Flora and fauna assessment
Fauna and flora assessments are critical for ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and protecting biodiversity in a development area
We undertake these studies to identify and evaluate the plant and animal species that are present in a particular area. By gathering this data, we gain an understanding of the ecological relationships between different organisms, and assess the health and viability of the ecosystem.
Fauna and flora assessments are particularly important when a new building or infrastructure project is being planned. We help our clients identify species that may be endangered or at risk of extinction, and inform decisions about how to mitigate project impacts.
Flora and fauna assessment services
Protected plant and bio condition surveys
Developments within a mapped ‘high-risk area’ on the Protected Plants Survey Trigger Map, will require a flora survey. The Queensland Government takes a risk-based approach to the regulation of protected plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The protected plants framework focuses on activities that pose a high risk to plant biodiversity. Under the framework, when non-exempt clearing of protected plants that are in the wild is proposed within a high risk area, proponents must complete a flora survey prior to any clearing to determine whether a clearing permit is required.
Our qualified Flora Survey Assessors will employ appropriate flora survey methods to locate any extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened plants (threatened plants or near threatened plants) that may be present in the clearing impact area.
Habitat Hectare Method
Developers in Victoria are required by regulations to assess and manage the impact of their proposed developments on biodiversity, including native vegetation and fauna habitats, and to provide offsets where necessary. The Habitat Hectare Method is often used in conjunction with the Biodiversity Assessment Tool (BAT), which is a web-based assessment tool that provides a standardised approach to biodiversity assessment and offset calculation. The BAT uses the Habitat Hectare Method to calculate the amount and type of biodiversity offsets required to achieve “no net loss” of biodiversity, as required under the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.
Our team uses the Habitat Hectare Method as a biodiversity assessment and management framework to evaluate the ecological value of native vegetation communities, fauna habitats, and potential biodiversity offsets. This information is used to inform environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and to guide the development of conservation management plans.
Threatened species surveys
Our experienced and qualified team undertakes threatened species surveys, which may be necessary in a number of circumstances.
- Project assessment: where a development project has potential to impact a threatened species or their habitat
- Project compliance: projects may be required to demonstrate that threatened species are retained on a site, or that they return over time.
- Listing assessment: if a species is being considered for listing (or up-listing) as threatened under legislation
- Recovery planning: to monitor the success of recovery actions and assess the species’ population trends of threatened species.
- Habitat management: to monitor the species present and assess the success of habitat management actions of an area managed for conservation
In addition to these specific circumstances, the EPBC Act requires that all actions likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species or ecological community undergo an assessment process to determine whether they require approval under the Act. As part of this assessment process, a threatened species survey may be necessary to provide information about the potential impact of the proposed action.
Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM)
Our accredited BAM assessors undertake biodiversity assessments in accordance with the Biodiversity Assessment Method 2020, and the overarching Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) and the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017.
The BAM is part of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) in NSW, which is required when addressing impacts on terrestrial biodiversity from development and clearing. BAM provides a consistent method to assess impacts on biodiversity values from a proposed development, activity, clearing, or biodiversity certification, as well as to track improvements in biodiversity values from management actions at a stewardship site.
Depending on the type of assessment, our accredited BAM assessors will prepare either a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) or Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report (BCAR).
Ecological monitoring programs
Ecological monitoring programs can involve a range of methods, including field surveys, remote sensing, and DNA analysis. They may also include monitoring of environmental factors such as temperature, water quality, and soil health, as these can have a significant impact on the health of flora and fauna.
The data collected through these programs can be used to inform conservation efforts, help guide land-use planning and management decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
Recognised professionals
Ecologists
Botonists
Zoologists
Project Managers
It’s all connected
The Nightcap Oak is a species of tree found only in the Nightcap Range in New South Wales. It’s considered critically endangered due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and the effects of climate change.
This tree species is a key component of the Nightcap Range ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of animal species, and is also culturally significant to the local Aboriginal community.
Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring their habitat, as well as studying their biology and ecology to better understand the threats they face and develop effective conservation strategies
It’s all connected
The Nightcap Oak is a species of tree found only in the Nightcap Range in New South Wales. It’s considered critically endangered due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and the effects of climate change.
This tree species is a key component of the Nightcap Range ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of animal species, and is also culturally significant to the local Aboriginal community.
Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring their habitat, as well as studying their biology and ecology to better understand the threats they face and develop effective conservation strategies
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