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Cape Heath Ctenotus (Ctenotus rawlinsoni)

The Cape heath ctenotus is a Queensland endemic skink recorded in the Cape York Peninsula bioregion and elsewhere in Queensland. It may be present in suitable ground habitat on clearing and construction sites, even when database records are absent. It is listed as Endangered in Queensland, so potential habitat and animals require careful assessment and protection under Queensland wildlife and development approval requirements.

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Endangered.

Breeding season

The Cape heath ctenotus is Endangered in Queensland, but its species specific breeding calendar is poorly known. This bar uses a conservative warm season pattern for a terrestrial skink, so plan targeted surveys and clearing controls across all months, with extra caution from September to March.

Breeding mode: Likely egg laying, as in most Ctenotus skinks. Confirm this locally before relying on it for site planning.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Hatching and independence: Not recorded. Young skinks are generally mobile after hatching, but the timing for this species is unknown.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest or egg-laying sites: Not recorded. Avoid disturbing ground shelter, soil cracks, leaf litter, logs and other potential refuge until assessed by a qualified ecologist.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing may shift between years and locations, and the bar should be updated when local records, survey results or project specific ecological advice become available.

  • General surface activity: Warm and wet conditions are likely to support more surface activity, although individuals may be active in all months in tropical Queensland.
  • Likely mating and egg laying: This is a general scincid pattern only, not a documented breeding period for the Cape heath ctenotus.
  • Likely eggs and hatchlings: Treat warm season ground shelter as potential egg or hatchling habitat until local surveys show otherwise.
  • Targeted survey and pre-clearance activity: Survey potential habitat before clearing in every month, with increased effort during the warmer period when surface activity and detectability may be higher.
  • Highest clearing risk: For this Endangered species, avoid unnecessary clearing from September to February, retain ground shelter, and stop work for advice if a Cape heath ctenotus or possible breeding site is found.

Identification: Appearance

The Cape heath ctenotus is a poorly known terrestrial skink. Treat any unidentified Ctenotus found during clearing as potentially significant until an experienced reptile ecologist confirms the identification.

Species specific descriptions, measurements and diagnostic field marks should be confirmed from an authoritative reptile identification reference before field work begins.

As a Ctenotus, it is likely to be a fast moving, ground dwelling skink. Do not rely on the common name alone, or on a quick view of colour and pattern, to separate it from other local skinks.

  • Use clear dorsal, lateral and head photographs where this can be done safely.
  • Record the exact location, habitat, date and circumstances of every capture or sighting.
  • Have difficult specimens checked by a suitably experienced herpetologist.

Identification: Calls and similar species

No species specific call is established for field use. Identification should be based on morphology, photographs, locality and habitat rather than sound.

Other Ctenotus and unrelated small skinks may occur in the same ground layer. Similar species information should be confirmed for the particular project area, especially in Cape York Peninsula.

  • Do not release an uncertain identification as a confirmed Cape heath ctenotus.
  • Retain a photographic record for verification where capture is not authorised or practical.

Identification: Field signs

This species is not expected to leave distinctive nests, droppings, whitewash, stains or odours that can be used reliably for detection. The most useful evidence is a live animal, a high quality photograph, or a verified specimen record.

Search teams should also record cover, tracks and disturbance around likely ground habitat, but these signs should be treated as supporting evidence only.

  • Check beneath loose natural cover without removing more material than necessary.
  • Replace cover in its original position after inspection.
  • Record burrows, cracks, litter layers and other shelter features that may be used by small skinks.

Distribution: Australian range

The Cape heath ctenotus is endemic to Queensland. Current records confirm occurrence in the Cape York Peninsula bioregion, but the available profile does not define the full Queensland range at a finer scale.

Queensland is the only Australian state or territory listed for this species. It is recorded as naturally occurring in Queensland and is not recorded as occurring overseas.

The species is included in the Cape York Peninsula reptile records. Project teams should obtain the latest government species spatial data before finalising site constraints.

  • Treat a lack of a local database record as inconclusive.
  • Consider records near the site, including records that may have location uncertainty.
  • Check whether older records use a former taxonomic name or have been revised.

Distribution: Record interpretation

WildNet records are filtered for duplication, error, location precision and zero counts. A report for an area can include records up to 1 kilometre outside that area.

The database contains records rather than a complete map of occupied habitat. A listed site may no longer be occupied, while an unlisted site may still support the species.

  • Use records to target survey effort, not to define the only areas requiring protection.
  • Document the search area, survey conditions and limitations in the project fauna report.

Distribution: Site planning

Before clearing, map potential habitat across the entire disturbance footprint and adjacent retained land. Link the map to recent records, local vegetation, soil, drainage and ground cover.

Where habitat is uncertain, seek advice from a qualified ecologist and the relevant Queensland authority before works begin.

  • Include access tracks, stockpile areas, laydown areas and temporary work zones in the assessment.
  • Avoid assuming that retained vegetation outside the main footprint is unused habitat.
  • Update the assessment if the footprint, construction method or timing changes.

Habitat: Features to inspect

Species specific habitat information is limited, so habitat assessment should remain precautionary. On site, focus on terrestrial ground layers and the small-scale features that provide cover, basking places and feeding opportunities for skinks.

Inspect low vegetation, litter, exposed soil, fallen timber, stones, root bases, cracks and other ground cover. Record whether these features are continuous or isolated.

The name Cape heath should not be used as a substitute for a site assessment. Confirm habitat associations from local records and expert advice rather than assuming that every heath community is occupied.

  • Map intact ground cover as well as the canopy and shrub layers.
  • Record bare areas, compacted soil, erosion, drainage changes and recent fire.
  • Note nearby cleared land and whether it interrupts movement between habitat patches.

Habitat: Landforms and vegetation

Look across heath, open woodland, forest margins and other terrestrial vegetation communities where suitable ground cover is present. Particular attention should be given to sandy, open or lightly cluttered ground where a small skink could move and shelter, but this is a general survey cue rather than a confirmed species association.

Include ecotones, track edges and recently disturbed areas in the inspection, while recognising that disturbance can also reduce habitat quality.

  • Walk habitat transitions rather than sampling only the centre of a vegetation community.
  • Assess retained vegetation beside the clearing footprint.
  • Record whether ground cover is natural, weed dominated, heavily grazed or compacted.

Habitat: Habitat condition

Assess habitat condition at the scale of the proposed works and the surrounding landscape. Endangered species can be affected by the loss of small habitat patches where the total occupied area is poorly known.

Use a precautionary habitat polygon where field evidence is limited, then refine it after survey and construction planning.

  • Retain natural ground cover wherever practicable.
  • Keep machinery out of undisturbed habitat until the fauna inspection is complete.
  • Protect habitat beyond the immediate clearing line from avoidable storage, vehicle traffic and spoil placement.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas

The diet of the Cape heath ctenotus is not defined in the available profile. As a terrestrial skink, it should be assessed around ground surfaces and cover features where small invertebrate prey may occur.

Search beneath and beside natural cover, along litter margins, around low vegetation and across open ground with some shelter nearby. These areas can provide both prey and escape cover for small skinks.

Do not clear or strip the ground layer before the fauna inspection has been completed.

  • Inspect the edges of logs, rocks, leaf litter and root mats.
  • Check open patches connected to cover rather than treating bare ground as unsuitable without assessment.
  • Record moisture, shade and ground cover conditions at the time of survey.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Use a combination of careful visual searching, targeted inspection of natural cover and active searches during suitable reptile activity periods. The project ecologist should select methods according to season, weather, access and the condition of the site.

Species specific survey effort and detection probabilities are not established here, so a single negative search should not be treated as proof of absence.

  • Survey before vegetation clearing and repeat the inspection if conditions or the footprint change.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing where required by the approved method or permit.
  • Stop work and protect the area if a suspected individual is found and cannot be identified immediately.

Foraging habitat: Food and ground disturbance

Avoid practices that remove litter, compact soil or simplify the ground layer across retained habitat. Limit dust, sediment, chemical spills and unnecessary lighting near habitat.

Keep stockpiles, spoil and machinery on already disturbed areas where possible.

  • Maintain connectivity between retained ground habitat patches.
  • Prevent weeds and rubbish from replacing natural ground cover.
  • Do not use baiting, pesticides or other control measures near potential habitat without ecological and regulatory review.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding features

Breeding biology and breeding place types are poorly known for this species. Until local information is available, treat suitable terrestrial ground habitat as potentially important for sheltering, mating and egg laying or juvenile survival.

Inspect loose soil, litter, root zones, gaps beneath logs and stones, and other protected ground spaces. These features may be relevant to a small skink, but none should be regarded as a confirmed Cape heath ctenotus breeding place without evidence.

Do not disturb or remove potential cover unnecessarily during preclearance.

  • Mark concentrations of suitable ground cover within the disturbance footprint.
  • Retain connected areas of natural litter, soil and low vegetation.
  • Photograph and document any eggs, juveniles, nesting behaviour or repeated adult use.

Breeding habitat: Breeding place protection

If an animal, eggs, juveniles or a repeatedly used shelter is found, pause work in the immediate area and obtain advice from the project ecologist. Confirm whether a species management program, permit or other approval is required before tampering with the place.

Do not excavate, burn, fill or cover a suspected breeding feature while its significance is being assessed.

  • Set out an agreed no-go area around the feature using the approved ecological method.
  • Brief supervisors and machinery operators before work resumes.
  • Keep a written record of the find, response and approvals.

Breeding habitat: Timing and monitoring

A reliable breeding season is not established in this profile. Avoid setting a narrow seasonal clearance window unless it is supported by current local advice.

Where works cannot be avoided, use staged clearing, preclearance inspection and fauna supervision, with follow-up monitoring proportionate to the Endangered listing.

  • Schedule works when detection and animal handling can be managed safely.
  • Review the method after the first clearing stage and adjust it if animals or breeding evidence are found.
  • Report significant observations to the relevant wildlife authority and project database.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Shelter is likely to be associated with ground cover and small protected spaces, but species specific shelter requirements are not established. Retain a range of natural cover features and inspect them carefully before disturbance.

Look for leaf litter, fallen timber, rocks, root cavities, soil cracks, dense low vegetation and gaps between ground objects. These features can provide protection from heat, predators and machinery exposure.

Shelters can be small and inconspicuous. Avoid broad assumptions based only on vegetation type.

  • Map areas with continuous natural cover.
  • Replace inspected cover exactly as found.
  • Do not seal cracks, fill hollows or remove logs before fauna checks are complete.

Sheltering habitat: Preclearance and handling

A qualified fauna spotter catcher should inspect potential shelter before clearing. Use slow, staged removal of cover and vegetation, with work directed away from retained habitat where practicable.

If a skink is captured, keep handling to the minimum needed for identification and approved relocation. Follow the project's animal welfare, permit and release procedures.

  • Stop machinery when a suspected individual is seen.
  • Keep captured animals shaded and protected from heat and predators.
  • Release animals only at an approved nearby location with suitable cover, or follow the direction of the relevant authority.

Sheltering habitat: Retained habitat

Protect shelter habitat outside the clearing footprint from indirect damage. Vehicle movement, fire, weeds, altered drainage and stockpiling can reduce its value even when vegetation is retained.

Use clearly marked exclusion areas and inspect them during construction.

  • Keep work areas, access routes and spoil outside retained habitat.
  • Prevent unnecessary removal of logs, rocks and litter.
  • Restore temporary work areas with natural ground cover where practicable.

Threats: Clearing and fragmentation

The Endangered listing calls for a conservative approach to clearing and construction. The main site risks are loss of ground habitat, direct mortality and damage to the remaining habitat around the works.

Removal of vegetation, litter, logs, rocks and soil can eliminate shelter and foraging places. Narrow clearings, roads and temporary work areas can also divide habitat and increase exposure to predators, heat and vehicles.

Keep the disturbance footprint as small as practicable and retain connected habitat patches.

  • Use existing disturbed areas for access, compounds and stockpiles.
  • Fence and map no-go areas before machinery arrives.
  • Do not widen approved clearing without ecological and regulatory review.

Threats: Direct harm during works

Skinks can be injured or killed by clearing, grading, excavation, vehicle movement and removal of ground cover. Animals may remain hidden in litter, soil cracks or beneath objects until machinery is close.

Use staged clearing and active fauna supervision suited to the site risk.

  • Complete preclearance searches before each clearing stage.
  • Set speed limits and keep machinery on defined routes.
  • Stop work for any suspected Cape heath ctenotus and follow the approved response procedure.

Threats: Fire, weeds and altered ground conditions

Frequent or intense fire, weed invasion, soil compaction, erosion, changed drainage and excessive clearing can simplify the ground layer. These changes may reduce shelter and prey resources.

Manage retained habitat so that construction does not create a continuing decline in habitat condition.

  • Control weeds without unapproved chemical use in potential habitat.
  • Prevent sediment, concrete washout, fuel and other pollutants entering retained ground habitat.
  • Use fire planning that considers the species' local habitat and the condition of nearby refuge areas.

Threats: Regulatory and information risk

The species was reclassified in Queensland from Vulnerable to Endangered on 1 September 2024. Treat old project documents that use the former category as out of date.

Absence from a database or a failed search does not remove the need for a risk based assessment.

  • Check current Queensland listing, permit and approval requirements before clearing.
  • Obtain specialist advice where habitat, identification or breeding use is uncertain.
  • Keep survey records and submit verified sightings to the appropriate Queensland database.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Cape heath ctenotus is a poorly known, terrestrial skink and a Queensland endemic recorded in the Cape York Peninsula bioregion. Use a cautious, habitat-based survey approach, and treat a failure to detect the species as inconclusive where suitable habitat remains.

Review WildNet records, recent aerial imagery, vegetation mapping, fire history, land use and the proposed clearing footprint before fieldwork.

Check records within and around the site, including records up to 1 km beyond the project area. Confirm the precision and age of each record before using it to define survey priorities.

Map potential habitat, retained native vegetation, connected patches, likely shelter sites and areas that could be isolated by roads, pads or construction zones.

Queensland status: Endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 from 1 September 2024

Known jurisdiction: Queensland, including the Cape York Peninsula bioregion

  • Obtain current advice from the Queensland department where the site is near a known record or an area of conservation significance.
  • Treat the species as potentially present in suitable habitat, even where database searches return no record.
  • Use the full project footprint, access tracks, stockpile areas and temporary work areas when planning the survey.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Use systematic visual searches by experienced reptile ecologists. Search slowly through suitable terrestrial habitat, along edges and around natural or ground-level shelter, while avoiding unnecessary disturbance.

Inspect likely shelter carefully, including loose surface cover, leaf litter, fallen timber, rock edges and ground fissures where these features occur. Replace all cover in its original position after inspection.

Use active searches during mild to warm conditions when skinks are likely to be moving or basking. Avoid relying on searches during cold, heavy rain, flooding or extreme heat.

  • Walk parallel transects or another mapped search pattern that provides coverage of all habitat within the disturbance footprint.
  • Use trapping only where justified by the risk assessment, approved by the relevant authority and supervised by people experienced in small skink capture and welfare.
  • Do not excavate, dismantle substantial shelter or disturb suspected breeding places merely to improve detection.

Survey methodology: 3. Survey effort and conditions

Set the number and timing of visits according to the footprint, habitat quality, recent records, weather and consequences of missing an animal. Endangered status warrants a conservative approach and repeat coverage where conditions are poor or detection confidence is low.

There is no reliable migration pattern or breeding season available to use as a universal survey window. Do not assume that a single visit, or a survey during one season, excludes the species.

  • Record the date, start and finish times, weather, recent rainfall, ground conditions and survey personnel.
  • Record the search method, transect or trapping locations, area covered, duration, limitations and any inaccessible areas.
  • Repeat searches after suitable weather where the first visit had low detection confidence or where an animal, shelter site or possible breeding place is found.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and identification

Record every observation, capture, sign, suspected shelter and potential breeding place with a precise GPS location and a clear photograph where this can be done without disturbance.

Document the habitat, ground cover, vegetation structure, disturbance history, animal behaviour and direction of movement. Keep a separate record of negative results and survey limitations.

Have uncertain identifications checked by a suitably experienced herpetologist before work proceeds in the area.

  • Submit records through the appropriate Queensland wildlife data pathway and retain the original field data.
  • Use unique observation numbers that link photographs, GPS points, field notes and any handling or release record.
  • Report injured, dead or relocated animals and any suspected offence or unauthorised disturbance through the required Queensland pathway.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan the project around avoidance first. The Cape heath ctenotus is endangered in Queensland, so survey findings should directly influence the footprint, staging, controls and approval pathway before clearing starts.

Confirm the current Queensland listing and approval requirements before finalising the clearing method. The species changed from Vulnerable to Endangered on 1 September 2024.

Check whether the proposal requires an EPBC Act referral or approval. No EPBC status is shown for this species in the available Queensland listings, but the referral decision must be based on the current Commonwealth protected matters information and the project impacts.

Obtain Queensland permits, authorities and approvals required for survey, capture, handling, relocation, disturbance or clearing of protected wildlife and protected animal breeding places.

  • Prepare a Queensland species management program where the proposed action may tamper with a protected animal breeding place and the Queensland framework requires one.
  • Keep approval conditions, permit numbers, maps and contact details at the site office and in the spotter catcher vehicle.
  • Do not rely on a general clearing approval where a species-specific condition or authority is required.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site layout

Redesign the footprint to retain occupied or potentially occupied habitat wherever practicable. Retain connected native vegetation and avoid isolating small habitat patches with permanent barriers.

Keep machinery, access tracks, laydown areas, spoil, fuels and washdown facilities out of retained habitat and areas identified during survey.

Define no-go areas on plans and on the ground. Use durable fencing, flagging and signs that are visible to operators and remain in place throughout the work.

  • Use the smallest practicable disturbance footprint.
  • Protect natural ground cover, leaf litter, fallen timber, rocks and other shelter features that are retained for the species.
  • Do not set a buffer distance without site-specific ecological advice, approval conditions and consideration of the animal, its shelter and the disturbance method.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and timing

Complete a pre-clearance search shortly before disturbance, using the approved method and suitable weather conditions. The search should cover the entire work area, not only areas where the desktop assessment found records.

No dependable breeding or migration calendar is established for this species. Plan works to avoid disturbance to any active breeding place identified during survey, and obtain ecological and regulatory advice where timing cannot be avoided.

Repeat the pre-clearance check if clearing is delayed, the footprint changes, weather becomes unsuitable or new shelter or breeding features are exposed.

  • Mark all animals, shelter sites and potential breeding places before machinery enters the area.
  • Stop and reassess if the pre-clearance survey cannot be completed to the standard required by the approval or management plan.
  • Use a staged clearing plan that allows animals to move into retained habitat without directing them towards roads, water hazards or active work areas.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Crew induction and exclusion

Give all workers a short site induction before clearing. Show the species, no-go areas, exclusion markers, stop-work process and the person authorised to make fauna decisions.

Brief operators that the Cape heath ctenotus may be hidden beneath ground cover and that careless movement of materials can injure animals or damage shelter.

Keep unauthorised people away from captured animals, breeding places and retained habitat.

  • Display a photograph or approved identification aid at the site office and in machinery cabins.
  • Nominate the spotter catcher or ecologist with authority to stop work immediately.
  • Record attendance and provide a site contact for reporting sightings or injured wildlife.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in small, controlled stages and keep the fauna team in direct contact with operators. Work must stop whenever a Cape heath ctenotus, a suspected breeding place or an unexpected fauna risk is found.

Clear from the least disturbed edge towards retained habitat where the approved ecological method supports that approach. Use low-speed, supervised clearing and keep the spotter catcher ahead of machinery.

Remove vegetation and ground cover in stages rather than pushing large quantities into piles. Inspect each stage before it is disturbed further.

Avoid crushing, burying or moving natural shelter unnecessarily. Do not burn, mulch or bury material until it has been checked under the approved procedure.

  • Keep machinery movements predictable and maintain a clear escape route to retained habitat.
  • Pause between stages to allow the fauna team to inspect exposed ground and shelter.
  • Stop work if visibility, weather, dust, noise or machinery access prevents effective fauna observation.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal handling and relocation

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may capture, handle or relocate the species. Use the minimum handling needed to protect the animal and comply with the permit or management plan.

Place a captured animal in a secure, ventilated container suitable for a small terrestrial skink. Keep it shaded, cool and quiet, and avoid unnecessary holding time.

Release the animal only at the approved location and in suitable retained habitat. Record the release point, time, condition and direction of movement.

  • Never chase an animal into machinery, deep spoil, drains or unsafe areas.
  • Do not move an animal across roads or into habitat that has not been assessed and approved for relocation.
  • Seek specialist advice before relocating an animal if it is injured, gravid, lethargic or repeatedly found within the clearing zone.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and unexpected finds

Stop work around any active breeding place or suspected breeding place. Establish a temporary exclusion area that prevents people, vehicles and machinery from entering while the ecologist and regulator determine the next step.

Do not remove eggs, young, shelter material or other breeding features unless this is specifically authorised and directed by the relevant approval or species management program.

Treat a cluster of animals, repeated use of one shelter feature or other unusual concentration as a matter requiring immediate ecological assessment. Do not assume that the species forms colonies.

  • Protect the feature in place wherever practicable.
  • Photograph and map the feature without touching it.
  • Resume work only after the exclusion, timing and handling requirements have been confirmed by the authorised fauna professional and relevant approval.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injury response and records

If an animal is injured, stop work and place it under the care of an authorised fauna handler. Contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator with reptile experience as soon as practicable, following permit conditions.

Keep the animal in a secure, quiet container and do not offer food, water or medication unless directed by a qualified wildlife professional.

Record all sightings, captures, relocations, injuries, deaths, breeding places, stop-work events and control failures.

  • Include the date, time, GPS location, condition, photographs, people involved, machinery involved and action taken.
  • Notify the principal contractor and environmental manager immediately for any injury, death, unauthorised handling or breach of an approval condition.
  • Preserve relevant photographs, GPS data, permits and witness accounts for the incident review.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Complete a formal check after each clearing stage and before the area is handed back to construction crews. Follow up all relocated or injured animals and use the results to improve the next stage of work.

Have the fauna team inspect the cleared area, machinery work zone, retained edges and any material piles before declaring the stage complete.

Search exposed ground, remaining shelter and areas where animals could have been trapped, including drains, trenches, pits, pipes and stockpiles.

Keep exclusion controls in place until the post-clearance inspection is complete and the fauna professional confirms that work can proceed.

  • Check the site after each clearing stage, not only at the end of the project.
  • Record the search method, area checked, personnel, conditions, findings and unresolved hazards.
  • Remove or cover fauna traps such as open pipes, trenches and uncovered pits when they are not actively being used.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated and injured animals

Confirm that each relocated animal was released at the approved location and that the release site remains suitable and undisturbed.

Obtain an outcome from the veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator for every injured animal. Record rehabilitation, release, death or other outcome as required by the permit or management plan.

Do not recapture or move a released animal unless there is a clear welfare, safety or approval reason.

  • Inspect release areas for construction encroachment, predators, barriers and loss of shelter.
  • Report failed relocations, repeat captures or animals returning to the work area to the project ecologist.
  • Use approved data and animal identification procedures where repeat observations are possible.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a completion report for each clearing stage and a final fauna report for the project. Link all records to maps, approval conditions and the relevant work package.

Report a breach, injury, death, breeding-place disturbance or unexpected concentration of animals through the required Queensland and project channels.

Retain records in a form that can be audited and used for future works at the site.

  • Compare actual clearing with the approved footprint.
  • List all stop-work events, corrective actions and outstanding commitments.
  • Provide the final report to the approval holder, principal contractor, land manager and relevant authority where required.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every unexpected find, injury, death and control failure before the next clearing stage. Include the spotter catcher, machine operators, supervisor and ecologist in the review.

Change the clearing sequence, exclusion controls, induction or survey approach where the review identifies a foreseeable repeat risk.

Update the site map and risk assessment when new habitat, shelter or breeding information is found.

  • Identify the immediate cause and the underlying planning or supervision cause.
  • Assign an action, responsible person and completion date for each corrective measure.
  • Brief all crews on changes before work recommences.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore a connected terrestrial habitat structure and protect the ground features used for shelter. Design the program around confirmed site use, because specific breeding requirements and artificial structure needs for this species are not well established.

Reinstate native ground cover, leaf litter, fallen timber, rocks and other natural shelter features where they are suitable and safe. Place them in a natural pattern rather than creating isolated piles that could be disturbed or removed.

Restore native vegetation structure and reconnect retained habitat wherever practicable. Use locally appropriate species and avoid creating barriers between habitat patches.

Stabilise exposed soil, control erosion and prevent sediment from entering retained habitat or drainage lines.

  • Use local provenance plants where required by the rehabilitation plan.
  • Keep rehabilitation areas free from vehicles, storage, firewood collection and unnecessary mowing.
  • Protect new plantings and shelter features until they are established.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Artificial structures and breeding habitat

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures for this terrestrial skink unless a qualified ecologist confirms that a particular structure suits the species and the approval requires or supports it.

Prioritise replacement of natural ground-level shelter and habitat structure. Any artificial cover objects, refuge features or breeding structures should be designed, located, installed and monitored under species-specific advice.

Do not place artificial structures where they create traps, concentrate predators, obstruct movement or expose animals to heat, flooding, vehicles or construction activity.

  • Obtain approval before disturbing or replacing a confirmed breeding place.
  • Document the design, materials, location, installation date and maintenance requirements for any approved replacement feature.
  • Remove or modify a structure if monitoring shows that it is unsafe or unsuitable.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water and lighting

Control weeds using methods that protect reptiles, shelter and retained ground cover. Avoid broadscale disturbance of leaf litter or shelter when treating weeds.

Manage drainage so rehabilitation areas are not flooded, scoured or isolated. Do not create artificial ponds or water points unless they are part of an approved ecological design and do not increase fauna hazards.

Use the lowest practical level of night lighting near retained or rehabilitated habitat. Direct lights away from habitat and use shielding to reduce spill.

  • Inspect weed control areas for animals before using machinery or chemicals.
  • Prevent sediment, chemicals, wash water and rubbish from entering retained habitat.
  • Cover or remove open pipes, pits and other structures that could trap reptiles.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitation for survival of native plants, ground-cover recovery, shelter retention, weed invasion, erosion, barriers and evidence of fauna use.

Set monitoring duration and frequency according to the approval, habitat risk and project scale. Use the same mapped search methods where repeat comparison is required.

Treat new Cape heath ctenotus records, repeated shelter use or evidence of unsuccessful rehabilitation as triggers for management review.

  • Record weather, search conditions, effort, habitat condition and all detections during each monitoring event.
  • Inspect fencing, lighting, drainage, artificial features and exclusion controls during monitoring.
  • Continue corrective management until the rehabilitation area meets the agreed ecological and compliance outcomes.

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