Fauna Spotters logo

Black-soil Rises Ctenotus (Ctenotus schevilli)

The black-soil rises ctenotus is a moderately large skink found only in Queensland, mainly across the Mitchell Grass Downs and nearby arid interior districts. It uses cracking clay plains, tussock grasslands and rocky rises, so clearing, earthworks and removal of embedded rocks can affect habitat on works sites. It is listed as Near Threatened under Queensland legislation and is protected wildlife.

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Near threatened.

Breeding season

The Black-soil Rises Ctenotus is a Queensland endemic from the Mitchell Grass Downs. Ctenotus generally breed in spring and summer, but species-specific breeding dates are not established, so timing may vary between sites and years.

Breeding mode: Not recorded for the Black-soil Rises Ctenotus. Ctenotus are generally egg-laying skinks.

Breeding period: Spring to summer, based on the general pattern for Ctenotus.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest or breeding site: Not recorded. Individuals shelter beneath partially embedded rocks and in soil cracks, but these locations have not been confirmed as breeding sites.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing can shift with rainfall, flooding, temperature and local habitat conditions, and the species is patchy across apparently similar sites.

  • Breeding activity: Spring to summer is the expected breeding period for this Ctenotus, with no species-specific monthly peak established.
  • Targeted survey detectability: Cooler months, April to September, are recommended for targeted surveys, especially on dry days and during suitable morning conditions.
  • Surface basking and activity: Search for basking or active animals in the morning, while checking rocks and grassland margins because animals can retreat quickly into cracks.
  • Shelter use beneath rocks and in soil cracks: Shelter may be used throughout the year, including burrows beneath rocks and deep cracks in the black-soil plains.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is expected during spring and summer breeding, but retain suitable rocks and avoid crushing or filling soil cracks at all times.

Identification: Appearance and size

The black-soil rises ctenotus is a moderately large, spotty Ctenotus with a pale, mostly olive brown to reddish brown appearance. It can disappear quickly into soil cracks, so a brief visual search may miss animals using otherwise suitable habitat.

The ground colour is usually olive brown, with pale reddish brown on the sides and limbs. The underside is white.

Dark spots along the midline of the back may join to form an irregular vertebral stripe. The rest of the body has small pale spots, with pale dots often arranged in vertical rows on the flanks. The top of the head is usually unmarked, while the temples have pale spots.

Adults have a snout to vent length of about 65 to 85 mm. The legs are relatively long, and the tail is typically about 1.6 times the body length.

Overall impression: Moderately large skink with a pale, spotty pattern and little pattern on the legs.

Diagnostic character: More than 36 midbody scale rows, together with a pattern dominated by pale spots.

  • More than 36 midbody scale rows.
  • Usually 8 upper labials.
  • Four supraocular scales, with the first three contacting the frontal.
  • About 22 to 26 lamellae under the fourth toe.

Identification: Similar species

Several Ctenotus species occur in the Mitchell Grass Downs and can look superficially similar. Potentially sympatric species include the grassplains ctenotus, black-soil ctenotus, gravelly-soil ctenotus and eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus.

The black-soil rises ctenotus is distinguished in the field by its moderately large size, pale spotty pattern and lack of strong dark markings. Confirm difficult records from clear photographs or a qualified herpetologist.

  • Compare the whole pattern, not just the presence of a vertebral stripe.
  • Check size, scale rows and the arrangement of pale flank spots where handling is authorised.
  • Do not rely on colour alone, as ground colour can vary from olive brown to reddish brown.

Identification: Calls and field signs

There is no recognised call or echolocation feature to use for field detection. Visual searching is the appropriate primary approach.

The most useful field sign is a burrow or crack network beneath a partially embedded rock. Some sites have a burrow under almost every stone larger than about 30 to 40 cm, while nearby areas with similar rocks may show no signs.

  • Look for rapid movement into soil cracks when an observer approaches.
  • Inspect beneath larger embedded rocks for animals and burrow entrances.
  • Do not expect droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odour to provide reliable identification.

Distribution: Queensland range

The black-soil rises ctenotus is endemic to Queensland. Its distribution is centred on the arid and semi-arid interior, with records spread across the Mitchell Grass Downs and adjoining districts.

Records extend from around Richmond south towards Boulia and Aramac. The species is also associated with the Mitchell Grass Downs around Richmond, Winton, Hughenden and Blackall.

The exact distribution is likely to be patchy. A suitable-looking site may be unoccupied even where nearby rocky rises support animals.

States recorded: Queensland only.

Overseas range: None. This is an Australian endemic.

Protected land records: No records from protected lands are currently noted.

  • Richmond district and surrounding northern interior.
  • Mitchell Grass Downs around Winton, Hughenden and Blackall.
  • Southern records towards Boulia and Aramac.

Distribution: Site scale and records

Map records and nearby observations should be checked before clearing or construction begins. A project area can contain occupied and unoccupied patches within the same broad habitat type.

Treat connected black-soil plains, rocky rises and fine-soil ecotones as potential habitat until targeted survey has been completed.

  • Search both the proposed disturbance footprint and nearby retained habitat.
  • Record the location of animals, burrows, embedded rocks and major soil cracks.
  • Retain location details and photographs for environmental approvals and construction briefings.

Habitat: Preferred landforms and soils

Look for the species in open, semi-arid Mitchell Grass Downs country rather than relying on a simple black-soil map layer. The most useful combination is cracking clay soil, Mitchell grass tussocks and partially embedded rocks on rises or along soil transitions.

Preferred sites include elevated rises with rocks partly embedded in the ground. The species also occurs around transitions between reddish, stony soils and lower-lying grey clay soils that appear black when wet.

Deep cracks in clay soils provide access to shelter and can allow animals to retreat from observers.

Useful habitat clue: A rock-strewn rise with a crack network beneath or beside embedded rocks.

  • Deeply cracking black-soil plains.
  • Stony or rocky rises within otherwise open grassland.
  • Ecotones between fine clay soils and reddish or rocky ground.
  • Crests and margins where embedded rocks are present.

Habitat: Vegetation and regional ecosystems

Habitat is generally open tussock grassland dominated by Mitchell grasses, including curly Mitchell grass. Some sites may have an open shrubland or woodland overstorey.

Potential habitat includes Regional Ecosystems 4.9.1, 4.9.1a, 4.9.8, 4.9.8a, 4.9.8b, 4.3.14 and 4.3.3.

  • Curly Mitchell grass tussocks and their margins.
  • Open Mitchell grass plains with scattered shrubs or trees.
  • Rocky grassland patches within otherwise continuous clay plains.

Habitat: Pre-clearance checks

Before machinery enters potential habitat, walk the footprint and mark rocky rises, large embedded rocks, dense crack networks and suitable grassland margins.

A habitat check should cover areas proposed for access tracks, stockpiles, laydown areas, temporary works and drainage, not only the main construction pad.

  • Use binoculars first to scan for basking skinks.
  • Plan searches for cooler, dry conditions where practical.
  • Include adjacent retained habitat in the assessment, especially where it forms a continuous rise or soil transition.

Foraging habitat: Areas to search

The diet and detailed foraging behaviour of the black-soil rises ctenotus are poorly known. For field planning, treat Mitchell grass tussocks, grassland margins and rocky soil transitions as potential feeding habitat.

Search curly Mitchell grass tussock grasslands and their margins. Give extra attention to places where tussocks meet embedded rocks, bare soil and crack networks.

Animals may bask briefly before becoming active, then retreat under cover when approached.

Diet: Not established for this species. As a small active skink, it should be managed as a terrestrial invertebrate predator unless better species-specific information is available.

  • Edges of Mitchell grass tussocks.
  • Margins between grassland and rocky rises.
  • Open ground around embedded rocks and soil cracks.
  • Patches with a mixture of tussock cover and exposed clay or stone.

Foraging habitat: Search conditions

Active diurnal searches are the preferred targeted method because they allow broad coverage of a project area. Search in the morning under suitable weather conditions, when animals may be basking or becoming active.

Cooler days between April and September can provide useful detection opportunities. Warm days may also be suitable in mid-morning before temperatures become too high. Dry conditions are preferred.

  • Scan with binoculars before walking through suitable habitat.
  • Move slowly and watch the ground immediately around rocks and tussocks.
  • Inspect likely cover carefully, then replace rocks and surface material as found.

Foraging habitat: Secondary trapping

If active searching does not detect the species in suitable habitat, use pitfall arrays with drift fencing and funnel traps as a secondary method. Trapping must be planned and supervised by appropriately experienced personnel, with animal welfare checks and release procedures in place.

Place arrays in suitable habitat, including locations close to rocky rises, Mitchell grass margins and likely movement routes between cover.

  • Obtain the required approvals before trapping or handling.
  • Check traps at the frequency required by the approved method and weather conditions.
  • Record both captures and non-detections, because the species can be genuinely patchy.

Breeding habitat: Likely breeding setting

Species-specific information about nests, clutch size and breeding places is limited. Ctenotus generally breed in spring and summer, so avoid assuming that a lack of visible eggs or young means a site has no breeding value.

Breeding habitat is likely to be within the same grassland, rocky rise and cracking-soil habitat used by adults. Soil cracks and spaces beneath embedded rocks should be treated as potential breeding places where animals are present.

No separate nest structure or breeding colony should be expected.

Breeding period: Ctenotus are generally spring to summer breeders. Species-specific timing for this skink is not established.

Breeding place: Treat occupied burrows, soil cracks and rock shelters as potential breeding places.

  • Deep cracks in black clay soils.
  • Burrows beneath partially embedded rocks.
  • Rocky rises adjoining Mitchell grass tussock grassland.
  • Grassland margins with connected cover and crack networks.

Breeding habitat: Works planning

Schedule habitat disturbance outside periods of likely breeding activity where practicable, especially where surveys identify occupied shelters. Timing alone does not remove the need to manage habitat disturbance.

Before clearing, check rocks, cracks and connected grassland habitat within the disturbance footprint. Obtain advice on any proposed interference with an occupied or potential breeding place.

  • Fence and mark retained habitat before site establishment.
  • Keep machinery, spoil and materials out of crack networks and rocky shelter areas.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during approved clearing where animals or potential breeding places may be affected.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

The species shelters in soil cracks and beneath rocks. It can retreat deeply into cracks when it detects people, so an apparently empty rock or grassland patch may still be occupied.

Partially embedded rocks are a strong habitat feature. At one site, burrows occurred beneath many rocks larger than about 30 to 40 cm, although nearby rocks of a similar size showed no evidence of use.

Crack networks can provide shelter without an obvious entrance or other surface sign.

Shelter size clue: Give particular attention to rocks larger than 30 cm diameter, while recognising that smaller rocks and cracks may also provide cover.

  • Embedded rocks on rises and crests.
  • Burrows under rocks.
  • Deep cracks in grey or black cracking clay.
  • Grass tussocks and rocky margins connected to crack networks.

Sheltering habitat: Clearing controls

Do not lift, roll, bury or stockpile embedded rocks in potential habitat until the area has been assessed and the clearing approach approved. Rock removal can destroy shelter and disturb animals below the surface.

Avoid grading, deep ripping, compaction and unnecessary vehicle movement across crack networks and rocky rises.

  • Mark no-go shelter areas before machinery arrives.
  • Keep laydown areas and access tracks away from occupied rocks and dense crack systems.
  • Where disturbance is authorised, use staged clearing and a fauna spotter catcher.

Sheltering habitat: Detection and handling

If an animal retreats into a crack, do not excavate the crack or force the animal out. Stop work in the immediate area and follow the approved fauna management procedure.

Only trained and authorised personnel should capture or relocate an animal. Record the original location and the shelter feature used.

  • Use photographs and GPS records for occupied shelters.
  • Replace lifted cover promptly where this is safe and authorised.
  • Report injured animals, trapped individuals and damaged shelters to the site environmental manager.

Threats: Clearing and earthworks

No single species-specific threat has been established in the available ecological information. On development and land management sites, the main practical risks are loss of cracking-soil grassland, damage to rocky shelters and failure to detect animals before disturbance.

Clearing Mitchell grass plains, rocky rises and soil-transition habitat can remove both feeding areas and shelter. Excavation, grading and trenching can destroy cracks and burrows below the surface.

Assess the full disturbance footprint, including temporary works, access routes, stockpiles and drainage lines.

  • Avoid unnecessary clearing of black-soil plains and rocky rises.
  • Retain connected grassland and shelter features where practicable.
  • Use clearly marked exclusion areas around occupied or high-value habitat.

Threats: Rock removal and soil disturbance

Removing or burying embedded rocks can destroy shelter used by adults and may disturb animals that are not visible. Compaction and repeated vehicle movement can collapse soil cracks and reduce access to underground refuge.

Keep heavy vehicles and materials off rocky rises and crack networks unless the approved method specifically allows access.

  • Do not move rocks during preliminary site preparation without an ecological check.
  • Avoid deep ripping and unnecessary grading in potential habitat.
  • Control erosion and runoff so that cracks, burrows and tussock cover are not filled or scoured.

Threats: Poor detectability

The species is patchy and can retreat deep into cracks when it detects an observer. A short search, or a search on unsuitable days, can produce a false impression that the species is absent.

Use active searches during cooler, dry conditions between April and September where practicable. Add pitfall and funnel trapping in suitable habitat if active searches do not detect animals.

  • Scan with binoculars before entering the search area.
  • Search in the morning and inspect rocks larger than 30 cm diameter.
  • Document weather, effort, habitat searched and all shelter signs.

Threats: Legal and site management requirements

The black-soil rises ctenotus is Near Threatened under Queensland legislation and is protected wildlife. Interference with its breeding place requires a species management program.

Project managers should confirm approval, survey and fauna handling requirements before clearing starts. Use a site-specific management plan where potential habitat or occupied shelters occur.

Management approach: Apply avoidance first, then minimise disturbance, and use authorised fauna management measures where impacts cannot be avoided.

  • Engage a suitably qualified ecologist for targeted survey and impact assessment.
  • Brief spotter catchers and machine operators on the species, its shelter features and stop-work triggers.
  • Stop work and seek ecological advice if an animal, occupied burrow or potential breeding place is found.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The black-soil rises ctenotus is patchy and can retreat deep into soil cracks when approached. Plan surveys around suitable habitat, weather and daily activity, rather than relying on a single visit.

Map Mitchell Grass Downs, deeply cracking black-soil plains, Mitchell grass tussocks and the margins of stony or rocky rises.

Identify elevated crests with partially embedded rocks, fine-soil and rocky-soil junctions, and areas with rocks larger than 30 cm diameter.

Check records, Regional Ecosystems and protected-area mapping. Treat apparently suitable habitat as occupied until targeted survey gives a reasonable basis for another conclusion.

Survey methodology: 2. Active diurnal searches

Use active searches as the primary method. Search curly Mitchell grass tussocks, their margins and rocky rises.

Scan with binoculars before entering each search area. Look for basking or moving skinks, then search beneath suitable rocks for animals, burrows and signs of crack use.

Lift rocks carefully, inspect the ground and cracks, and replace each rock in its original position. Do not collapse burrows or widen cracks.

Give particular attention to rocks larger than 30 cm diameter, including rocks with possible burrows beneath them.

  • Survey during cooler months, April to September, preferably on dry days.
  • Search in the morning when animals are likely to be basking and becoming active.
  • On warmer days, finish the search by mid-morning. Reconsider timing after very hot, wet or rapidly changing weather.
  • Where sheet flooding has inundated lower ground, check suitable elevated habitat and stony rises for activity.

Survey methodology: 3. Trapping as a secondary method

If active searches do not detect the species in suitable habitat, use pitfall arrays with drift fencing and funnel traps where authorised and appropriate.

Place traps in suitable grassland and near rocky rises, burrows or likely movement routes. Avoid placing equipment where it will damage cracking soils or block access to shelter.

Use experienced reptile survey staff, check traps at suitable intervals, provide shade and protection from exposure, and release captured animals promptly at the point of capture unless an authorised relocation is required.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey records and interpretation

Record the date, start and finish times, weather, recent rainfall, ground conditions, habitat, search area, search effort, rocks inspected, animals seen and evidence of burrows or soil cracks.

Record exact locations for each observation, including whether the animal was basking, moving, beneath a rock or retreating into a crack.

Record negative results with the same level of detail as positive results. A negative search does not demonstrate absence where habitat is patchy or animals can retreat underground.

Photograph habitat and any handling or relocation site where this can be done without delaying safe work.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoidance is the preferred management response for this near threatened Queensland reptile. Before clearing, confirm the legal pathway, define suitable habitat and make sure every person on site understands the stop-work process.

Confirm whether the proposal may affect a matter of national environmental significance. Seek ecological advice on whether an EPBC Act referral is required.

The black-soil rises ctenotus is near threatened under Queensland legislation and is protected wildlife. Confirm the applicable Queensland permits and fauna handling authorities before work starts.

Do not tamper with a breeding place without the required Queensland approval. Where the activity may affect a breeding place, obtain and follow a species management program, or another approved pathway that applies to the project.

Keep copies of approvals, permit conditions, the fauna management plan and contact details for the supervising ecologist and fauna spotter catcher on site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Redesign or fence work areas to retain Mitchell Grass Downs, cracking black soils, rocky rises, embedded rocks and the margins between soil types wherever practicable.

Keep machinery, laydown areas, spoil, access tracks and wash-down activities out of retained habitat.

Set exclusion zones around occupied habitat, burrows, active breeding places or animals. Have the ecologist set the boundary according to the work, habitat, animal location and approval conditions. Do not use an assumed generic buffer.

Mark retained rocks and habitat clearly. Prevent unauthorised rock removal, grading, soil compaction, dumping and vehicle access.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a targeted pre-clearance search during the preferred cooler survey period, April to September, where the program allows.

Search on a dry day and in the morning. Inspect suitable rocks, grassland margins, soil cracks and burrow evidence immediately before disturbance.

Repeat or reschedule the search when weather or ground conditions are unsuitable, when flooding changes animal availability, or when the first search does not adequately cover suitable habitat.

Treat an animal, burrow system or concentrated evidence beneath rocks as a trigger for ecological assessment before clearing continues.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and readiness

Induct all workers, machine operators and contractors before entering the work area.

Show the common name, photographs or identification material, retained habitat, exclusion zones and the site map.

Explain that only authorised fauna personnel may handle the animal. Explain the stop-work signal and the process for reporting a sighting, injured animal, burrow or possible breeding place.

Have suitable containers, shade, basic first-aid materials and an approved release or veterinary contact pathway ready before clearing begins.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence and keep a fauna spotter catcher present where required by approval conditions or the fauna management plan. Work must stop whenever an animal, burrow system or possible breeding place needs assessment.

Clear the smallest practical area at a time, working from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat so animals have an opportunity to move away.

Remove vegetation and surface cover progressively. Avoid sudden removal of rocks, soil crusts or embedded stones that may expose or collapse shelter.

Inspect the next work area before machinery enters it. Keep spotters in a safe position where they can see the work face and direct operators.

Do not allow machinery to crush rocks, fill cracks or grade potential shelter until the fauna spotter catcher has cleared the area.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop-work authority and handling

Give the fauna spotter catcher authority to stop work immediately for a black-soil rises ctenotus, an occupied burrow, a suspected breeding place or an unsafe handling situation.

Only authorised and appropriately trained personnel may catch, handle, contain or relocate the animal. Workers must not chase, pick up or move it.

Allow an animal that is moving safely into retained habitat to leave without interference where this is consistent with approval conditions.

If handling is necessary, minimise handling time, protect the animal from heat and direct sun, and release it at an approved suitable location as soon as practicable.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Burrows and breeding places

Stop work around any active burrow system, repeated use of cracks or possible breeding place until the supervising ecologist assesses it.

Do not excavate, fill, collapse, seal or disturb the feature until the required approval pathway and management actions are confirmed.

Record the location, habitat, rock size, signs of use and any animal observed. Establish or extend an exclusion zone as directed by the ecologist.

There is no established requirement for a nest box, roost box or other artificial breeding structure for this species. Retain natural rocks, cracks and soil structure instead.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animals and incidents

Place an injured animal in a secure, ventilated container with suitable shade and minimal disturbance. Do not provide food or water unless directed by a qualified wildlife carer or veterinarian.

Contact the project ecologist, authorised wildlife carer or veterinarian promptly, following the project fauna management plan and permit conditions.

Record the location, time, apparent cause of injury, condition, photographs where appropriate, actions taken and final outcome.

Report unapproved harm, mortality, unauthorised handling, damage to a breeding place or breach of an exclusion zone to the site manager and relevant authorities as required by the approval conditions.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Post-clearance checks help confirm that animals, burrows and retained habitat were not missed during works. Use the results to improve the next work stage and meet approval and reporting obligations.

Inspect the cleared footprint and its edges after each clearing stage, with particular attention to rocks, cracks, spoil piles and remaining tussocks.

Check that exclusion fencing remains intact and that retained habitat has not been entered, compacted, flooded with sediment or covered by spoil.

Search for live animals, injured animals, carcasses, damaged burrows and newly exposed shelter. Record all findings and investigate unexplained mortality.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated animals

Record each relocation separately, including capture point, release point, habitat description, date, time, weather, condition and the person who handled the animal.

Release animals only where authorised and where the location provides suitable retained habitat, rocks, soil cracks and grass cover. Avoid releasing into active work areas or isolated unsuitable patches.

Do not move animals farther than necessary. Do not retain animals overnight unless directed by an authorised wildlife professional and allowed by the relevant permit.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring and reporting

Complete any monitoring required by the approval, species management program or fauna management plan. Use the same search approach and recording standards where results need to be compared.

Monitor retained habitat and relocation areas for disturbance, weed invasion, erosion, compaction, rock removal and continuing animal use.

Provide the project manager and ecologist with a close-out report covering survey effort, sightings, handling, relocations, injuries, deaths, breeding-place findings, permit compliance and corrective actions.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every stop-work event, injury, mortality, missed animal or habitat breach with the spotter catcher, supervisor and machine operators.

Change the clearing sequence, exclusion controls, induction or survey timing where the review identifies a weakness.

Keep records with the project environmental file and use them to guide later stages of the same project and future work in Mitchell Grass Downs habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore natural shelter and soils

Rehabilitation should rebuild the habitat features used by the black-soil rises ctenotus, especially grass cover, natural rocks and stable soil cracks. The species is poorly known, so restoration should favour natural shelter and avoid structures that have not been shown to support it.

Replace salvaged rocks in their original or ecologically suitable positions where this is safe and allowed. Retain rocks that are partially embedded and can provide shelter above soil cracks.

Reinstate natural soil profiles and avoid compaction on cracking clays. Do not fill, seal or unnecessarily disturb cracks and burrow systems.

Re-establish Mitchell grass tussocks and suitable grassland margins using locally appropriate provenance and methods approved for the site.

Keep rehabilitation areas free of spoil, rubbish, stockpiles and vehicle traffic while vegetation and soil structure recover.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Planting, weeds and erosion

Control weeds before they dominate tussock grasslands or alter the open structure of the habitat.

Use erosion controls that do not block cracks, bury rocks or create hard barriers to movement.

Inspect after rain and repair rilling, sediment deposition, failed fencing and soil slumping promptly.

Do not create dense planted cover or artificial ponds unless these features are required for another approved ecological purpose and their effects have been assessed.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Artificial structures and water

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures for this species. It is associated with rocks, soil cracks and burrows rather than documented box or roost structures.

Use natural rocks, retained grass tussocks and intact cracking soils as the primary replacement shelter.

Avoid adding artificial water points. They are not a documented requirement for this species and may change predator, stock, weed or disease pressure.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting and ongoing protection

Keep lighting away from retained and rehabilitated habitat. Use only the minimum lighting required for safety, direct it away from grassland and rocky rises, and avoid broad spill across movement areas.

Fence or sign rehabilitation areas until soil and vegetation are stable. Prevent grazing, unauthorised rock collection, vehicle access and soil disturbance where required by the management plan.

Inspect rehabilitation during the first suitable cooler survey period, April to September, and continue monitoring at a frequency set by the ecologist and approval conditions.

Use monitoring results to adjust weed control, erosion treatment, fencing and habitat restoration. Look for basking animals, burrows beneath rocks and continued use of soil cracks rather than relying only on incidental sightings.

Sources