisanu et al 2014) and the 2019-20 bushfires (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October)

As only one subpopulation is known at the time of this assessment the species should not be considered severely fragmented for the purposes of this assessment

Continuing decline

As stated above the 2019-20 bushfires caused extensive habitat loss on Kangaroo Island particularly in the Central PlateauNorth Coast landscape and Western River Wilderness Protection Area (DAWE 2020a c DEW 2020b Todd amp Maurer 2020) Indeed the only known subpopulation of Kangaroo Island Assassin Spiders was burnt at high severity and no living individuals have been found during post-fire targeted surveys of this locality (J Marsh 2020 pers comm 29 October) Experts estimate that 100 percent of individuals (plausible range 90 ndash 100 percent) have been lost at a typical severely burnt site (high to very high severity) (DAWE 2020b) suggesting very severe decline in the number of mature individuals

Kangaroo Island is predicted to continue to experience decreased rainfall increased frequency of droughts and average temperatures leading to bushfires of increased frequency intensity and scale (Hope et al 2015 Resilient Hills and Coasts 2016) Accordingly catastrophic bushfires are increasingly likely to occur due to climate change which will result in continuing decline in the area extent and quality of habitat and number of mature individuals Additionally climate change will also reduce the availability of mesic habitat across Australia (Byrne et al 2011 Laidlaw et al 2011 Weber et al 2014) which may result in further decline the area extent and quality of habitat

The species appears to meet the continuing decline requirements for listing as Endangered under this criterion

Extreme fluctuations

There are no known extreme fluctuations in EOO AOO number of subpopulations locations or mature individuals

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Conclusion

The speciesrsquo EOO AOO and number of locations are restricted and continuing decline is expected in the area extent and quality of habitat and inferred in the number of mature individuals The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as Endangered under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

ndash Critically Endangered

Very low

Endangered

Low

Vulnerable

Limited

Estimated number of mature individuals lt 250 lt 2500 lt 10000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1 An observed estimated or projected continuing decline of at least (up to a max of 100 years in future)

Very high rate

25 in 3 years or 1 generation

(whichever is longer)

High rate

20 in 5 years or 2 generation

(whichever is longer)

Substantial rate

10 in 10 years or 3 generations

(whichever is longer)

C2 An observed estimated projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions

(a)

(i) Number of mature individuals in each subpopulation

le 50 le 250 le 1000

(ii) of mature individuals in one subpopulation =

90 ndash 100 95 ndash 100 100

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population size

The number of mature individuals is unknown

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

ndash Critically Endangered

Extremely low

Endangered

Very Low

Vulnerable

Low

D Number of mature individuals lt 50 lt 250 lt 1000

D21 Only applies to the Vulnerable category

Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible future threat that could drive the species to critically endangered or Extinct in a very short time

- -

D2 Typically area of occupancy lt 20 km2 or number of locations le 5

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2 The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2 As such a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only However assessments may include information relevant to D2 This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the speciesrsquo eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method

Criterion 4 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Number of mature individuals

The number of mature individuals is unknown Additionally the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is not eligible for listing as Vulnerable under sub-criterion D2

Conclusion

The data presented above appear to be insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

ndash Critically Endangered

Immediate future

Endangered

Near future

Vulnerable

Medium-term future

Indicating the probability of extinction in the wild to be

ge 50 in 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 20 in 20 years or 5 generations whichever is longer (100 years max)

ge 10 in 100 years

Criterion 5 evidenceInsufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis

Population viability analysis has not been undertaken for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Conclusion

There are insufficient data to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion However the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the speciesrsquo status This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process

Adequacy of surveyAlthough survey effort prior to 2020 has been limited extensive targeted surveys are being conducted from 2020-2022 Additionally there is sufficient information available on the speciesrsquo habitat association habitat distribution (vegetation mapping) and extent intensity and severity of 2019-20 bushfires across Kangaroo Island Accordingly survey effort is considered adequate and there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the assessment

Listing and Recovery Plan RecommendationsNo recovery plan is in place for the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision

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Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Conservation Advice

copy Commonwealth of Australia 2021

Ownership of intellectual property rights

Unless otherwise noted copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth)

Creative Commons licence

All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 International Licence except content supplied by third parties logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be emailed to copyrightawegovau

Cataloguing data

This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 2021 Conservation advice for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider) Canberra

This publication is available at the SPRAT profile for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)

Department of Agriculture Water and the EnvironmentGPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone 1800 900 090Web awegovau

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication Notwithstanding the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment its employees and advisers disclaim all liability including liability for negligence and for any loss damage injury expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law

Version history table

Document type Title Date [dd mm yyyy]

ndash ndash ndash

ndash ndash ndash

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53

  • Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions for Zephyrarchaea austini (Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider)
    • Conservation status
    • Species information
      • Taxonomy
      • Description
      • Distribution
      • Cultural and community significance
      • Relevant biology and ecology
      • Habitat critical to the survival
      • Important populations
      • Threats
        • Conservation and recovery actions
          • Primary conservation outcome
          • Conservation and management priorities
            • Climate change and bushfires
            • Habitat loss disturbance and modifications
            • Invasive species (including threats from grazing trampling predation)
            • Disease
            • Overabundant native species
            • Breeding seed collection propagation and other ex situ recovery action
              • Stakeholder engagementcommunity engagement
              • Survey and monitoring priorities
              • Information and research priorities
              • Recovery plan decision
                • Links to relevant implementation documents
                • Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references
                • Attachment A Listing Assessment for Zephyrarchaea austini
                  • Reason for assessment
                  • Assessment of eligibility for listing
                  • Key assessment parameters
                  • Criterion 1 evidence
                  • Criterion 2 evidence
                  • Criterion 3 evidence
                  • Criterion 4 evidence
                  • Criterion 5 evidence
                  • Adequacy of survey
                  • Listing and Recovery Plan Recommendations
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Page 37: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 38: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 39: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 40: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 41: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 42: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 43: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 44: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 45: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 46: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 47: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 48: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 49: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 50: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 51: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 52: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may
Page 53: Consultation on Species Listing Eligibility and Conservation ... · Web viewAlthough weed invasion is not considered a current threat to the Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider, it may