Targeted Threatened Species Surveys

Targeted threatened species surveys are specialist ecological assessments focused on individual species listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened (EVNT) under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. Queensland Ecologists designs and conducts species-specific survey programs across South East Queensland, providing the robust evidence that councils, the Queensland Government, and the federal government require for development approvals and EPBC Act referrals.

What Are Targeted Threatened Species Surveys?

Unlike general fauna or flora surveys, targeted threatened species surveys use species-specific methodologies to determine whether a particular EVNT-listed species is present on or using a development site. These surveys are designed to maximise the probability of detection for the target species, following published survey guidelines and best-practice ecological methods.

A targeted threatened species survey program typically includes:

• Likelihood of occurrence assessment - a desktop analysis that evaluates which threatened species may reasonably occur on the site, based on geographic range, habitat preferences, historical records (WildNet, ALA, eBird, expert knowledge), and the habitats present on the site. This step determines which species require targeted survey effort.
• Species-specific survey design - survey methods, effort, timing, and seasonal requirements are tailored to the target species. For example, koala surveys require SAT (Spot Assessment Technique) methodology, while microbat surveys require multiple nights of Anabat recording, and glossy black-cockatoo surveys focus on feed tree identification and chew-scale searches.
• Field surveys - on-ground surveys conducted by experienced ecologists with species-specific expertise. Methods may include call playback, spotlighting, acoustic monitoring, camera trapping, hair tubes, scat searches, nest and roost surveys, and detailed habitat assessment.
• Habitat quality assessment - evaluation of the suitability and condition of habitat on the site for the target species, often scored against published criteria or benchmarks.
• Impact assessment and significance evaluation - assessment of the significance of impacts to the target species from the proposed development, including consideration of cumulative impacts, population viability, and critical habitat.

When Do You Need Targeted Threatened Species Surveys?

Targeted surveys are typically required when a general ecological assessment or desktop review identifies a reasonable likelihood that EVNT species are present. Specific triggers include:

• EPBC Act referral and assessment - the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 requires assessment of impacts on matters of national environmental significance (MNES). Where a proposed action may significantly impact a listed threatened species or ecological community, targeted surveys provide the evidence base for referral self-assessment or formal referral to DCCEEW.
• SDAP State Code 25 (koala habitat) - development in mapped Koala Assessable Development Areas requires targeted koala surveys under specific methodology (see our Koala Habitat Assessments page).
• MSES essential habitat - where state mapping identifies essential habitat for threatened species, development may trigger state assessment requiring targeted survey evidence.
• Council planning scheme requirements - many SEQ council planning schemes require targeted surveys where general assessment identifies EVNT species as likely present. Assessment managers may issue information requests requiring species-specific survey effort.
• Significant Impact Assessment - to apply the Significant Impact Guidelines (for EPBC Act) or the Significant Residual Impact Guidelines (for Queensland environmental offsets), you need adequate survey data. Targeted surveys provide this evidence to a standard that withstands regulatory scrutiny.

Common threatened species requiring targeted surveys in South East Queensland include:

• Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) - endangered (EPBC), vulnerable (NCA)
• Greater glider (Petauroides volans) - endangered (EPBC), vulnerable (NCA)
• Grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) - vulnerable (EPBC & NCA)
• Glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) - vulnerable (NCA)
• Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) - vulnerable (NCA)
• Tusked frog (Adelotus brevis) - vulnerable (NCA)
• Powerful owl (Ninox strenua) - vulnerable (NCA)
• Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) - vulnerable (NCA & EPBC)

Our Targeted Survey Process

1. Desktop likelihood of occurrence assessment - we conduct a thorough review of species records, habitat mapping, and published distribution data to identify which threatened species have a reasonable likelihood of occurring on the site.
2. Survey scoping and methodology - for each target species, we design a survey program that meets published guidelines (e.g. DAWE Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Species, the Queensland Government species management profiles). We confirm survey timing to align with species activity periods and seasonal detection windows.
3. Targeted field surveys - our ecologists conduct species-specific surveys using the appropriate methods. Survey effort meets or exceeds minimum standards prescribed in relevant guidelines.
4. Habitat quality and significance assessment - we assess habitat quality for each target species, map significant habitat areas, and evaluate the importance of the site in the context of the local and regional population.
5. Reporting and impact assessment - we prepare a detailed report documenting survey methods, results, habitat assessment, and a significance assessment against the relevant legislative framework (EPBC Significant Impact Guidelines and/or Queensland Significant Residual Impact Guidelines).

Which Councils Require This?

Targeted threatened species surveys may be required by any SEQ council where general ecological assessment identifies EVNT species as likely present. Councils with high biodiversity values where targeted surveys are frequently required include:

• Brisbane City Council - significant remnant habitat in western suburbs and creek corridors
• Gold Coast City Council - extensive hinterland habitat and coastal wetlands
• Sunshine Coast Council - diverse hinterland and coastal ecosystems
• Moreton Bay Regional Council - significant habitat in D’Aguilar Range and coastal areas
• Logan City Council - koala habitat and riparian corridors
• Redland City Council - koala habitat, North Stradbroke Island biodiversity
• Noosa Shire Council - high biodiversity values across the shire
• Scenic Rim Regional Council - extensive natural areas in Lamington and Main Range

Related Services

• Ecological Assessment Reports - the overarching ecological assessment that identifies the need for targeted surveys
• Koala Habitat Assessments - specialist koala surveys under SDAP State Code 25
• Fauna Surveys - general fauna surveys that provide the initial species inventory and habitat assessment
• Protected Plant Flora Surveys - targeted surveys for NCA-listed protected plant species

Get a Quote

Queensland Ecologists has extensive experience conducting targeted threatened species surveys for development projects across South East Queensland. We can advise on which species require targeted survey effort, the optimal timing for surveys, and the likely scope and cost.

Call us on (07) 3018 7538 or request a quote online. We are happy to discuss your project requirements and provide a detailed scope and fixed-fee quote.