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Mitchell’s Rainforest SnailThersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864)Recovery Plan

July 2001

Approved Recovery Plan

N S WNATIONALPARKSANDWILDLIFESERVICE

© NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2001.This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under theCopyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior writtenpermission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service43 Bridge Street(PO Box 1967)Hurstville NSW 2220Telephone: 02 9585 6444www.npws.nsw.gov.au

For further information contactThreatened Species UnitConservation Programs and Planning Division, Northern DirectorateNSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceLocked Bag 914Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Telephone: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustration: Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Thersites mitchellaeIllustrator: Ann Sheppard

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001). Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Thersites mitchellaerecovery plan. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.

ISBN 0 7313 6298 5

National Parks and Wildlife Service Recovery Planning Program

Mitchell’s Rainforest SnailRecovery Plan

Foreword

The conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities is crucial for the maintenance ofthis State’s unique biodiversity. In NSW, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) provides theframework to conserve and recover threatened species, populations and ecological communities through thepreparation and implementation of recovery plans.

The preparation and implementation of recovery plans is identified by both the National Strategy for theConservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity and the draft NSW Biodiversity Strategy as a key strategy forthe conservation of threatened flora and fauna. The object of a recovery plan is to document the research andmanagement actions required to promote the recovery of a threatened species, population or ecologicalcommunity and to ensure its ongoing viability in nature.

The TSC Act requires that the Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife prepare recovery plans for allspecies, populations and ecological communities listed as endangered or vulnerable on the TSC Act schedules.The TSC Act includes specific requirements for both the matters to be addressed by recovery plans and theprocess for preparing recovery plans. This plan satisfies these provisions.

This recovery plan describes our current understanding of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, documents the researchand management actions undertaken to date, and identifies the actions required and parties responsible inaddressing the conservation of the species in the wild.

Brian Gilligan Bob Debus MPDirector-General Minister for the Environment

National Parks and Wildlife Service Recovery Planning Program

Table of contents

Foreword.......................................................................................................................................................................... 11.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 32.0 Description and distribution ............................................................................................................................... 33.0 Current conservation status ................................................................................................................................ 34.0 Habitat and ecology ............................................................................................................................................... 35.0 Relevant legislation ................................................................................................................................................ 46.0 Recovery plan implementation ........................................................................................................................... 4

6.1 Critical habitat ........................................................................................................................................... 46.2 Environmental assessment ...................................................................................................................... 4

7.0 Management issues ............................................................................................................................................... 57.1 Threats and reasons for decline .............................................................................................................. 57.2 Social and economic consequences ...................................................................................................... 57.3 Biodiversity benefits ................................................................................................................................ 5

8.0 Previous actions undertaken ............................................................................................................................... 58.1 Listing under TSC Act ............................................................................................................................ 58.2 Survey and research ................................................................................................................................. 68.3 Habitat identification and protection .................................................................................................... 68.4 Community awareness ............................................................................................................................ 6

9.0 Species’ ability to recover .................................................................................................................................... 610.0 Recovery objectives ............................................................................................................................................. 611.0 Recovery performance criteria ........................................................................................................................ 712.0 Recovery actions .................................................................................................................................................. 7

12.1 Survey and research ............................................................................................................................... 712.2 Protection of extant populations and habitat ..................................................................................... 712.3 Commonwealth listing .......................................................................................................................... 812.4 Community awareness and involvement ........................................................................................... 8

13.0 Implementation .................................................................................................................................................... 914.0 Preparation details .............................................................................................................................................. 915.0 Review date ............................................................................................................................................................ 916.0 References .............................................................................................................................................................. 917.0 Implementation Tables ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Table 1 Responsibility for implementation ................................................................................................ 10Table 2 Estimated costing ............................................................................................................................. 11Table 3 Relevant responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 12

Figure 1 Distribution map ............................................................................................................................................. 13Appendix 1 Environmental impact assessment guidelines ..................................................................................... 14Appendix 2 Community awareness brochure ............................................................................................................ 17Appendix 3 Guidelines for collection ......................................................................................................................... 21

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 3

Approved Recovery Plan Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail

1.0 Introduction

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Thersitesmitchellae is a large terrestrial snail foundonly in remnant lowland rainforest andswamp forest areas on the NSW far northcoast. Its status has declined from commonto extremely rare and it is now listed as anendangered species under Schedule 1 of theTSC Act. The aim of this recovery plan is toidentify and protect the remaining habitatand extant populations of the species and toencourage community involvement in theconservation and recovery of the species.

2.0 Description and distribution

The genus Thersites (Family CamaenidaeSubfamily Camaeninae) is a group of largeland snails inhabiting rainforests in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland(Bishop 1978). Three species are currentlyrecognised: Thersites mitchellae (Cox,1864) from lowland subtropical rainforestand swamp sclerophyll forest with arainforest understorey between theRichmond and Tweed Rivers in north-eastNSW, Thersites novaehollandiae (Gray,1834) from temperate and subtropicalrainforest from Barrington Tops to theNSW/Queensland border and Thersitesrichmondiana (Reeve, 1852) from uplandtemperate and subtropical rainforest betweenthe McPherson Range on theNSW/Queensland border and the ConondaleRange in south-east Queensland (Bishop1978; Stanisic pers. comm.).

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail has a large shellup to 55 mm wide and 50 mm high, with astrongly elevated spire giving it a triangularprofile, and a thickened, reflected lip. Theshell is deep reddish chestnut to black incolour with two prominent yellow bands,and has a very fine microsculpture whichgives it a satin appearance when held inbright light. The body colour is black with athin lighter line on the dorsal midline.

The current range of Mitchell’s RainforestSnail remains approximately the same as itshistorical distribution, the coastal plainbetween the Richmond and Tweed Rivers.Within this range, however, land clearinghas been extensive and Mitchell’s RainforestSnail is now restricted to remnant areas ofhabitat.

Recent sites are distributed along the coastalplain between Banora Point in the north andLennox Head in the south (Fig. 1). Thelargest known population of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail and largest remainingsingle area of suitable habitat is in Stotts

Island Nature Reserve in the Tweed Rivernear Murwillumbah (Stanisic 2000). Acomplex of smaller populations and habitatfragments has also been identified inremnant areas around Cumbebin Wetland atByron Bay (Fig. 1).

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail was recorded ata site at Wilsons River near Mullumbimbyin 1980 (Stanisic 1999) (Fig. 1). TheWilsons River site (elevation 230 m AHD)is outside the normal range of the speciesand the other snail species present there,including Ngairea corticicola, Thersitesrichmondiana and Pedinogyra rotabilis, areindicative of an upland snail faunaassemblage rather than the lowland snailfauna assemblage usually associated withMitchell’s Rainforest Snail (Stanisic 1999).Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail was not foundduring a targeted search of the WilsonsRiver site in 1999 and the original recordthere is suspected of being the result ofaccidental translocation (Stanisic 1999).

3.0 Current conservation status

Judging from collections of the species lastcentury, Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail waspreviously common within its range but hassince declined in abundance (AustralianMuseum 2001). The species has been listedas endangered (category ENC2a) on theIUCN Red List (International Union for theConservation of Nature 1997).

Between 1955 and 1995 Mitchell’sRainforest Snail was recorded at only twosites, Stotts Island and Wilsons River(Stanisic 1998). Additional coastal plainsites supporting Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailhave been recorded since 1996, reflecting anincreased level of survey as well asincreased community awareness.

Many of the recent sites are consideredmarginal, having only a small area of habitatand populations represented by three or lessknown specimens of Mitchell’s RainforestSnail (Stanisic 1998). In contrast, thepopulation status at Stotts Island isconsidered good, with approximately 120hectares of lowland subtropical rainforestpresent (Floyd 1990) and an estimatedMitchell’s Rainforest Snail population ofseveral hundred snails (Stanisic 2000).

4.0 Habitat and ecology

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is restricted tolowland subtropical rainforest and swampsclerophyll forest with a rainforestunderstorey, typically on alluvial soils witha basaltic influence. It is apparently absent



from other rainforest types in the area, suchas littoral rainforest (Stanisic 1998). Thistype of correlation with particular rainforestcommunities is common in many land snailspecies in eastern Australia (Stanisic 1994).

Lowland rainforest and swamp sclerophyllforest in the Tweed-Richmond area has beenextensively cleared for agriculture and urbandevelopment and now occurs only in smallremnants. Most of the sites where thespecies is known to survive are located onslightly elevated ground on the margins ofcoastal wetlands. This may be an artefact ofland clearing patterns or indicate a realmicrohabitat preference. Breedingpopulations of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailcan persist in narrow strips of remnantrainforest (Stanisic 1998), although thelonger-term viability of populations at suchsites is uncertain.

Little information is available on theecology of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail. Itsrestriction to rainforest and swamp forest, atrait shared with 90% of eastern Australianland snail species (Stanisic 1994), suggests adependence on high moisture levels, low firefrequency and a well developed leaf litterlayer. Microhabitat data for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail includes records of liveanimals found by day sheltering under palmfronds on the ground, inside dead palmfrond stems, under leaf litter at the base oftrees, and under bark in fig Ficus trees(Stanisic 1998), and active at night on thesurface of leaf litter (Stanisic 2000; Murphypers. obs.). Stanisic (1998) concluded thatMitchell’s Rainforest Snail is probablyterrestrial and that juveniles are possiblyarboreal. The related Thersitesnovaehollandiae is active at night, foragingon the rainforest floor and up to six metreshigh on tree trunks, and is most obviouslyactive on warm, wet nights (Murphy pers.obs.).

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is herbivorousand is thought to feed on leaf litter, fungusand lichen (Stanisic 2000). Breedingbehaviour has only been observed once,with a clutch of 70 small, round, white eggslaid below the surface of leaf litter inNovember (Murphy pers. obs.).

Key habitat components for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail are a well-developed leaflitter layer (providing food, shelter andbreeding sites) and an intact forest canopy(maintaining a moist microclimate andproviding a source of leaf litter).

5.0 Relevant legislation

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is listed as anendangered species on Schedule 1, Part 1 ofthe TSC Act. The species is not currentlylisted on the Commonwealth EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999 (EPBC Act). This plan proposesnomination of the species for listing underthe Commonwealth EPBC Act.

6.0 Recovery Plan implementation

The TSC Act requires that a governmentagency must not undertake actionsinconsistent with a recovery plan. TheNPWS is the authority responsible for theactions identified in this plan.

6.1 Critical habitat

The TSC Act makes provision for theidentification and declaration of criticalhabitat for species, populations andecological communities listed asendangered. Once declared, it becomes anoffence to damage critical habitat (unless theaction is specifically exempted by the TSCAct) and a species impact statement ismandatory for all developments andactivities proposed within critical habitat.

This plan proposes declaration of habitat inStotts Island Nature Reserve as criticalhabitat for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail. Thiswill be one of the first critical habitatdeclarations in NSW and will contributesignificantly to the recovery of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail and its habitat. It will alsogreatly assist implementation of the TSCAct’s critical habitat provisions across arange of endangered species and landtenures by increasing community awarenessof these provisions and by establishing anadministrative process to be followed.

Declaration of critical habitat for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail in Stotts Island NatureReserve does not indicate that additionalareas are not essential or critical to therecovery of the species. An action has beenincluded in this plan requiring considerationof additional areas for identification ascritical habitat for the species. This mayinclude the complex of habitat fragments inthe Cumbebin Wetland area at Byron Bay.

6.2 Environmental assessment

The TSC Act amendments to theenvironmental assessment provisions of theEnvironmental Planning and Assessment Act1979 (EPA Act) require that consent anddetermining authorities consider relevantrecovery plans when exercising a decision-



making function under Parts 4 & 5 of theEPA Act. Consent and determiningauthorities must consider the conservationstrategy outlined in this plan whenconsidering a proposed development oractivity that may affect the species.

This plan also includes environmentalimpact assessment guidelines to assist thoserequired to prepare or review assessments oflikely impacts on Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail(Appendix 1).

7.0 Management issues

7.1 Threats and reasons for decline

The major cause of the decline of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail is habitat destruction(Stanisic 1998; Stanisic 2000). Landclearing for agriculture and urbandevelopment across the species' range hasbeen extensive, and many of the small areasof surviving habitat remain at risk ofclearing and development. The habitat valueof small remnants is typically judged from alarge vertebrate-focussed perspective, andthe conservation value of these sites forinvertebrate species is often not appreciated(Ponder 1997).

The majority of known remainingpopulations occurs in small areas of remnantrainforest including narrow strips ofrainforest bordering coastal wetlands. Thesesmall remnant areas, with a high perimeterto area ratio, are at risk from edge effects,including desiccation, habitat disturbance,frequent fire and invasion by exotic weedsand feral animals. There is little dataavailable on the impact of these factors onland snails (Ponder 1997), but they are likelyto be adverse.

Predation by birds and introduced mammalshas been identified as a possible threat toMitchell’s Rainforest Snail (NSW ScientificCommittee 1997; Australian Museum 2001).Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is preyed uponby the Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor in StottsIsland Nature Reserve (Stanisic 2000).Introduced rats feed on land snails (Sherleyet al. 1998; Ponder and Chapman 1999), andmay prey on Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

7.2 Social and economic consequences

This recovery plan recommendsconsideration of potential impacts onMitchell’s Rainforest Snail by consent anddetermining authorities consideringproposed developments and activities inareas of known or potential habitat of thespecies.

Implementation of protection andmanagement measures identified in thisrecovery plan would include localcommunity involvement, and may have apositive flow-on with economic benefits tothe community.

Funding for implementation of actionswould need to be allocated. Estimatedcosting for the implementation of recoveryactions over the five years of the plan isprovided in Table 2. Implementation hasbeen costed at $56 000 (priority 1), $72 500(priorities 1 and 2) and $79 500 (priorities 1,2 and 3).

7.3 Biodiversity benefits

On a global scale, the number of threatenedterrestrial and freshwater mollusc species isgreater than any other taxonomic group,exceeding by far, for example, the combinedbird and mammal species listed (Ponder1997). Despite this, mollusc conservation,and indeed invertebrate conservation ingeneral, has not had a high profile. Theprofile of threatened invertebrate species,and of invertebrate conservation in general,will be raised in the community throughawareness of the status of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail. This in turn will lead togreater opportunities for the conservation ofthreatened species and increased protectionof biodiversity.

Actions to recover Mitchell’s RainforestSnail will assist in the conservation of otherspecies that share its lowland rainforesthabitat.

Land snails in eastern Australia are goodindicators of climatic refugia for rainforest(Stanisic 1994), and hence species likeMitchell’s Rainforest Snail are potentially ofsignificant value in assisting reserve designto ensure longer-term biodiversityconservation.

8.0 Previous actions undertaken

8.1 Listing under TSC Act

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail was listed asendangered under the TSC Act in March1997 (NSW Scientific Committee 1997),and was one of the first invertebrate speciesto be listed. Lowland rainforest onfloodplain in the NSW North Coastbioregion, including the habitat of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail, was listed as anendangered ecological community under theTSC Act in August 1999 (NSW ScientificCommittee 1999).



8.2 Survey and research

Targeted surveys for Mitchell’s RainforestSnail in 1998 and 1999 (Stanisic 1998;Stanisic 1999) were funded by the NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS). These surveys recorded Mitchell’sRainforest Snail at four sites, three of whichwere new localities for the species, andprovided valuable information concerningthe species’ habitat requirements.

A survey for the species on Stotts Island in1999 (Stanisic 2000) was jointly funded bythe NPWS and Queensland Museum. Thisstudy provided information on thedistribution and status of the species onStotts Island, identified potential threats tothe population and providedrecommendations for management.

8.3 Habitat identification and protection

Byron and Tweed Shire Councils haverecently completed shire-wide vegetationmapping projects, including mapping oflowland subtropical rainforest and swampsclerophyll forest remnants. Thisinformation will assist with implementationof recovery action 8 listed in this plan.

The significant area of known habitat forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail at Stotts Island isprotected in Stotts Island Nature Reserve.Some additional areas of known habitat andpotential habitat are afforded a level ofprotection through being within or inproximity to wetland areas identified underState Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)No. 14 (Coastal Wetlands) and/or withinenvironmental protection zones under therelevant Local Environmental Plans. SEPPNo. 14 Coastal Wetlands of relevance orpotential relevance comprise those betweenthe Tweed and Richmond Rivers in northernNSW. Specific SEPP No. 14 CoastalWetlands currently known to contain or bein close proximity to extant populations ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail are Wetlandnumbers 24 (Banora Point), 79, 80a and 81(Byron Bay) and 87 (Lennox Head). It isanticipated that populations of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail or areas of potential habitatwill be found within or near additional SEPPNo. 14 Coastal Wetlands through habitatmapping, scientific surveys and communityawareness as outlined in this recovery plan.

8.4 Community awareness

The NPWS has raised the public profile ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail during 2000/2001through regional, state and national media

including television, radio, newspaper andpopular magazines.

The Foundation for National Parks andWildlife included Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailas one of six feature species in its 2000Threatened Species Appeal.

The NPWS has prepared a communityawareness brochure (Appendix 2) detailingwhere Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail lives andhow to identify it, the threats to its survival,and how the community can assist in itsconservation and recovery. This brochure hasbeen widely distributed in theTweed/Byron/Ballina area through localNPWS offices, local Councils, and Landcareand other community organisations.

The NPWS and Tweed Shire Council haveprepared new interpretive display material forthe public visitation facilities at Bruce ChickPark, adjacent to Stotts Island NatureReserve, in accordance with the plan ofmanagement for Stotts Island (NPWS 2001).The new display features information onMitchell’s Rainforest Snail and promotescommunity awareness of the significance ofStotts Island for the conservation of thespecies.

The Australian Museum provides informationon Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail and otherthreatened land snails to the general public onits invertebrate zoology internet web site(Australian Museum 2001).

9.0 Species’ ability to recover

Given the current information base available,the ability of the species to recover isunknown. The apparent ability of the speciesto persist as breeding populations in smallremnants (Stanisic 1998) suggests a positiveconservation potential. However, the species’long-term recovery will also depend onconservation and recovery of its lowlandsubtropical rainforest and swamp foresthabitat.

10.0 Recovery objectives

The overall objective of this recovery plan isto promote the recovery of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail in the wild. Specificobjectives for the first five years of thisrecovery plan are listed below.

• Objective 1: to assist identification ofpotential habitat for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail.

• Objective 2: to assist identification ofadditional populations of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail.



• Objective 3: to maximise the protectionof the population of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail on Stotts Island.

• Objective 4: to improve the protectionand management of other populations ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail andremaining areas of habitat.

• Objective 5: to encourage communityparticipation in the recovery ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

11.0 Recovery performance criteria

Recovery performance criteria are listedbelow.• Criterion 1: areas of potential habitat for

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail areidentified.

• Criterion 2: the identification ofadditional populations of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail through scientificsurvey and community awareness issupported.

• Criterion 3: the population of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail in Stotts Island NatureReserve is conserved and maintained asa viable population.

• Criterion 4: the protection andmanagement of other populations areimproved.

• Criterion 5: community awareness of thestatus of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, andcommunity participation in its recovery,are increased.

12.0 Recovery actions

Recovery actions to be undertaken over thenext five years to achieve the identifiedspecific recovery objectives are listed below.Linkages with specific objectives andperformance criteria are identified for eachaction.


1. Scientific survey of areas of highpotential habitat for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail on the coastal plain toidentify additional populations.(Objective 2/Performance criterion 2).

2. Scientific survey of Wilsons River areaand other foothills localities toinvestigate whether distribution ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail extendsoutside the coastal plain. (Objective2/Performance criterion 2).

3. Research into the ecology and lifecycleof Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail relevantto the conservation of the species issupported. This will include support forresearch into the potential impacts on

Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail of predationby the introduced Black Rat Rattusrattus. (Objectives 1-4/Performancecriteria 1-4).

4. Long-term monitoring every secondyear established at selected Mitchell’sRainforest Snail sites to identify anychanges in the status of the species.(Objectives 3 and 4/Performancecriteria 3 and 4).

5. Genetics research undertaken toexamine the level of variation withinand between populations of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail. This will provideimportant information on the effects offragmentation, inbreeding and otherdata relevant to the management andrecovery of the species. (Objectives 3and 4/Performance criteria 3 and 4).

6. Research and field survey projectsinvolving Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailrequiring licensing under the TSC Actwill be required to observe theguidelines provided in Appendix 3, toensure that the work undertaken doesnot further threaten the survival ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail or apopulation of the species. (Objectives 3and 4/Performance criteria 3 and 4).

Outcome

Increased knowledge of current distributionof habitat and populations of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail, monitoring of species’status and collection of additionalinformation to assist in the conservation andmanagement of the species. Note: Actions 1to 5 may be undertaken in coordination as asingle project.

12.2 Protection of extant populations andhabitat

7. State and local government authoritiesand community groups withresponsibilities relevant to the protectionof Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail and itshabitat will be made aware and keptinformed by the NPWS of the species’conservation requirements and thelocation of known populations andpotential habitat. Relevant authorities areidentified in Table 3. (Objective4/Performance criterion 4) .

8. NPWS will work in cooperation withTweed, Byron and Ballina ShireCouncils to produce maps showing areasof potential habitat for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail to assist with landmanagement and environmental planningand assessment matters. Map derivation



is to include occurrence of lowlandfloodplain rainforest and swampsclerophyll forest remnants, coastalwetlands, basaltic-derived alluvium, andrecent records and historical distributionof Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.(Objectives 1, 2 and 4/Performancecriteria 1, 2 and 4) .

9. It is unlikely that the above mappingwill identify all areas of potential habitat,particularly small areas of habitat.Recommendation will be made by theNPWS that identified potential habitat(action 8 above), all lowland rainforestand swamp sclerophyll forest remnantsand vegetated areas within 50 m of SEPPNo. 14 Coastal Wetlands in Tweed,Byron and Ballina Shires be protectedfrom clearing or development in therelevant Local Environmental Plans andRegional Vegetation Management Plans.(Objectives 1 and 4/Performance criteria1 and 4) .

10. Identification and declaration of habitatfor Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail in StottsIsland Nature Reserve as critical habitatunder the TSC Act. (Objective3/Performance criterion 3) .

11. Assessment of areas of habitat forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail additional toStotts Island for identification as criticalhabitat under the TSC Act. (Objectives 4and 5/Performance criteria 4 and 5).

12. Implementation of managementmeasures as appropriate to controlidentified threats to Mitchell’s RainforestSnail in Stotts Island Nature Reserve andmaintain viability of the population.(Objective 3/Performance criterion 3) .

13. NPWS will support weed control workin lowland rainforest and swampsclerophyll forest remnants on basalticsoils in the Tweed, Byron and BallinaShires, and will recommend that suchweed control work be undertaken in amanner which minimises disturbance tothe habitat of Mitchell’s RainforestSnail, including maintaining a moistmicroclimate and minimisingdisturbance to the leaf litter layer andfallen logs. (Objectives 4 and5/Performance criteria 4 and 5) .

Outcome

Increased protection of extant populationsand habitat and conservation of otherbiodiversity elements that share lowlandrainforests with Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

12.3 Commonwealth listing

14. Nomination of Mitchell’s RainforestSnail as an endangered species under theCommonwealth EPBC Act. (Objectives3-5/Performance criteria 3-5).

Outcome

Recognition at national level of theconservation status of the species.

12.4 Community awareness and involvement

15. Preparation and distribution of acommunity awareness brochure with thefollowing components:

• promoting Mitchell’s RainforestSnail as a flagship for invertebrateconservation, to raise the profile ofinvertebrate conservation issues inthe general community,

• providing information concerning thestatus, identification and habitat ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail, threats tothe species and how the communitycan assist in its recovery, and

• providing information regarding thevalue and management of smalllowland rainforest remnants in theTweed, Byron and Ballina Shires aspotential habitat for Mitchell’sRainforest Snail and other species.(Objectives 1, 2, 4 and5/Performance criteria 1, 2, 4 and 5).

16. Preparation and distribution of a schoolteacher’s kit in cooperation with theDepartment of Education and Training,targeting schools in the Tweed, Byronand Ballina Shires. The kit is to provideinformation concerning Mitchell’sRainforest Snail and other local nativeland snails to promote awareness ofinvertebrate conservation and the valueof small urban habitat areas and is to bedesigned to be used in relation torelevant school syllabus topics in a localcontext. (Objectives 2, 4 and5/Performance criteria 2, 4 and 5).

17. High profile media publicity concerningMitchell’s Rainforest Snail and itsconservation and recovery will besought over the life of the recoveryplan. (Objectives 1, 2, 4 and5/Performance criteria 1, 2, 4 and 5).

18. NPWS will support appropriatecommunity-based initiatives to developinterpretive material to promotecommunity awareness of the status ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail withcomponents similar to those listed foraction 15 above. This is to include



appropriate initiatives in the CumbebinWetland area at Byron Bay. (Objectives1, 2, 4 and 5/Performance criteria 1, 2,4 and 5) .

19. NPWS will liaise with the AustralianMuseum on a minimum six monthlybasis to assist the Museum inmaintaining up to date informationconcerning Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailon the Museum’s invertebrate zoologyinternet web site. (Objectives 1, 2, 4 and5/Performance criteria 1, 2, 4 and 5).

Outcome

Increased community awareness ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail and communityinvolvement in its conservation andrecovery, and increased communityawareness of broader invertebrateconservation issues.

13.0 Implementation

Table 1 identifies the priority andtimeframes for the implementation ofrecovery actions specified in this plan for aperiod of five years from the time thisrecovery plan is adopted. The NPWS is theagency responsible for implementation ofidentified actions.

14.0 Preparation details

This document was prepared by MichaelMurphy, Senior Threatened Species Officer,NPWS Northern Directorate. Backgroundinformation and assistance was provided byDr John Stanisic (Queensland Museum).

15.0 Review date

This recovery plan will be reviewed withinfive years of the date of publication.

16.0 References

Australian Museum (2001). Threatened andEndangered Landsnail species. AustralianMuseum Invertebrate Zoology Internet site<http://www.austmus.gov.au/science/division/invert/mal/endangered.htm>.

Bishop, M. J. (1978). A revision of thegenus Thersites Pfeiffer (Pulmonata:Camaenidae). J. Malac. Soc. Aust. 4(1-2): 9-21.

Floyd, A. (1990). Australian Rainforests inNew South Wales. Volume II. Surrey Beatty& Sons Pty Ltd, Chipping Norton, NSW.

International Union for the Conservation ofNature (1997). IUCN Red List. IUCNSpecies Survival Commission, Gland,Switzerland.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service(2001). Stotts Island Nature Reserve Plan ofManagement. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.

NSW Scientific Committee (1997). Finaldetermination to list Thersites mitchellae asan endangered species on Schedule 1, Part 1of the Threatened Species Conservation Act1995.

NSW Scientific Committee (1999). Finaldetermination to list Lowland Rainforest onFloodplain in the NSW North CoastBioregion as an endangered ecologicalcommunity on Schedule 1, Part 3 of theThreatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Ponder, W. (1997). Conservation status,threats and habitat requirements ofAustralian terrestrial and freshwaterMollusca. Memoirs of the Museum ofVictoria 56(2): 421-430.

Ponder, W. and Chapman, R. (1999). Surveyof the land snail Placostylus bivaricosus onLord Howe Island. Unpublished reportprepared for NSW National Parks andWildlife Service.

Sherley, G. H., Stringer, I. A. N., Parrish,G.R. and Flux, I. (1998). Demography oftwo landsnail populations (Placostylusambagiosus, Pulmonata: Bulimulidae) inrelation to predator control in the far northof New Zealand. Biological Conservation84: 83-88.

Stanisic, J. (1994). The distribution andpatterns of species diversity of land snails ineastern Australia. Memoirs of theQueensland Museum 36(1): 207-214.

Stanisic, J. (1998). Survey for Land SnailThersites mitchellae in Northern New SouthWales. Unpublished report prepared forNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Stanisic, J. (1999). Survey for Land SnailThersites mitchellae in Northern New SouthWales. II. Investigation of Wilsons CreekLocality. Unpublished report prepared forNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Stanisic, J. (2000). Survey for Land SnailThersites mitchellae in Northern New SouthWales. III. Investigation of Stotts Islandlocality. Unpublished report prepared forNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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17.0 Implementation Tables

Table 1. Responsibility for implementation, timing and priority of recovery actions. Priority iscategorised as 1 (essential), 2 (highly desirable) or 3 (desirable).

Recovery action Responsibility forimplementation

Timeframe Priority


Action 1: survey on coastal plain NPWS Years 2 and 3 1

Action 2: survey of foothills areas NPWS Year 2 1

Action 3: research into ecology NPWS Years 1 and 2 1

Action 4: monitoring of populations NPWS Years 1, 3 and 5 2

Action 5: genetics research NPWS Year 4 3

Action 6: survey/research guidelines NPWS Life of plan 3

12.2 Protect populations and habitat

Action 7: advice to other agencies NPWS Life of plan 1

Action 8: map potential habitat NPWS Year 1 1

Action 9: habitat protection NPWS Life of plan 1

Action 10: critical habitat Stotts Island NPWS Year 1 1

Action 11: additional critical habitat NPWS Year 4 1

Action 12: Stotts Island management NPWS Life of plan 1

Action 13: weed control work NPWS Life of plan 2

12.3 Commonwealth listing

Action 14: nomination under EPBC Act NPWS Year 1 2

12.4 Community awareness

Action 15: community brochure NPWS Years 1 and 4 1

Action 16: teacher’s kit NPWS Year 1 1

Action 17: media NPWS Life of plan 1

Action 18: community initiatives NPWS Year 1, 3 and 5 2

Action 19: Museum internet web site NPWS Life of plan 2



Table 2. Estimated costs of implementing recovery actions. Costed actions are subject to fundingavailability unless noted as funding secured. Estimates do not include Goods and Services Tax.

Recovery action Year of implementation

1 2 3 4 5 TotalSurvey and researchAction 1: survey coastal plain - 7500 7500 - - * • $15 000Action 2: survey of foothills - 7500 - - - * • $7 500Action 3: research into ecology 6000 4000 - - - * • $10 000Action 4: monitoring 5000 - 5000 - 5000 * • $15 000Action 5: genetics research - - - 7000 - * • $7 000Action 6: survey/research guidelines ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Protect populations and habitatAction 7: advice to agencies ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Action 8: map potential habitat 6000 - - - - * $6 000Action 9: habitat protection ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Action 10: critical habitat Stotts Island ψ - - - - -Action 11: additional critical habitat - - - 3000 - * $3 000Action 12: Stotts Is. Management 2000 1500 1500 1500 1500 * $8 000Action 13: weed control work ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Commonwealth listingAction 14: EPBC Act nomination ψ - - - - -Community awarenessAction 15: community brochure 1 1000 - - * 1500 - $2 500Action 16: teacher’s kit 4000 - - - - *$4000Action 17: media ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Action 18: community initiatives 500 - 500 - 500 * $1 500Action 19: Museum internet web site ψ ψ ψ ψ ψ -Annual costs of implementing plan 24 500 20 500 14 500 13 000 7000 $79 500Total cost of recovery plan $79 500

ψ Costs covered by NPWS core duties* Subject to availability of funding.1 Costs secured from NPWS 1999/2000 recurrent recovery planning funding.• NPWS to seek to undertake action as cooperative project with research or educationalinstitution with appropriate expertise.



Table 3. Public authorities and community groups with responsibilities relevant to the protectionof Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail and its habitat (apart from NPWS).

Organisation Relevant responsibilitiesTweed, Byron and Ballina ShireCouncils

• Preparation of Local EnvironmentalPlans under Part 3 of EPA Act.

• Consent authorities for developmentproposals under Part 4 of EPA Act.

• Approval authorities for Council worksunder Part 5 of EPA Act.

• Responsibilities under Rural Fires Act1997.

• Management of Council reserves withpotential habitat.

Department of Land and WaterConservation

• Approval authority for native vegetationclearance applications under NativeVegetation Conservation Act 1997.

• Management of Crown land withpotential habitat.

• Coordination of Regional VegetationCommittees, total catchmentmanagement and Landcare programs.

Department of Urban Affairs andPlanning

• Development of policy and strategies forland-use planning and environmentalassessment.

• Advice and assistance on environmentalplanning matters.

• Assessment of major developmentapplications.

• Assessment and approval ofdevelopments in SEPP No. 14 CoastalWetlands.

State Government authorities • Management of public lands withpotential habitat.

• Approval authorities for activityproposals under Part 5 of EPA Act.

Rural Fire Service • Preparation of Bushfire RiskManagement Plans.

• Fire management.Landcare Groups and BushRegeneration Teams

• Community groups formed to tacklelocal land degradation and habitatrehabilitation issues.



Figure 1. Recent records of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

Appendix 1. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines


Mitchell’s Rainforest SnailThersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864)

Status: Endangered species

These guidelines have been prepared to assistpersons required to prepare or reviewassessments of likely impacts on Mitchell’sRainforest Snail. The guidelines will assist inthe following:

• preparation of environmental impactassessment reports, Statements ofEnvironmental Effects and Species ImpactStatements by proponents ofdevelopments or activities pursuant to theEnvironmental Planning and AssessmentAct 1979;

• review of environmental reports byconsent and determining authorities; and

• preparation of licence applications underthe Threatened Species Conservation Act1995 (TSC Act).

The guidelines should be read in conjunctionwith the NPWS Information Circular No. 2:Threatened Species Assessment under theEP&A Act: The ‘8 Part Test’ of Significance(November 1996).Survey

Field survey and habitat assessment forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail should beundertaken by persons with suitabledemonstrated experience in land snail surveysand land snail identification.Field surveys and collection of specimens foridentification purposes may result in harm toMitchell’s Rainforest Snail or damage to itshabitat, and accordingly should be licensedunder the TSC Act. The Mitchell’s RainforestSnail recovery plan (July 2001) includesguidelines for threatened land snail surveys(Appendix 3). These guidelines have beendesigned to facilitate the timely licensing ofland snail survey and research licenceapplications under the TSC Act, whilstensuring that licensed activities will notfurther threaten the survival of threatenedland snail species or populations of thesespecies.Current knowledge indicates that Mitchell’sRainforest Snail is restricted to fragments ofremaining habitat on the coastal lowlandsbetween the Tweed and Richmond Rivers innorth-east New South Wales. Mitchell’sRainforest Snail occurs in subtropicalrainforest remnants and swamp sclerophyllforest with rainforest elements, typically inareas of alluvial soils with a basalticinfluence. Live snails shelter in leaf litter onthe ground and sometimes under bark on tree

trunks. Most of the sites where the specieshas been recorded are on slightly higherground at the edge of coastal wetlands, whichmay reflect either patterns of land clearing oractual habitat preferences. Areas with palmsand figs around the borders of coastalwetlands are particularly favoured habitat.

It is recommended that any bush remnantcontaining lowland subtropical rainforest inparticular, but also other lowland moist forestcommunities, be considered as potentiallyharbouring Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail nomatter how small or degraded it might appear,especially if there is any sort of leaf litterlayer present.The shell of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail canremain in the leaf litter for extended periodsfollowing the death of the animal. Presence ofthe species at a site can most easily bedetermined by searching for empty shells orshell fragments. Accumulations of shellmaterial can sometimes be found aroundfeeding sites (anvils) used by the Noisy Pitta(Pitta versicolor).Searches for shell material can be undertakenyear round. However, surveys to locate activelive animals are best undertaken at nightduring warm, wet weather. Live animals canalso be searched for by day by identifying andinvestigating potential shelter sites such asfallen palm fronds, leaf litter and loose barkon tree trunks. The minimum time required tosearch for shell material or live animals willdepend on the size and amount of potentialhabitat present within the site being assessed.However, it is suggested that for small sites(less than 0.5 ha) at least three hours be spentsearching and then scaled up appropriately forlarger areas.It should be noted that the presence of one ormore individuals would generally indicate thepresence of further individuals within the site.In addition the presence of empty shells,particularly fresh shells with an intactperiostracum (colouring), should be treated asindicating the presence of living individuals.

Once Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail shells orlive animals have been recorded on a site, orwhen habitat assessment suggests suitablepotential habitat is present, further assessmentof the distribution and extent of habitat on thesite (and adjacent to the site if access ispossible) should be undertaken.



Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail can be easilyconfused with other land snail species whichalso occur on the coastal plain of north-eastNSW, such as the common Fraser’s Snail(Sphaerospira fraseri). Mitchell’s RainforestSnail differs from Fraser’s Snail in thefollowing characters: i) intact shell deepreddish brown to black in colour with twoprominent yellow bands; ii) shell triangular inprofile with a keel around the outer marginand a slightly flattened base; and iii) aperture(opening) of the shell parabolic rather thancircular in outline.Life cycle of the species

Part (a) of the eight part test asks whether thelife cycle of the species is likely to bedisrupted such that a viable local populationof the species is likely to be placed at risk ofextinction. Very little is currently knownabout the biology and life history ofMitchell’s Rainforest Snail. It ishermaphroditic and lays clutches of up to 70small round white eggs below the surface ofleaf litter. The species is herbivorous and isthought to feed on leaf litter, fungus andlichen. It is generally active at night,particularly during or following rain. Nothingis currently known about rates of fecundity,length of life span, dispersal patterns and overwhat distances individuals can move.

The life cycle of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailis such that if the proposed development oractivity causes the destruction of all theavailable habitat present within the site thenthe local population will most likely be lost asthere is little potential to recolonise.However, if sections of the site are to be leftas habitat, then the impacts of factors such aschanges to microclimate, increased risk ofweed invasion, fire and introduced predatorswill have to be addressed.Viable local population of the species

It is currently not known what number ofindividuals constitutes a viable population forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail but it is notconsidered to be large. It is recommendedthat, in accordance with the precautionaryprinciple, populations are considered viableunless proven otherwise.Endangered populationsPart (b) of the eight part test asks whether theviability of an endangered population is likelyto be significantly compromised. Thisquestion relates to populations listed underschedule 1 part 2 of the TSC Act, and doesnot apply to the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.A significant area of habitat

Part (c) of the eight part test asks whether asignificant area of known habitat is to be

modified or removed. Based on the currentunderstanding of the distribution andabundance of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail,assessment of the significance of an area ofhabitat should include consideration of thefollowing:

i) any area of habitat known to support thespecies;ii) the size and extent of an area of potentialhabitat;iii) whether an area of potential habitat hasvegetation communities largely unaffectedby disturbances such as fire or weedinvasion;iv) whether the area is at the edge of thespecies’ range; orv) the long term security of the area.

Where an area of potential habitat is assessedas being significant by one or more of theabove criteria, either a targeted survey forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail at the site shouldbe undertaken, or the area may be assumed tobe known habitat for the purposes of theassessment.Regional distribution of the habitatThe known distribution of Mitchell’sRainforest Snail is restricted to the coastallowlands between the Tweed and RichmondRivers in the NSW north coast bioregion.Populations have been recorded in the localgovernment areas (LGAs) of Tweed, Byronand Ballina.Isolation/fragmentation

Part (d) of the eight part test asks whether adevelopment or activity might isolatepopulations such that they become no longerviable (such as through inbreedingdepression). Thus the development need notdirectly impact on a population, but merelyseparate it from others by preventingmovement of animals.Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail was formerlywidespread but is now restricted to remnantareas of habitat in a highly fragmented urbanand agricultural environment. This, and thelikely limited dispersal ability, means thatmany of the populations of this species arealready effectively isolated from others,except where they exist within the samebushland remnant or similar immediatelyadjacent locations. Consideration of this partof the eight part test therefore needs to beundertaken within the context that mostpopulations of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail arealready highly isolated.As dispersal behaviour and ability arepresently poorly known, it is difficult todetermine what type of development may



isolate populations that are currentlyinteracting with others.

Critical habitatPart (e) of the eight part test asks whethercritical habitat will be affected. There ispresently no critical habitat listed forMitchell’s Rainforest Snail. However, theMitchell’s Rainforest Snail recovery planincludes actions for the declaration of StottsIsland as critical habitat and assessment ofadditional areas for identification as criticalhabitat. The NPWS Register of critical habitatshould be consulted to obtain information onthe current status of critical habitat for thespecies.Adequacy of representation inconservation reserves or other similarprotected areasPart (f) of the eight part test asks whether thespecies or its habitat is adequately conservedin the region. The majority of the knownpopulations of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailoccur outside of current conservationreserves. The largest known population andlargest remaining single area of habitat is inStotts Island Nature Reserve in the TweedRiver near Murwillumbah. Given thedistribution and likely genetic diversitywithin Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, the currentreserve system does not represent an adequatecoverage of the species, particularly in thesouthern part of its’ range. The NPWS Atlasof NSW Wildlife and Museum records shouldbe consulted for current information onrecords of the species in conservationreserves or other similar protected areas.

Threatening processesPart (g) of the eight part test asks thedevelopment or activity is a threateningprocess. The TSC Act currently lists “highfrequency fire resulting in the disruption oflife cycle processes in plants and animals andloss of vegetation structure and composition”

as a key threatening process. Key habitatcomponents for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailare a well-developed leaf litter layer(providing food, shelter and breeding sites)and an intact forest canopy (maintaining amoist microclimate and providing a source ofleaf litter). Fire will impact adversely on thesekey habitat components.

The NSW Scientific Committee has made apreliminary determination to list “loss ofbiodiversity as a result of loss and/ordegradation of habitat following clearing andfragmentation of native vegetation” as a keythreatening process. The Mitchell’sRainforest Snail recovery plan identifies lossof habitat as the major threat to the recoveryof the species.

Schedule 3 of the TSC Act should beconsulted to determine whether other relevantkey threatening processes are listed.

Processes that are generally considered by thescientific community as being detrimental toa species or its habitat, and which are relevantto Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, include habitatclearance and/or modification, fire, weedinvasion and introduction of feral predatorssuch as rats.

Limit of known distributionPart (h) of the eight part test asks whether thespecies is at the limit of its knowndistribution. Mitchell’s Rainforest Snailoccurs only on the coastal plain of the NSWfar north coast, bounded by the lower TweedRiver (to the north), the lower RichmondRiver (to the south) and the foothills of theranges (to the west). The most northerlyrecent record of the species is at BanoraPoint, the most southerly at Lennox Head,and the most westerly at Stotts Island nearMurwillumbah. The NPWS Atlas of NSWWildlife and Museum records should beconsulted for current information on thedistribution of records.

For Further Information contactNational Parks and Wildlife Service Northern Directorate Threatened Species Unit, Locked Bag 914 CoffsHarbour NSW 2450. Phone (02) 66515 946.

REFERENCESNational Parks and Wildlife Service (2001). Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Thersites mitchellae recovery plan.NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.Australian Museum (2001). Threatened and Endangered Landsnail species – Thersites mitchellae.http://www.austmus.gov.au/science/division/invert/mal/endangered/thersites.htm

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERThe NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the editor expressly disclaim all liability andresponsibility to any person, whether a purchaser or reader of this document or not, in respect of anythingdone or omitted to be done by any person in reliance upon the contents of this document although every efforthas been made to ensure that the information presented in this document is accurate and up to date .

Appendix 2. Community Awareness Brochure








Appendix 3. Guidelines for the Collection of Land Snails forIdentification and Research Purposes


General Guidelines

• Any unnecessary damage to sites is to be avoided. Beyond any existing formed roads, access tosites will be by foot. No repeat collections from populations sampled within five years will beconducted, unless it is part of a specific program approved by NPWS.

• Rocks, logs and other potential refuge sites are to be returned to their original positionimmediately after searching.

• When collecting genetic material, a tissue sample shall be taken rather than a whole animal,unless the collection of the animal is part of a program approved by NPWS. When taking atissue sample, it must be collected in a manner that does not compromise the survival of thespecimen.

• For the purposes of live study and/or photography, one live individual from any discretepopulation may be held in captivity for up to five days, after which time the individual must bereleased at the point of capture.

• Any empty shells may be collected as voucher material, and are to be used wherever possible inpreference to vouchering of live animals.

• For the purposes of collecting live specimens to be permanently retained as vouchers or forresearch purposes, the following prescriptions will apply:

• Where less than 1% of the available potential habitat at a site is surveyed, a minimumof three live animals or recent shells/fragmented shells must be located before onespecimen can be taken.

• Where between 1 and 25% of the available potential habitat at a site is surveyed, aminimum of five live animals or recent shells/fragmented shells must be locatedbefore one specimen can be taken.

• Where between 25 and 75% of the available potential habitat at a site is surveyed, aminimum of ten live animals or recent shells/fragmented shells must be located beforeone specimen can be taken.

• Where more than 75% of the available potential habitat at a site is surveyed, aminimum of 15 live animals or recent shells/fragmented shells must be located beforeone specimen can be taken.

• Juvenile animals are to be vouchered in preference to adult animals.• No more than two live individuals from any discrete population will be collected for voucher

purposes, unless the collection of additional specimens has been specifically approved by NPWS.• Prior to commencing any collecting on lands controlled by the NPWS, permission will be

obtained from the relevant NPWS Regional Office.• Prior to commencing any collecting on other lands permission should be obtained from the

relevant owner or land manager.Data Records

• Once identification has been confirmed, any records of threatened species will be provided to theNPWS in a format appropriate for entry into the NPWS Atlas of NSW Wildlife.

• Any person who becomes aware of first species records for NSW or of populations consideredlikely to extend the known range of any species is to provide such information to the NPWSwithin three months of becoming aware of the new information.

• Within twelve months from the date of collection of a voucher specimen or specimens, theLicensee must lodge a specimen with a recognised collection such as the Australian Museum.

Note

• If special collections, eg. additional voucher specimens, are required, the collector must consultwith the NPWS Northern Directorate Threatened Species Unit prior to collection and obtain awritten variation to the licence or Certificate.

• NPWS may prohibit, condition or limit collecting for some species at some sites if the collectingwould affect research plots. Other conditions or prohibitions may apply after consideration ofpopulation estimates, age structure and viability. Where any doubt exists as to the advisability ofpermitting the collection or the level of collection to be permitted, a precautionary approach shallbe enforced.

43 Bridge StreetHurstville 2220(02) 9585 6444

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