Significant Fauna
The Northern Agriculture Catchment (NAR) is home to approximately 126 conservation significant (considered under threat) fauna taxa, including birds, terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, reptiles and invertebrates (for list of significant fauna in the NAR see Conservation Significant Fauna List ).
Many of these species have either approved recovery plans or are being managed under interim recovery plans through the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Key data stored on Australian rare flora and fauna database (SPRAT database) indicate that 18 birds are under threat, one is listed as Critically Endangered, four Endangered and five listed Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. 18 birds are listed as Schedule 1 under the WC Act.
The majority of the marine and coastal birds are protected, within the NAR 38 birds are protected under an international agreement for migratory birds which provides them with special protection under the WC Act, listed under Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice. These species, as well as a number of nationally-listed migratory species, are listed under International Conventions including: Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).
Three birds species are protected under the WC Act category of other specifically protected fauna and listed under schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.
Within the NAR 14 birds are also protected under the Department of Parks and Wildlife, three bird species are listed as Priority 2, one as Priority 3 and 11 birds listed as Priority 4.
Check out Fisheries fish distribution website to see what fish have been collected in your local rivers.
There five native fish species that are not considered to be under threat have been recorded in the region including the Murchison River Hardyhead (recorded in the Greenough, Hutt and Murchison River), the Swan River Goby (recorded in the Irwin and Chapman River), the Southern Black Bream (recorded in the Irwin and Chapman River), the Flat Head Mullet (recorded in the Irwin and Chapman River), the Yellowtail Trumpter and the Golden Gudgeon. Three native fish species which are consider to be under threat have been recorded in the NAR including Western Mud Minnow (Listed Threatened under the WC Act) and Balston’s Pygmy Perch (Listed Threatened under the EPBC Act).
Three introduced freshwater fish species have been recorded in the NAR including the Mosquito Fish, Swordtail and Tilapia.
The graceful sun moth (Synemon gratiosa) was delisted from the EPBC Act in 2009, however it is now included in a
non-legislative category of P4 (near threatened) on the Western Australian Priority Fauna List.
Reptiles
In the NAR, a total of 13 reptiles are considered requiring a level of protection. Six reptiles are listed as Endangered and Vulnerable under the EPBC Act including the Lancelin Island Ctenotus, Gilled Slender Blue-tongue Skink, Western Spiny-tailed Skink and Western Swamp Tortoise.
Frogs
In the NAR three species of native tree frogs and 19 species of native southern frogs have been recorded (DSEWPaC, 2011).
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Coalseam Conservation Park
The Coalseam Conservation Park covers ~990 ha and has a rich history as the site of the first coal mine in Western Australia. The geology is interesting and exposed coal seams can still be seen in the cliff faces. The Park is surrounded by cleared farmland, providing an important refuge for wildlife and plants, and is well known for its seasonal wildflower displays.
Conservation significant fauna in the Northern Agricultural Region
For more information about fauna in the NAR visit the fauna theme page, and check out the list of Conservation Significant Fauna.
East Yuna Nature Reserve
The East Yuna Nature Reserve covers ~2 300 ha and contains high quality remnant vegetation which provides crucial habitat for rare flora and fauna.