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Five-clawed Worm-skink (Anomalopus mackayi)

The Five-clawed Worm-skink is a small, semi-fossorial skink of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. It depends on deep cracking clay soils, soil cracks, permanent burrows, fallen timber and ground litter, so clearing, soil compaction and removal of shelter during development can cause direct mortality and isolate populations.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Endangered.

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Endangered.

Breeding season

Breeding has been recorded in spring, with adults reproductively active and one female observed laying three eggs. Timing of hatching and juvenile emergence is not recorded, so clearing risk remains high where moist clay cracks, burrows and surface refuges are disturbed, especially in spring and after rainfall.

Reproductive mode: Apparently oviparous. One direct observation recorded a female laying three eggs in spring.

Clutch size: Not established. One clutch of three eggs was observed, and females carrying one or two eggs have been recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Size at hatching or birth: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest or egg sites: Not recorded. Eggs may be concealed in the moist cracking-clay and ground-cover system used for shelter, but this has not been confirmed.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Confirm timing locally before clearing, using recent rainfall, soil moisture and temperature, because these conditions influence surface emergence and detectability.

  • Mating: Mating has not been directly recorded. Reproductive activity in adults has been observed in spring, so September to November is the best-supported period for mating activity.
  • Gravid females: A small number of adults collected in spring were reproductively active, and females were carrying one or two eggs. September to November is indicative only because gravid females have not been recorded across the full year.
  • Egg laying: One specimen was observed laying three eggs in spring. The laying month and usual clutch size are not recorded, so September to November represents the documented spring period rather than a monthly peak.
  • Incubation: Incubation length and nest locations are not recorded for this species. September to May is a general planning window for eggs laid in the warmer part of the year in the species' subtropical and temperate range, not a confirmed species calendar.
  • Hatchlings: Juvenile emergence and hatching months are not recorded. May to November is a general warm-season window for young emerging after spring or warmer-month laying, and should not be treated as confirmed timing for this species.
  • Active period: Surface activity is expected to increase in September to December, particularly after sufficient rainfall following dry conditions. The species is likely to be most detectable at night or in humid conditions, but no complete annual activity study is available.
  • Winter inactivity: No winter brumation period has been recorded. June to August is a general lower-surface-activity flag for this subtropical and temperate reptile, when animals may remain in deep clay cracks, burrows, logs or other moist refuges; dry-period sheltering can occur in any month.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing can harm animals and destroy refuges in every month. Risk is highest in September to November because spring reproductive activity, possible eggs and increased post-rainfall surface movement coincide; animals may still be concealed in deep cracks during dry periods.

Identification

This is an elongate skink with very short limbs and a worm-like body. It is most likely to be found beneath embedded timber, surface debris or other moist refuges rather than moving in the open.

Adults can reach 270 mm total length. The upper surface is usually dark brown, while the underside is paler, green-yellow or yellow-green and may be darker towards the rear.

Animals in southern parts of the range may be unpatterned. Northern animals may show longitudinal rows of dark spots, with one dark spot on each dorsal or lateral scale.

Body form: Elongate, worm-like body with very short fore and hind limbs.

Forelimb digits: Three fingers or toes on the front foot.

Hindlimb: Didactyle, with two toes.

Identification: Similar species

The main identification problem is separation from the Two-clawed Worm-skink, Anomalopus leuckartii. The Five-clawed Worm-skink has three digits on the front foot, whereas A. leuckartii has two.

Toe characters can be difficult to assess in the field. Take clear close photographs of both fore and hind feet, using a macro lens or macro setting, and retain a tissue sample where permitted and required by the project identification protocol.

Identification: Field signs

Useful field signs include permanent tunnel-like burrows in loose soil, deep cracks in heavy clay, and individuals sheltering beneath well-embedded fallen timber, logs, rocks, leaf litter, windrows of slashed grass or hay bales.

The species is cryptic. No species-specific information is provided for tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or eyeshine. Treat an elongate skink found beneath timber or debris on cracking clay as a potential Five-clawed Worm-skink until an experienced reptile handler confirms the identification.

Distribution: National range

The species has a restricted national distribution along the western side of the Great Dividing Range in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. Historical records indicate that the range may have contracted eastwards.

In New South Wales, records are associated with the Namoi and Gwydir floodplains and the lower north-western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The recorded range extends from the Wallangra and Masterman Range area through Narrabri, Wee Waa, Bellata, Mungindi and nearby areas, with historical records near Goodooga, Burren Junction, Culgoora, Millie and Terry Hie.

In Queensland, the species is recorded from the Oakey and Dalby regions and the Condamine Natural Resource Management Region.

States: New South Wales and Queensland.

New South Wales Natural Resource Management Regions: Namoi and Border Rivers to Gwydir.

Queensland Natural Resource Management Region: Condamine.

Distribution: Known strongholds and population information

A substantial population was recorded during Inland Rail works at Bellata and Croppa Creek in the Narrabri to North Star project area. The records came from several work stages and represented the largest population then recorded in New South Wales or Queensland.

The species is difficult to detect because it lives in burrows and under embedded timber. There are no reliable national population or density estimates in the supplied documents. Historical records and museum specimens suggest a decline and possible eastward contraction of the former range.

Individuals recorded at Bellata and Croppa Creek: 248 specimens recorded in 2021 to 2022.

Records in formal conservation reserves: The older New South Wales profile recorded no occurrences in conservation reserves.

Population estimate: No national population estimate or density estimate is available in the supplied documents.

Trend: The range appears to have contracted eastwards, and the species is reported to have declined in New South Wales.

Habitat: Vegetation and soils

Suitable habitat is defined more by soil structure than by one vegetation community. The strongest association is with heavy, moist, alluvial cracking clay that supports deep cracks and burrows.

The species occurs in grassy White Box woodland, open woodland, and River Red Gum, Coolibah and Bimble Box woodland. It can also occur in open grassy paddocks with scattered eucalypts where suitable soil and shelter remain.

Recent project information indicates that cracking clay soil is a better predictor of habitat than vegetation type. Suitable areas include heavy black and grey alluvial cracking clays on floodplains. Non-cracking soils, hard-setting brown clays and sandy soils are considered less suitable.

Key soil type: Deep, heavy, black or grey alluvial cracking clay, including Vertosols.

Typical ground cover: Open woodland or grassland with low grass cover, usually about 5 to 10 cm in the older New South Wales profile.

Elevation reported for floodplain habitat: About 135 to 200 m above sea level.

Habitat: Habitat structure

Retain fallen logs, embedded timber, leaf litter, grass windrows and other ground cover. These features provide surface shelter and help retain moisture above the burrow system.

Habitat may occur in modified paddocks and infrastructure corridors if cracking clay, low grass cover, scattered trees and sheltering timber remain. Soil disturbance and compaction can destroy burrows and isolate animals in unaffected soil.

Foraging habitat: Feeding information

The diet and detailed feeding ecology of the Five-clawed Worm-skink have not been established. Field management should therefore protect the soil and ground-cover features that support its invertebrate prey and allow normal movement between refuges.

The species' diet is unknown. The supplied documents do not identify particular prey, food plants, feeding rates or a typical foraging distance.

It is a burrowing skink that moves between soil refuges and surface shelter. Searches and construction controls should avoid assuming that animals remain immediately beneath one log or within one visible crack.

  • Retain intact cracking clay and associated leaf litter, timber and grass cover within and around known habitat.
  • Avoid broad soil stripping, grading and compaction that remove subsurface burrows and the soil fauna on which the species may depend.
  • Use an experienced reptile spotter catcher when sheltering timber, debris or soil is disturbed.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Very little breeding information is available. The species is apparently oviparous, but the timing and details of reproduction have not been recorded.

Breeding habitat is expected to be within the same moist cracking clay soil and ground-cover system used for burrowing and sheltering. Avoid disturbing deep cracks, burrows, embedded timber and moist litter because eggs or young may be concealed and are not readily detected from the surface.

The available information does not establish a breeding season. Warm, moist conditions in late spring and early summer are associated with increased surface detectability, but this should not be treated as a confirmed mating or laying period.

Reproductive mode: Apparently oviparous.

Breeding season: Not recorded.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Lifespan: Not recorded.

Sheltering habitat: Subsurface refuges

Shelter is closely linked to deep soil structure and moisture. Both subsurface and surface refuges need protection during clearing and construction.

The species lives in permanent, tunnel-like burrows and deep cracks in loose or cracking clay soil. During dry periods it is likely to shelter where moisture remains available, including deep cracks in alluvial clay.

No burrow diameter, depth or total burrow length has been recorded in the supplied documents. Do not excavate, fill or compact suspected burrow areas without a species-specific procedure and ecological supervision.

Sheltering habitat: Surface refuges

Important surface refuges include well-embedded fallen logs, fallen timber, rocks, leaf litter, windrows of slashed grass and hay bales. Moisture beneath these structures can increase the chance of detection.

Where construction cannot avoid suitable habitat, project management plans have used temporary hay bales and permanent coarse woody debris, such as logs, sleepers or mulched woody vegetation piles, to provide replacement cover and support recolonisation.

  • Do not remove, burn, chip or relocate fallen timber and coarse woody debris from potential habitat without ecological approval.
  • Check surface refuges systematically during pre-clearance, including the soil immediately beneath and around embedded timber.
  • Place replacement refuge only where directed by the project ecologist and where it will not create additional construction or fire risk.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The main risks are loss and fragmentation of cracking clay habitat, disturbance of burrows and removal of surface refuges. Direct mortality can occur when soil and timber are stripped during clearing or construction.

Clearing for agriculture, development and linear infrastructure removes habitat and can separate populations. Topsoil stripping, grading, trenching, excavation and vehicle movement can destroy burrows, compact soil and sever movement routes.

In one Inland Rail project, 248 individuals were recorded during works. Of these, 87 were recorded dead, 116 were relocated and 45 were recorded with dropped tails. This demonstrates the need for pre-clearance searches, staged clearing, trained personnel and an encounter procedure in suitable habitat.

  • Map cracking clay and potential habitat before works and refine the map with field soil investigations where required.
  • Fence and clearly mark no-go habitat, retained timber and relocation areas before machinery enters the work area.
  • Use a staged, supervised clearing procedure for soil, timber, litter and other refuge features.
  • Stop work and implement the approved encounter procedure if a suspected or confirmed animal is found.

Threats: Grazing, soil and ground cover

Overgrazing can compact and erode soil, reduce grass and litter cover, and damage burrows. Removal of fallen logs, timber and ground litter reduces shelter and can lower soil humidity.

Agricultural chemicals and other soil or water pollution are identified threats. The supplied documents do not provide evidence for a species-specific disease threat.

  • Exclude stock from known sites where practicable, particularly during recovery and habitat restoration.
  • Prevent unnecessary soil compaction from vehicles, laydown areas, stockpiles and repeated machinery access.
  • Retain litter and fallen timber and avoid tidying operations in potential habitat.
  • Control sediment, fuel, chemicals and contaminated water so that cracking clay habitat and nearby floodplain soils are not polluted.

Threats: Predators and fire

Predation by introduced foxes and feral cats is an identified threat, particularly around disturbed sites. The conservation advice recommends targeted control at known sites.

The supplied documents do not define a species-specific fire interval or fire response. Burning and grazing regimes should therefore be managed to retain structural and floristic diversity, litter and timber rather than remove all ground cover.

  • Include fox and feral cat control in site management where the species is known or likely to occur.
  • Avoid burning that removes all logs, litter and low grass cover from occupied or potential habitat.
  • Assess fire, slashing and grazing together because their combined effect can reduce shelter and soil moisture.

Threats: Roads and hydrology

The documents do not identify a separate road mortality rate or a confirmed hydrology threat. Roads and other linear works can nevertheless affect the species through clearing, soil compaction, fragmentation and disturbance of floodplain cracking clays.

Changes that prevent soils from cracking, remove deep moist cracks or alter floodplain soil moisture may reduce habitat suitability. Project-specific hydrological assessment is needed where works alter drainage, floodplain inundation or soil moisture.

Survey methodology: 1. Search shelter and surface soil

Survey this cryptic, semi-fossorial skink in suitable habitat, especially moist black or grey cracking clay soils with fallen timber, litter and deep soil cracks. Use more than one method because detection varies with soil moisture and shelter availability.

Search under fallen timber, rocks and other embedded shelter, and rake the surface soil layer where appropriate. The species has been found under fallen timber and rocks on black soils, and uses permanent tunnel-like burrows beneath embedded timber.

Time searches for late spring to early summer, under warm conditions that are not overly dry. Detection is expected to increase when moisture closes soil cracks and when surface debris retains moisture.

Search at dusk or during the night if animals may be moving between shelter sites, because the species is not normally active on the ground surface by day.

Reported size: Up to 270 mm total length.

Most suitable activity period: Likely late spring to early summer, under warm but not overly dry conditions.

  • Inspect potential habitat in open grassy woodland, grassy paddocks with scattered eucalypts and riverine or floodplain areas on deep cracking clay soils.
  • Record the shelter type, soil condition, vegetation condition and any burrows or cracks at each search location.
  • Replace logs, rocks and other shelter exactly as found after inspection.

Survey methodology: 2. Artificial refuges

Deploy artificial structures, such as hay bales of different thicknesses, over a period longer than 6 months where the project programme allows. Check beneath them periodically.

Place refuges on suitable moist black or cracking clay soil, close to retained habitat and away from routine machinery movements.

Record the location, installation date, refuge type, inspection date, weather, soil moisture and all animals found.

Suggested deployment period: More than 6 months.

  • Use artificial refuges as a supplementary method rather than relying on a single inspection because the species is difficult to detect and may remain in burrows.
  • Inspect refuges carefully and replace them after each check so they continue to provide cover.

Survey methodology: 3. Pitfall trapping

Use pitfall trapping with shelter searches when a targeted survey is required and the method is suitable for the site. The survey guideline describes a series of pitfall lines, each with six 10 litre buckets spaced along 15 metres of fence.

Schedule trapping when the species is most likely to be active, with warm conditions and adequate moisture rather than prolonged, very dry conditions.

Check traps at a frequency that prevents exposure, overheating, drowning, predation or starvation, and provide appropriate shade and shelter in accordance with the approved project method statement and animal ethics requirements.

Use experienced reptile fauna handlers because the species may burrow between the soil and the bucket, reducing capture efficiency.

Pitfall line described in the guideline: Six 10 litre buckets along 15 metres of fence.

  • Obtain all required wildlife research, animal ethics and state approvals before installing traps.
  • Stop trapping during unsafe weather or site conditions and close traps immediately if animal welfare cannot be maintained.
  • Identify captured animals as Anomalopus mackayi or the similar A. leuckartii using toe characters, photographs and, where authorised and necessary, tissue sampling.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use shelter searches, artificial refuges and pitfall trapping in combination where the project risk, habitat and approvals require a targeted survey.
  • Document survey dates, start and finish times, search area, transect or trap locations, weather, rainfall or recent moisture, soil condition, search effort, refuge effort, trap nights, detection method and results.
  • Include photographs and diagnostic information for every suspected record, because A. mackayi may be confused with A. leuckartii and toe characters can be difficult to assess.
  • Submit confirmed records, negative survey results where required, location data and relevant habitat information to the relevant state wildlife database and to the project regulator or approval authority.
  • Treat the absence of detections cautiously, because the species is cryptic and no survey method guarantees detection.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the work around the species' burrowing habits and its dependence on cracking clay soils, embedded timber, litter and moist shelter. Avoid disturbing suitable habitat wherever practicable, and resolve approval and fauna-handling requirements before machinery enters the site.

  • Retain deep cracking clay soils, deep soil cracks, fallen logs, embedded timber, ground litter and connected areas of open grassy woodland or grassland.
  • Avoid clearing or compacting suitable soil, as compaction and changes to soil structure can destroy burrows and isolate populations.
  • Keep retained habitat connected to nearby suitable areas where practicable, and avoid creating isolated remnants through linear clearing or construction footprints.
  • Do not remove logs, timber or litter from retained habitat unless an approved fauna management procedure requires their relocation.
  • Protect retained habitat from overgrazing, erosion, agricultural chemicals, sediment, polluted water and unnecessary vehicle access.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

State status: Endangered in New South Wales and Queensland.

  • Check whether the proposed action may affect this EPBC Act listed Vulnerable species and obtain an EPBC Act referral or approval if required.
  • Check NSW and Queensland threatened species requirements, wildlife research or handling licences, animal ethics approvals and any project-specific conditions before works begin.
  • Prepare a species-specific fauna management plan that defines habitat areas, survey methods, encounter procedures, relocation sites, stop-work triggers, reporting and responsibilities.
  • Stage clearing so that suitable habitat is surveyed and managed before each work area is released to machinery.
  • Schedule higher-risk soil disturbance outside periods of prolonged dryness where practicable, because moisture affects surface activity and detection.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

  • Complete the approved pre-clearance survey using shelter searches and other methods suited to the site before clearing or ground disturbance.
  • Mark the approved clearing boundary, retained habitat, logs, refuge sites, cracking clay areas and exclusion zones on plans and on the ground.
  • Install exclusion fencing where it can prevent stock, vehicles or machinery from entering retained habitat, and inspect the fencing before and during works.
  • Brief all personnel on the species' appearance, habitat, encounter procedure, exclusion areas, reporting chain and stop-work requirements.
  • Confirm that an appropriately authorised fauna spotter catcher, project ecologist and environmental representative are available for clearing in suitable habitat.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and machinery interface

Use a controlled clearing process with an authorised fauna spotter catcher present wherever suitable habitat or identified refuges may be disturbed. The spotter catcher must be able to direct machinery, inspect exposed soil and stop work when the approved procedure is triggered.

  • Hold a daily pre-start that identifies active work areas, retained habitat, exclusion fencing, weather and the fauna spotter catcher's location.
  • Keep machinery within the approved disturbance footprint and prevent unnecessary tracking across cracking clay soil, logs, litter and retained refuge areas.
  • Use staged clearing and low-speed, supervised disturbance so the fauna spotter catcher can inspect exposed soil, cracks, logs and timber before the next activity proceeds.
  • Stop machinery immediately when the fauna spotter catcher or project ecologist gives a stop-work direction for a suspected animal, burrow, refuge or unapproved habitat impact.
  • Do not allow workers to handle, chase, pin, dig out or relocate a skink unless they are authorised and trained under the project procedure.

During habitat disturbance: Handling habitat features

  • Inspect logs, embedded timber, rocks, litter and exposed soil before they are moved, removed or crushed.
  • Move habitat features only under the approved fauna procedure, using trained personnel and placing them in nearby retained or approved enhancement habitat where suitable.
  • Protect deep cracks and burrows from collapse, infilling, sediment, spoil placement, vibration and vehicle access wherever they are retained.
  • Keep topsoil and cracking clay material separate from unsuitable fill where the approved plan requires soil conservation or habitat reinstatement.
  • Prevent fuels, chemicals, wash water, concrete, sediment and other pollutants from entering soil cracks, drainage lines or retained habitat.

During habitat disturbance: If a skink is found

  • Stop the activity affecting the animal and establish a temporary exclusion area until the fauna spotter catcher or project ecologist assesses the find.
  • Do not handle the animal unless the handler is authorised, trained and working under the approved encounter procedure.
  • Confirm identification with photographs and close views of the toes where safe, because A. mackayi may be confused with A. leuckartii.
  • Record the date, time, GPS position, whether the find was inside or outside mapped habitat, condition, capture microhabitat, soil, activity underway and detection method.
  • Relocate the animal only under the approved procedure, to suitable nearby retained habitat selected by the project ecologist, and record the release position and habitat condition.
  • Take injured animals to an appropriately qualified veterinarian or wildlife carer through the project's fauna response process, and record the outcome.
  • Extend or revise the managed habitat area when a find occurs outside the mapped footprint, following the project ecologist's assessment and approval process.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work and records

  • Stop work for an animal encounter, suspected burrow collapse, unapproved clearing, damage to an exclusion zone, discovery of additional suitable cracking clay habitat or any incident that the approved fauna management plan identifies as a trigger.
  • Maintain a Five-clawed Worm-skink register for every encounter, including capture and relocation coordinates, condition, microhabitat, soil, activity and detection method.
  • Report encounters and incidents to the project environmental manager, project ecologist and relevant regulators within the timeframes in the approval and management plan.
  • Provide the encounter register to the relevant conservation agencies at the required interval and prepare the required final summary report at the end of construction.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Do not treat the end of clearing as the end of the fauna risk. Check disturbed areas, maintain retained habitat controls and use the encounter data to refine habitat mapping, rehabilitation and future work methods.

  • Inspect the completed clearing footprint for exposed skinks, damaged burrows, stranded animals, displaced logs and unrecorded cracking clay habitat before the area is released for the next activity.
  • Complete a final fauna sweep of each staged work area under the approved procedure, particularly after topsoil stripping, slashing or disturbance of logs and litter.
  • Repair exclusion fencing and reinstate any temporary protection measures around retained habitat before subsequent construction activities commence.
  • Remove temporary materials, waste, spoil and contaminated soil from retained habitat and prevent ongoing vehicle access to areas designated for conservation.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and adaptive management

Example project finding: At the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star project, 248 specimens were recorded in 2021 to 2022; 87 were recorded dead, 116 were relocated and 45 had dropped tails.

  • Monitor relocated animals and retained or enhanced habitat using the approved project monitoring programme, with methods suited to this cryptic burrowing species.
  • Review encounters, mortality, dropped tails, relocation outcomes, soil observations and habitat damage after each work stage.
  • Refine mapped Five-clawed Worm-skink habitat when field data show that cracking clay soils or suitable refuge features extend beyond the original footprint.
  • Continue monitoring after construction where approval conditions or the fauna management plan require it, and change work methods if monitoring identifies continuing harm.

After habitat disturbance: Reporting and offsets

  • Submit the final fauna register, survey methods, mitigation outcomes, relocation sites, numbers relocated and habitat mapping updates to the agencies and approval authorities specified in the project conditions.
  • Report confirmed records to the relevant state wildlife database and retain the supporting photographs, coordinates and habitat data.
  • Assess whether residual impacts require an offset, conservation agreement, covenant or other formal protection under the applicable Commonwealth or state approval framework.
  • Keep all retained habitat, relocation sites and rehabilitation areas identified in project plans and environmental controls until the responsible authority accepts completion.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore soil and shelter

Rehabilitation should restore the soil and shelter conditions used by this burrowing skink, rather than relying on vegetation planting alone. Give priority to cracking clay soil function, ground cover, fallen timber, litter, predator control and protection from grazing and compaction.

  • Replace and stabilise suitable cracking clay topsoil without compacting it beyond the approved design or blocking natural soil cracking processes.
  • Reinstate fallen logs, embedded timber, coarse woody debris, leaf litter and other surface refuges in patterns that reflect the pre-clearing site where practicable.
  • Use hay bales or other approved temporary refuges where needed to provide moist cover for relocated skinks during early rehabilitation.
  • Do not fill, seal or unnecessarily disturb deep soil cracks and burrow areas within retained or rehabilitated habitat.
  • Reinstate open grassy ground cover and scattered eucalypt woodland structure where these were part of the original habitat, using locally appropriate native species identified in the rehabilitation plan.

Rehabilitation actions: Manage grazing, weeds, fire and predators

  • Exclude stock or otherwise control grazing until ground cover and soil condition have recovered, particularly at known or relocated populations.
  • Control weeds without contaminating soil or water and avoid herbicide application that could affect occupied burrows or retained refuge sites.
  • Set fire and fuel management practices to maintain diverse ground cover, litter and shelter, and avoid damaging occupied burrows or removing all surface refuges.
  • Control foxes and feral cats at known sites through the approved pest management programme.
  • Prevent erosion, soil compaction, sediment movement and polluted runoff during rehabilitation and maintenance.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor success

Relevant artificial refuge period: Hay refuges may need to remain in place for more than 6 months when used for targeted detection or temporary habitat enhancement.

  • Inspect rehabilitated areas after rainfall and during suitable warm, moist periods for soil cracking, shelter use, burrow condition, ground cover and signs of skink activity.
  • Repeat targeted shelter searches and artificial refuge checks where the monitoring plan requires evidence of recolonisation or continued occupancy.
  • Measure success against approved indicators, including survival or relocation outcomes, stable soil structure, retained or reinstated refuge features, recovered ground cover and absence of ongoing threats.
  • Update the habitat register and management plan when monitoring identifies new occupied areas, failed rehabilitation or a need for additional logs, litter, fencing, weed control or predator control.

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