Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00385:body:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00385
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 41279–44220

an extant population is located, it is important that a captive breeding population be established to assist in the continuing survival of the species, with the view to reintroduction once crazy ants and other potential threats are controlled. Evidence from the LB4 individual captured in 1985 indicates that the species copes well in captivity, although food provision was time consuming (J. Tranter, DEH, pers. comm.). It is preferable that captive animals be held on Christmas Island to avoid transportation stress, and exposure to new diseases and different climatic conditions. Such a captive population must also be protected from direct or indirect (e.g. through food provided) exposure to ant bait, and from potential predators common around the Settlement, such as the wolf snake, black rat and cat. Alternatively, captive breeding populations could be established in recognised zoos on mainland Australia where appropriate quarantine, disease-management and climatic conditions can be provided. The feasibility of establishing the captive populations in the same holding facility as proposed for some endemic Christmas Island bird species (Garnett & Crowley 2000) should be investigated if the shrew is 'rediscovered'.

Action 7:  Effective management of populations (Obj. 4, 5, 6 & 7; Perf. Crit. 4, 5, 6 & 7).
The location of any site supporting extant populations must be identified as habitat critical for the species. Steps must be taken to protect the area to ensure continuing survival and aid in population increase. Based on the limited information available recommended protection of the area in which a population is found needs to include no further habitat loss within at least 1km of the outer limits of the population detected; no new roading through the identified area; predator control (including the feral cat and black rat), as well as control and monitoring of the crazy ant. Further actions could include removal of individuals into a captive population (see Action 5). Where a population is located outside the National Park, appropriate management strategies are to be devised and implemented with the relevant interest groups, landowners or managers. Research relevant to the protection of any extant population is a high priority, and must include identifying habitat critical to survival and threatening processes.

Action 8: Identify and describe habitat critical (Obj. 3, 5, 6 & 7; Perf. Crit. 3, 5, 6 & 7).
When plentiful, the Christmas Island Shrew was recorded in rainforest extending from the shoreline to the plateau. However, in terms of identifying components of this vegetation comprising critical foraging, breeding and sheltering habitat, little information is available. For any populations of shrews located, an important action is to identify critical microhabitat within the rainforest used for foraging, shelter and breeding purposes. Additionally, it will be important to assess usage