Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01712:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01712
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 57017–59897

and 14% of 65 dingo scats (Moore et al. 2015).
  Photograph 12. A feral cat on caught on remote camera with a Tjakura in its mouth.
  Source: Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Management

  High levels of predation on Tjakura have also been recorded at Yulara where remains were found in 28% of 36 cat scats and 8% of 13 fox scats (but not in 16 dingo scats) between 2012 and 2020 (Paltridge and Eldridge 2021). Predation in this case was not linked to fire but was most severe in 2012 following a period of increasing predator populations in response to an eruption of native rodents. When the rodents crashed a surplus of hungry predators switched to eating reptiles including Tjakura.

  On the Kiwirrkurra IPA Tjakura remains were found in only 4% of 47 cat stomachs and 50 scat samples collected between 2014 and 2019 (Paltridge et al. 2020). It was suggested that ongoing cat control throughout this period may have prevented cats
  becoming specialised on Tjakura prey, being continually removed before they built up knowledge of the location of Tjakura burrows in the area (Paltridge et al. 2020).

  Dingoes can also be a significant predator of Tjakura, particularly after fire. After a different fire event
  at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, despite effective management of cats preventing cat predation at exposed burrows, camera-trap monitoring revealed a significant increase in the visitation of dingoes to Tjakura burrows and Tjakura remains were found in 73% of 15 dingo scats (Paltridge and Ellis, unpublished data). However, at Sangsters Bore Tjakura was found in 7% of the 84 dingo scats analysed, 7% of 57 fox scats and 14% of 7 cat scats between 2002-2007 (Paltridge, unpublished data).

  Other Threats – Disturbance from Development

  Many of the main known Tjakura populations are threatened by disturbance from developments associated with mining or tourism infrastructure.
  For example, a new 500 km long gas pipeline to service a mine was established through the Tanami Desert population in 2018, a new road is proposed in the vicinity of the Ngururrpa population, a new mine is being established in the middle of the Ngaanyatjarra population and small-scale habitat clearance continues to occur around Ayers Rock Resort as the range of tourism activities continues to expand.

  Direct impacts of such developments for Tjakura subpopulations include the destruction of burrows by heavy machinery, increased mortality due to roadkill, and potentially increasing predator activity in areas with increased human habitation.

  On the positive side, development applications provide the resources and impetus to conduct surveys in
  very remote areas and such surveys have contributed significant information to our knowledge of where Tjakura occur. Construction of new roads through habitat may also assist with fire management.

Other Threats