Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00385:body:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00385
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 35953–38968

specimens can determine the phylogenetic relationship with closely related shrews in Java and other parts of southeast Asia. This can be achieved by analysing molecular sequence data, such as mitochondrial cytochrome b gene or the control region of D-loop. Taxonomic investigations of Crocidura shrews have been conducted indicating the potential availability of primers of closely related species, for example C. attenuata (Ruedi & Vogel 1995, Motokawa et al. 1997, Motokawa et al. 2000) and C. fuliginosa (Ruedi et al. 1990, Ruedi & Vogel 1995, Ruedi et al. 1998, Querouil et al. 2001). This could be done in various institutions, such as the Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum or the Centre for Environmental Adaptation and Stress Research, University of Melbourne. Although this action will determine the taxonomic status, even if genetic studies show that the Christmas Island Shrew is not a distinct species or subspecies (from those found in Asia), it still represents a unique element of Australian fauna which meets criteria for threatened listing under the EPBC Act, and therefore requires a recovery plan outlining recovery actions.

Action 2: Investigate current status and distribution (Obj. 2; Perf. Crit. 2).
Before any remedial work to aid recovery, it must be determined if the shrew is extant. Once 're-discovered', information on current status and distribution is essential to manage recovery. Targeted surveys of potential habitat in rainforest throughout the island, by suitably qualified and experienced personnel, should be conducted twice annually over the five-year period, or until populations have been located, and the status and distribution determined. Appendix 1 details the suggested targeted survey approach. If after 5 years, the community awareness program, feral animal control actions and practices, and habitat protection measures have been implemented, and no shrew is found, nomination for listing as Extinct under the EPBC Act should be considered.

Action 3: Develop wildlife management program for potential habitat outside the Christmas Island National Park (Obj. 3, 5 & 6; Perf. Crit. 3, 4, 5 & 6).
The majority of primary rainforest outside the National Park is publicly owned, by the Commonwealth. To achieve protection of threatened species, including any remaining extant populations of the shrew, outside the national park, it is essential that a considered approach be adopted through developing a comprehensive wildlife management program. Such an approach will assist PAN in negotiations over development proposals, allow for the input of relevant decision-makers and landholders, and facilitate greater certainty for environmentally sensitive developments. The plan should also allow for adaptive management as better information becomes available on the Christmas Island Shrew and other threatened species, in particular whether the shrew is extant, and if so what habitat is critical for survival.

Action 4:  Control abundance and spread