Fauna Spotters logo

Grand Ctenotus (Ctenotus grandis)

The Grand Ctenotus is a large terrestrial skink with reddish-brown colour, five narrow dark stripes along the back and small pale spots on the sides and legs. It is mapped in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, and may be encountered during ground disturbance or vegetation clearing. It is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, and is treated as an EVNT species for project planning and survey purposes.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare.

Breeding season

The Grand Ctenotus is poorly known, and species-specific breeding records are limited. As a general guide for an Australian arid-zone skink, breeding and surface activity are most likely during the warmer months, with timing varying between the NT, SA and WA and between years.

Breeding mode: Likely egg-laying, as in other Ctenotus skinks. Species-specific confirmation is not recorded.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Fledging or weaning: Not applicable for an egg-laying species. The timing of hatching and independence is not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding place: Not recorded. Protect suitable ground shelter and undisturbed soil until fauna checks are complete.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Breeding and activity may start earlier or continue later after warm rain, and local conditions can differ across the NT, SA and WA.

  • Breeding, mating and egg laying: Use September to February as the general period when mating and egg laying may occur, subject to local conditions.
  • Eggs and recently hatched young: Eggs and small young may be present from late spring through summer, but the species-specific timing is not recorded.
  • Surface activity and foraging: Search effort is generally most productive in warm weather, particularly from September to March.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing from September to February may harm adults, eggs or small young, so use staged clearing and fauna spotter catcher checks during this period.

Identification: Appearance

The Grand Ctenotus is a large, reddish-brown skink. Its back has five narrow dark stripes, with small pale dots along the sides of the body and on the legs.

Look for a big-bodied ctenotus with a reddish-brown base colour.

The five narrow dark stripes running along the centre of the back are the most useful visual feature described for field identification.

Small pale dots may be visible on either side of the body and on the legs.

Identification: Size and handling

The species is described as big-bodied, but a reliable field length and weight should not be assumed from this profile.

Use photographs, careful handling and an experienced reptile identifier where a positive identification is needed.

  • Avoid gripping the tail.
  • Keep handling time short and release the animal close to its capture location, unless an approved fauna management plan requires another action.
  • Record the location, habitat, photographs and outcome of any capture.

Identification: Calls and similar species

No call or echolocation feature is available for field identification. Do not rely on vocal detection.

Similar species are not identified here. Treat a large striped ctenotus as a possible Grand Ctenotus until an experienced ecologist confirms the identification.

Identification: Field signs

No species-specific droppings, nests, stains, odour or other field signs are described.

Search for the animal itself and for general reptile signs around undisturbed ground cover, surface debris and soil features.

  • Photograph the dorsal pattern, sides, legs and head where safe to do so.
  • Record whether the animal was active, sheltering, trapped or found during clearing.

Distribution: Australian range

The Grand Ctenotus is mapped in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Available project information does not define a more detailed regional range, so local records and current government mapping should guide site decisions.

The mapped states and territories are:

  • Northern Territory
  • South Australia
  • Western Australia

Distribution: Regional planning

Check state biodiversity databases, local records and project survey results before clearing. Mapping at state level does not confirm presence at every site.

Give additional attention to sites that retain native ground cover and natural shelter, especially where records occur nearby.

  • Include the species in pre-clearance planning where it is mapped or where suitable terrestrial skink habitat remains.
  • Keep a spatial record of all sightings, captures and relocations.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Grand Ctenotus is an Australian species. No overseas range is identified.

Habitat: Site features to inspect

Detailed habitat requirements are poorly documented. On works sites, inspect intact terrestrial areas that retain native ground cover, leaf litter and natural surface shelter.

Look across uncleared or lightly disturbed ground rather than focusing only on mature trees. Ctenotus skinks commonly use ground-level habitat, so the condition of the soil surface and lower vegetation is relevant.

Give attention to patches with connected ground cover and limited vehicle disturbance.

  • Native grasses, herbs and low shrubs
  • Leaf litter and fallen branches
  • Rocks, woody debris and other surface cover
  • Undisturbed soil, crevices and small ground shelters

Habitat: Habitat assessment

Describe the vegetation structure, ground cover, soil surface, surface debris, tracks and recent disturbance at each survey or clearing location.

Avoid assuming that a cleared or highly disturbed area is unsuitable without a site inspection. Reptiles can remain in small habitat remnants and shelter beneath surface cover.

Habitat realm: Terrestrial

Habitat certainty: Species-specific habitat requirements are poorly documented.

Habitat: Works planning

Where possible, retain connected patches of native ground cover and natural shelter outside the construction footprint.

Mark habitat to be retained before clearing starts. Keep stockpiles, access tracks and laydown areas out of retained ground habitat.

Foraging habitat: Ground-layer features

The Grand Ctenotus diet and detailed foraging habitat are not well documented. Use a precautionary approach and retain a range of native ground-layer conditions rather than removing all cover from the work area.

Inspect areas with native grasses, low vegetation, leaf litter and scattered surface debris. These features can provide places for terrestrial skinks to move, search for food and avoid exposure.

Record whether the ground layer is continuous, patchy, recently burnt, heavily grazed or disturbed by vehicles.

  • Low native vegetation
  • Leaf litter and fallen timber
  • Rocky or uneven ground
  • Open patches between areas of cover

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Search slowly and carefully around cover objects and along the edges of vegetation patches. Lift potential shelter only where this is permitted and replace it in its original position.

Avoid repeated disturbance of the same shelter features. Record the feature type and location if an animal is found.

  • Use visual searches by suitably experienced personnel.
  • Coordinate searches with the fauna spotter catcher and the site ecologist.
  • Stop or modify work if a listed animal is located and the approved fauna procedure requires it.

Foraging habitat: Diet

A species-specific diet is not established in this profile. Do not infer that an area has no value because food items are not visible.

Protect the ground layer and minimise dust, soil compaction and unnecessary removal of surface debris.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

Breeding timing, clutch size and breeding place requirements are poorly documented for the Grand Ctenotus. Treat intact ground habitat as potentially relevant to breeding until local survey evidence or specialist advice indicates otherwise.

Inspect undisturbed ground with native cover, litter, surface debris and natural soil features. These areas may provide shelter or other conditions needed by terrestrial skinks.

Do not remove logs, rocks or other cover from retained habitat unless required by an approved management procedure.

  • Areas with stable ground cover
  • Sheltered soil surfaces and crevices
  • Patches of fallen timber, rocks or litter
  • Habitat connected to larger areas of native vegetation

Breeding habitat: Breeding information

No reliable breeding months, clutch size, incubation period or age at maturity are given here.

Avoid scheduling unnecessary disturbance across retained habitat when animals or potential shelter sites have been identified.

Breeding season: Not established for site planning.

Breeding place: Species-specific breeding places are not established.

Breeding habitat: Clearing controls

Complete pre-clearance checks before machinery enters habitat. Use a staged approach where practicable, allowing fauna to move away from the active work area.

Have a clear process for capture, temporary containment, identification and release. Any handling or relocation must follow the project approval and fauna management plan.

  • Brief operators and spotter catchers before work begins.
  • Inspect felled material, pushed vegetation and disturbed ground before removal.
  • Record any animal found in or near the clearing footprint.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Specific sheltering and roosting sites have not been documented for this species. As a terrestrial skink, it should be managed as an animal that may use ground-level cover and soil features for shelter.

Inspect beneath suitable surface cover and around stable soil features. Potential shelter may include leaf litter, fallen branches, rocks, low vegetation and crevices.

Take care when moving cover objects. Replace them as found after inspection.

  • Leaf litter
  • Fallen timber
  • Rocks and woody debris
  • Dense low vegetation
  • Soil crevices and small ground shelters

Sheltering habitat: Pre-clearance searches

Search the full clearing footprint and the immediate edge, not only obvious vegetation. Include areas beneath stored materials or temporary site items where animals may shelter.

Use photographs and precise locations for any shelter feature associated with a record.

  • Inspect before clearing and again after vegetation is felled or pushed.
  • Check material before it is removed from the site.
  • Keep machinery and vehicles away from retained shelter features.

Sheltering habitat: Movement and relocation

Seasonal movement timing is not established. Do not rely on a particular month when deciding whether a site needs a search.

If an animal must be moved, use the project's approved fauna handling procedure and release it into suitable nearby habitat that will not be disturbed.

Threats: Clearing and ground disturbance

The main project risks are the loss and disturbance of ground habitat during clearing, construction and vehicle movement. Because the species is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, apply a precautionary level of survey and protection where it may occur.

Clearing can remove native ground cover, litter and surface shelter. Grading, trenching, excavation and stockpiling can also destroy soil features used by terrestrial skinks.

Define the approved footprint clearly and retain habitat outside it. Keep clearing to the minimum area needed for the works.

  • Fence or mark no-go areas before machinery arrives.
  • Avoid unnecessary removal of rocks, logs, litter and low vegetation.
  • Inspect disturbed material before it is transported or disposed of.

Threats: Vehicles and machinery

Vehicle movements can cause direct mortality and can compact or fragment ground habitat. Concentrate traffic on approved tracks and keep speeds low where fauna may be present.

Do not leave open trenches, pits or other excavations unattended without fauna controls.

  • Use designated access routes.
  • Inspect trenches and excavations as required by the fauna management plan.
  • Provide safe escape points or cover excavations when they are not being actively worked.

Threats: Fire, grazing and altered ground cover

Changes to ground cover from fire, grazing, weeds, dust and repeated disturbance may reduce shelter and foraging opportunities. Manage these pressures across retained habitat where they are relevant to the project.

Prevent construction materials, washdown, spoil and sediment from spreading into retained ground habitat.

  • Control weeds and avoid unnecessary soil exposure.
  • Keep fire management consistent with approved ecological and land management requirements.
  • Repair avoidable compaction and erosion in retained habitat.

Threats: Survey and listing response

Use targeted pre-clearance searches by experienced reptile personnel in mapped areas and in habitat that retains native ground cover and shelter. Increase survey attention where local records exist or where the project will remove intact ground habitat.

A confirmed record should trigger the project's listed fauna response, including work controls, fauna handling arrangements and reporting required by approvals.

  • South Australia, treat the species as Rare and check state approval and reporting requirements.
  • Western Australia, treat Priority 4 as a rare or near threatened category requiring monitoring and appropriate project controls.
  • Northern Territory, check current local listing, permit and approval requirements before disturbance.
  • Document survey effort, weather and site conditions, all records, and the fate of captured animals.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Grand Ctenotus is a terrestrial skink and can be difficult to detect unless surveys target warm, suitable conditions and likely shelter sites. Its ecology is poorly documented, so use more than one survey method and adjust effort to the habitat and proposed disturbance.

Review recent records, mapped habitat and previous survey reports before planning works. Confirm the species identification, state or territory listing and any project specific approval conditions.

  • Map areas with intact ground cover, leaf litter, fallen timber, surface debris, rocky shelter and connected terrestrial habitat.
  • Check whether the proposal may affect habitat in South Australia, where the species is listed as Rare, or Western Australia, where it is a Priority 4 species.
  • Check the Northern Territory requirements for the project area, even where no additional listing is identified in the project information.
  • Refer the action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 if the species may be a listed matter under that Act or if the project may have a significant impact.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Use experienced reptile ecologists to search the disturbance footprint and adjacent habitat. Combine active searches with trapping only where the method is approved, suitable and supervised by an appropriately qualified person.

  • Walk transects slowly during warm parts of the day when skinks are likely to bask or forage, while avoiding excessively hot conditions when animals may remain under shelter.
  • Search likely shelter sites such as leaf litter, fallen timber, loose surface debris and other ground cover. Replace all cover carefully after inspection.
  • Use visual searches, targeted shelter searches and, where justified, trapping methods suitable for terrestrial skinks. Obtain approval before setting traps and check them at the required frequency.
  • Do not rely on a single negative visit to clear habitat where conditions are cool, wet, windy or otherwise unsuitable.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and effort

Set survey timing around local weather, habitat condition and the proposed clearing schedule. Breeding timing and seasonal movements are not well established for the Grand Ctenotus, so do not assume that a particular month is a low risk period.

  • Prioritise warm, settled conditions with enough daylight for active reptile searches.
  • Repeat surveys when the first survey has poor conditions, limited visibility or substantial areas of suitable habitat.
  • Increase effort where records are nearby, habitat is continuous, the area is difficult to inspect or clearing will remove substantial ground cover.
  • Record the survey dates, start and finish times, weather, recent rain, ground conditions, methods, trap effort, personnel and areas searched.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and identification

Record every observation, including animals found outside the impact area. The Grand Ctenotus has a large body, reddish brown colour, five narrow dark stripes along the centre of the back and small pale dots on the sides and legs.

  • Photograph the animal and its location where this can be done without causing harm.
  • Record coordinates, habitat, shelter type, behaviour, direction of movement and whether the animal was inside the proposed disturbance area.
  • Have uncertain identifications checked by a suitably experienced herpetologist before works proceed.
  • Submit required records to the relevant state or territory database and retain the project survey data.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan the work so that suitable habitat is avoided wherever practicable. Confirm the legal pathway before clearing, then use a documented pre-clearance process that gives the animal and the field crew a realistic opportunity to respond safely.

Obtain all approvals before vegetation or ground disturbance starts. The approval pathway depends on the state or territory, the project impacts and the species listing that applies at the site.

  • Check whether an EPBC Act referral is required and comply with any approval conditions.
  • In South Australia, address the species' Rare listing under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and obtain any required permits or approvals.
  • In Western Australia, address the Priority 4 conservation status and follow any conditions set by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions or the environmental approval.
  • In the Northern Territory, check the relevant wildlife and land clearing requirements and obtain any required permits.
  • If work is proposed in Queensland and the species or its breeding place may be affected, obtain the required protected wildlife approvals and a species management program where applicable.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Keep clearing footprints as small as practicable and retain connected terrestrial habitat. Have the project ecologist define site specific buffers around records, suitable shelter and any active breeding place.

  • Flag no go areas before machinery arrives and protect them from vehicle access, storage, laydown and spoil.
  • Retain fallen timber, leaf litter, surface debris and other useful ground shelter where these features are not within the approved footprint.
  • Prevent sediment, dust, waste, chemicals and uncontrolled fire from entering retained habitat.
  • Use temporary fencing or other exclusion controls where animals could move into an active work area. Inspect controls regularly.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a final pre-clearance search shortly before disturbance, with timing suited to local conditions. Use the same methods as the ecological survey, with particular attention to ground shelter and the edges of the clearing footprint.

  • Mark all confirmed animals, likely shelter and any breeding place identified during the search.
  • Do not clear an area that has not been inspected, or that cannot be safely searched, until the fauna spotter-catcher and ecologist agree on the next step.
  • Use progressive release of habitat only after each area has been searched and documented.
  • Repeat the search if clearing is delayed enough for conditions, ground cover or animal use to change.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and stop-work planning

Give all workers a short fauna induction before starting. Make the reporting chain and stop-work authority clear.

  • Show workers the Grand Ctenotus identification features and explain that animals may shelter under ground cover.
  • Tell workers to stop, keep clear and contact the fauna spotter-catcher when an animal, suspected breeding place or unusual shelter feature is found.
  • Give the fauna spotter-catcher authority to stop work in the affected area until the animal is assessed and the approved response is completed.
  • Keep permit conditions, contact details, maps and the fauna management procedure at the work front.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in small, controlled stages and keep the fauna spotter-catcher close to the active work area. Treat every animal as potentially vulnerable to crushing, heat, traffic and loss of shelter.

Clear vegetation and ground cover progressively from the approved edge towards retained habitat, where this is safe and appropriate for the site. Use low disturbance methods first and keep machinery speed low enough for the spotter-catcher to inspect the work area.

  • Remove loose surface material under supervision before heavy machinery enters the area.
  • Pause machinery when visibility is poor, an animal is located or the spotter-catcher cannot maintain a safe view.
  • Keep cleared and retained areas clearly separated and prevent machinery from entering exclusion zones.
  • Do not bury, burn, crush or relocate shelter material without ecological direction.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal handling and relocation

Only authorised and suitably trained people may catch or handle a Grand Ctenotus. The fauna spotter-catcher should choose the least stressful safe response, which may be allowing the animal to move into retained habitat or relocating it a short distance to suitable nearby habitat.

  • Do not chase, restrain or handle the animal unnecessarily.
  • Keep the animal shaded, cool and secure if temporary containment is required, and minimise the time in care.
  • Release a healthy animal only at an approved location with suitable shelter and outside the immediate disturbance path.
  • Record the capture, handling, release location, condition and any identification uncertainty.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and unexpected concentrations

Stop work immediately if an active breeding place, concentrated use area or a group of animals is found. Although colony or roost behaviour is not expected for this terrestrial skink, any unusual concentration must be assessed before work resumes.

  • Establish a temporary exclusion area and keep people, vehicles and machinery out.
  • Contact the project ecologist and approval holder to determine whether additional approval, a species management program or a revised method is required.
  • Do not destroy, fill or move the breeding place or associated shelter unless this is authorised and directed by the relevant wildlife authority.
  • Resume work only after the ecologist documents the decision, controls and release to proceed.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animals and incident records

Treat injured animals as wildlife casualties and arrange prompt assessment by a licensed wildlife carer or veterinarian. Do not provide food, water or medication unless directed by a qualified wildlife professional.

  • Stop nearby work and protect the animal from machinery, heat, traffic and further disturbance.
  • Place the animal in a secure, ventilated, appropriately sized container only if the authorised handler considers this safe.
  • Record the location, time, cause if known, condition, photographs, handler, transport and receiving carer or veterinarian.
  • Report deaths, injuries, unauthorised clearing, damaged exclusion fencing and breaches of approval conditions through the project incident system and to the relevant authority where required.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Do not treat the end of mechanical clearing as the end of fauna risk. Complete a documented inspection, close out all incidents and check that retained habitat and relocated animals remain protected.

Have the fauna spotter-catcher and ecologist inspect the completed footprint before the area is handed back to construction. Check ground cover piles, trenches, excavations, stockpiles and access tracks.

  • Search for animals trapped in excavations, drains, pipes, pits and other artificial hazards.
  • Remove or cover hazards when they are not in use and provide safe escape routes where hazards must remain open.
  • Confirm that no animals, breeding places or shelter features were missed during clearing.
  • Photograph and map the cleared area, retained habitat and any remaining exclusion zones.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated animals

Check approved release locations after relocation when this is required by the project approval or management plan. Use methods that avoid repeated capture and disturbance.

  • Confirm that the release site still contains suitable ground shelter and has not been cleared, flooded, burnt or occupied by machinery.
  • Record follow-up observations, mortality, recapture and any movement information collected under the approved method.
  • Do not move an animal again simply because it is seen in retained habitat, unless it is at immediate risk or the approved procedure requires it.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a close-out report that links field records to the approved clearing map and the project's fauna management commitments.

  • Report survey effort, animals found, handling, releases, injuries, deaths, breeding places, stop-work events and corrective actions.
  • Submit statutory reports and database records within the required timeframes.
  • Retain photographs, coordinates, permits, inductions, daily logs and spotter-catcher records for audit.
  • Tell the project manager promptly about any condition that was not met or any new risk identified.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Review and corrective action

Hold a short incident review after clearing and after any fauna event. Use the findings to improve the next clearing stage.

  • Identify whether timing, machinery, exclusion controls, induction or supervision contributed to the event.
  • Update the clearing sequence, buffers, search method or crew instructions where needed.
  • Stop further work if the controls are not achieving the approved outcome and obtain ecological or regulatory advice before restarting.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore connected terrestrial habitat and the ground features used for shelter and foraging. Use local ecological advice because the species' detailed habitat and breeding requirements are poorly documented.

Restore disturbed areas as soon as practicable after construction. Aim to recreate the structure and continuity of suitable ground habitat rather than only establishing a grass or shrub cover.

  • Use local native species and locally appropriate soil and surface materials where available.
  • Retain or replace suitable fallen timber, leaf litter, rocks and other natural ground shelter in stable arrangements.
  • Shape and stabilise the ground so that water drains safely without creating erosion or persistent sediment movement into retained habitat.
  • Reconnect rehabilitation areas with nearby intact terrestrial habitat wherever the design allows.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Artificial structures and shelter

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures as a default measure for the Grand Ctenotus. These structures are designed for other animal groups and are unlikely to replace the natural ground shelter used by a terrestrial skink.

  • Use artificial shelter only where a qualified ecologist has established that it suits the local population and the approved rehabilitation objective.
  • Prefer natural materials such as suitable timber, rocks and leaf litter over manufactured structures.
  • Map installed features and inspect them for stability, pest use, fire risk and interaction with machinery.
  • Remove or modify features that create hazards or do not support the intended ecological outcome.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water and fire

Manage rehabilitation areas to maintain open, connected ground habitat and avoid conditions that increase mortality or degrade shelter.

  • Control weeds before they form dense ground cover or set seed, using methods that do not harm reptiles or retained habitat.
  • Prevent sediment, contaminated runoff and construction water from entering rehabilitation areas.
  • Do not create permanent water points unless they are required for another approved ecological purpose and their risks have been assessed.
  • Plan fire management with the land manager and ecologist, retaining shelter and avoiding unnecessary removal of ground cover.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting and construction legacy

Design finished infrastructure so that night lighting and ongoing activity have little effect on retained and rehabilitated habitat. The Grand Ctenotus is terrestrial, so focus on ground disturbance, access and shelter as well as lighting.

  • Direct lights away from retained habitat and rehabilitation areas and use the lowest practical intensity and duration.
  • Restrict vehicle access, informal tracks, rubbish and storage in rehabilitation areas.
  • Remove temporary fencing, waste, excess fill and redundant infrastructure when it is safe to do so.
  • Repair erosion, compaction and failed rehabilitation promptly.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Set monitoring objectives and methods with the project ecologist and relevant authority. Monitoring should test whether ground habitat is recovering and whether the Grand Ctenotus continues to use the area.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after establishment, after major rainfall and at intervals set by the approval or rehabilitation plan.
  • Record vegetation cover, shelter features, weeds, erosion, fire impacts, animal observations and threats.
  • Use repeat visual searches and other approved reptile survey methods consistently so results can be compared over time.
  • Apply adaptive management when monitoring shows declining habitat quality, new disturbance or a failure to meet the approved rehabilitation outcome.

Sources