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Broad-eyed Slider (Kimberley) (Lerista robusta)

The broad-eyed slider is a small, semi-fossorial skink recorded from Western Australia, with records from the Kimberley region and a type locality near Cherrabun. Its habitat and current distribution are poorly documented. It is listed as Priority 1 on the WA DBCA Threatened and Priority Fauna List, a DBCA priority category rather than a listing under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Conservation status

Western Australia, WA Threatened and Priority Fauna List: Priority 1.

Seasonal planning

Seasonal activity and breeding months are not recorded for this species. The year-round row is a general planning window, not a species-specific seasonal pattern.

Breeding months: Not recorded.

Activity months: Not recorded for this species; it is described as largely nocturnal.

No species-specific seasonal calendar is available.

  • Precautionary survey and work planning: General planning window only. Do not infer that any month is free of risk.

Identification: Appearance and size

Species-specific identification information is limited. Confirm potential records carefully and seek expert advice if identification is uncertain.

The species is described as a skink with hind legs only. The Reptile Database records two toes but provides no diagnostic description.

The greatest recorded snout-to-vent length is 64 mm. A total length is not recorded.

Identification: Similar species

Field characters for distinguishing this species from other Lerista have not been documented. Do not rely on the common name alone for identification.

Identification: Field signs

Species-specific tracks, burrows, shed skins and other field signs have not been described. A sign alone should not be treated as a confirmed record.

Distribution: Known range

The species is recorded from Western Australia, but its distribution is very restricted and poorly documented.

The Reptile Database gives the distribution as Western Australia and reports that the species is known only from its original description. A range estimate has also been reported, but current occupancy across that area is not established.

Distribution: WA region

The DBCA list flags the Kimberley region. The type locality is Egans Bore, 50 km west of Cherrabun.

Habitat: Available habitat information

Site-scale habitat preferences are not documented. Treat broad habitat information as context, not as a precise description of occupied sites.

The species is described as terrestrial and semi-fossorial. It is associated with tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

Habitat: Information gaps

Specific vegetation types, soil conditions, landforms and microhabitats are not documented. Do not rule out a site solely because it does not match a broad biome label.

Foraging habitat: Diet

Diet is reported, but feeding locations and foraging behaviour are not documented.

The species is reported to be carnivorous and to eat small invertebrates.

Foraging habitat: Foraging information

Where and how it forages are unknown. Avoid assuming that a particular surface, vegetation type or prey concentration indicates its presence.

Breeding habitat: Reproduction

The species lays eggs, but its breeding habitat and timing are unknown.

The species is oviparous. Clutch size, egg-laying site, incubation information and breeding season are not recorded.

Breeding habitat: Precaution

Do not assume that any particular season is free of breeding risk. Apply the same careful site checks and disturbance controls throughout the year.

Sheltering habitat: Known sheltering behaviour

Semi-fossorial behaviour is reported, but specific shelter sites have not been described.

The species is described as semi-fossorial. Particular burrows, soil types, ground cover and refuge materials are not identified.

Sheltering habitat: Search context

As general skink survey practice, check carefully around ground-level cover and within loose surface material where disturbance can be done safely. These are search precautions, not confirmed shelter preferences for this species.

Threats: Evidence

Threats specific to this species have not been identified. Its limited documented record base supports a precautionary approach to proposed works.

Species-specific threats and documented responses to disturbance are not known.

Threats: Works risk

Clearing or ground disturbance could harm an individual if one is present. Treat this as a general precaution for a small, semi-fossorial skink, not as a documented species-specific impact.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The species is poorly known, and no validated survey method is established. Combine desktop checks with cautious field searches and report uncertainty clearly.

Check whether the works area is in the Kimberley and near the known type locality, and review current DBCA records and relevant project records. Do not assume the species is absent because no records are mapped.

Survey methodology: 2. Field searches

The species is described as largely nocturnal and semi-fossorial. As general skink survey practice, consider careful nocturnal searches and targeted inspection of ground-level cover, using methods that minimise habitat disturbance.

Survey methodology: 3. Records and handling

Photograph potential animals where possible, record the precise location and habitat context, and seek confirmation from a qualified herpetologist. Use capture or handling only where authorised and consistent with animal-welfare requirements.

Vegetation associations: Shrubland

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

It is associated with tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Vegetation associations: Tussock grassland

It is associated with tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Ecosystem associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific ecosystem association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Soil and substrate associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific soil association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Water and wetland associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific water association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Fauna records and mapped habitat: Not yet analysed

Record locations can be overlaid with mapping, but record frequency alone does not measure habitat preference. No species is excluded from desktop assessments by this analysis.

No quality-controlled record-to-map analysis has been completed for this species. The existing generalised distribution dots and indicative range polygons have not been treated as precise occurrence coordinates.

A defensible run needs dated, independently attributable records, coordinate uncertainty, duplicate and captive-record checks, layer versions and regional scope. Preference and absence require additional survey-effort and detection evidence.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: No supported exclusion recorded

Not recorded is not the same as cannot occur. Low suitability, resident habitat, breeding habitat and occasional movement are different conclusions.

This library has not established a vegetation, ecosystem or soil-type exclusion for this species. This does not mean all habitat is suitable; the evidence needed to justify an exclusion has not been assembled.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: Before using a negative association

  • Confirm the taxon, geographic region, life stage and habitat function covered by the evidence.
  • Check survey methods, season, repeated effort and detectability before interpreting non-detection.
  • Investigate credible contradictory records and microhabitats absent from broad mapping.
  • Do not convert a missing map class, low record count or failed data request into species absence.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm constraints

Plan for uncertainty because the species' known records and habitat requirements are limited.

Check the latest DBCA listing and records, confirm whether the site falls within the flagged Kimberley region, and document the limits of current survey information.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Prepare the work area

Brief crews on the potential for a small, semi-fossorial skink and establish a clear stop-work and escalation process for unexpected fauna. Keep disturbance within approved limits.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Survey before clearing

Have a suitably qualified person assess the work area before disturbance. Use a cautious, low-impact search approach and record areas that could not be inspected.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Clear progressively

Use staged, controlled work and respond promptly to any potential sighting.

As a general precaution for ground-dwelling fauna, work in manageable stages and inspect the active area before each stage. Avoid unnecessary movement or disturbance of surface material.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop and assess

If a potential slider is found, stop work in the immediate area, protect the animal from further disturbance and contact the fauna spotter catcher or project ecologist. Do not handle or relocate it unless authorised.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Record the event

Record the location, time, photographs if available, identification confidence and response. Follow project approvals and applicable reporting procedures.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Check the outcome

After works, close out records and review whether the controls were adequate.

Document searches, sightings, handling or other responses, and any work areas that were not fully checked. Do not interpret a lack of sightings as proof that the species was absent.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Escalate records

Have potential records confirmed by an appropriately experienced person and submit them through the relevant project and DBCA reporting pathways.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore disturbed areas

Rehabilitation should restore disturbed ground and vegetation in line with approved site objectives. Species-specific restoration requirements are not documented.

Reinstate ground surfaces and locally appropriate vegetation using the project's approved rehabilitation plan. Avoid introducing materials or plants that are not approved for the site.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Monitor and adapt

Record rehabilitation progress and any fauna observations. Do not claim habitat suitability or successful use by this species without supporting evidence.

Sources