VEGETATION MAPPING

In addition to vegetation community and condition mapping associated with level 1 and 2 flora and vegetation surveys (EPA, 2004) our botanists undertake fauna habitat mapping and weed mapping.

Fauna habitat surveys and mapping are often an important component of the environmental impact assessment for a site or project under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Early consideration of the fauna, and fauna habitat constraints of a site can help to mitigate potential impacts. Detailed habitat mapping for threatened fauna species such as the Graceful Sun-Moth and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, both listed as ‘Endangered’ and protected under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, is undertaken according to DEC prescribed methodology and involves a combination of aerial photo interpretation and transect based field surveys to collect data on the identity, location, health and density of important habitat (foraging and breeding) species.

Environmental weeds in Western Australia adversely modify natural ecosystems and pose a serious threat to biodiversity. Mapping of nationally significant weeds is important in terms of management and is undertaken in accordance with the guidelines prepared by the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management and the Environmental Weed Strategy of Western Australia (EWSWA) (CALM, 1999). Mapping involves surveying to identify and determine the location and density of weed species. Weeds are rated by EWSWA according to invasiveness, distribution and environmental impact on biodiversity, and recommendations made on management, control and eradication. Weed surveys also involve the identification of any species listed as ’Declared Plants’ under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976. Landholders have a legal obligation to control or eradicate ‘Declared Plants’ growing on their land. The control requirements of each plant species depends on the declaration status of the plant.