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Guthega Skink (Liopholis guthega)

The Guthega Skink is a small, colonial alpine lizard restricted to high elevations in the Australian Alps of New South Wales and Victoria. It uses boulder fields, decomposing granite soils, heath, tussock grassland and open Snow Gum woodland, so clearing, track works, resort development, fire and ground disturbance can remove both habitat and burrow systems on project sites.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Endangered.

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Endangered.

Victoria, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

Guthega Skinks mate from late spring to early summer, with females gravid around December to January and live young born mainly from February to March. Surface activity is concentrated from October to March, while snow and cold restrict activity through much of winter. Plan clearing outside occupied warrens wherever possible, and treat deep burrow systems as occupied refuges year round.

Reproductive mode: Live-bearing, or viviparous.

Litter size: Usually reported as 1 to 3 live young. Other sources report 1 or 2, or 3 or 4.

Incubation or gestation: Not recorded.

Size at hatching or birth: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Estimated at 3 to 4 years. Wild animals may reach maturity at about 4 years and more than 80 mm snout to vent length.

Nest or egg sites: Birth sites are not confirmed. The species uses deep, extensive warren systems in rocky areas, with entrances often beneath boulders or shrubs.

Breeding frequency: Not established. One source reports 0.75 to 1 litter per year.

Confirm timing at the work site with local records and weather conditions, as temperature, snow cover and spring snowmelt can shift surface activity and breeding observations.

  • Mating: Mating occurs in late spring or early summer, mainly from October to December. The timing may vary with alpine temperature and snow conditions.
  • Gravid females: Females have been observed to be obviously gravid in early December, and many pregnant females were recorded in early January. The full period that females carry embryos has not been measured.
  • Births: Live young are born mainly in February to March, with births described as mid to late February in one captive management account. Other assessments describe the period as late summer to early autumn.
  • Newborns: Newborns are expected to be most numerous after the February to March birth period. Young may remain associated with the natal warren, and the timing of emergence from burrows is not recorded.
  • Active period: Documented activity is from October to March, and the species is diurnal and dependent on basking. Snow can remain at some sites in October, so local activity may begin later where conditions stay cold.
  • Winter inactivity: From June to October, warrens are generally covered by thick snow and skinks probably shelter in deeper parts of the warren. Captive and field accounts describe winter dormancy under cold, snowy conditions, with October acting as a possible transition month.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest from February to March when newborns are present, from June to September when animals are sheltering in snow-covered warrens, and from November to December during mating and the gravid period. Clearing can damage occupied warrens in any month because colonies use familiar, deep burrow systems and short-term dispersal is estimated at about 300 metres.

Identification

The Guthega Skink is a medium-sized, dark alpine skink that is usually found close to rocky ground and burrow entrances. It is most reliably identified from its colour pattern, short tail and association with high-elevation boulder and granite habitats.

Adults are blackish-brown, greyish-brown or yellowish-brown above, with darker back and upper-side zones, pale longitudinal stripes and rows of sharp pale spots. The blackish upper lateral stripe usually contains two or three roughly longitudinal series of light grey, cream or pale spots. Juveniles are more strongly marked, often mostly black with prominent yellow or white spots extending onto the tail.

Maximum recorded size: Up to 111 mm snout to vent length

Victorian maximum reported: 97 mm snout to vent length

Tail: Round and tapering, usually shorter than in the similar L. montana and L. whitii

Identification: Distinguishing features

Distinguish the Guthega Skink from L. whitii and L. montana by the shorter tail, the blackish upper lateral stripe with two or three series of pale dots, and usually fewer than 20 subdigital lamellae. The tail is generally less than 140 percent of snout to vent length, compared with more than 140 percent in the similar species described in the NSW determination.

  • Check the whole colour pattern rather than relying on one spot or stripe, as colour and pattern vary with age and between individuals.
  • Record photographs of the head, side pattern, back and tail where handling is authorised, because the species resembles other Liopholis skinks.

Identification: Field signs and sex

Guthega Skinks are diurnal heliotherms and may be seen basking beside burrow entrances, under or beside rocks, or close to dense vegetation. They live in deep, extensive warren systems, and the presence of several skinks using one burrow system is consistent with the species' colonial behaviour.

No reliable external sex characters, tracks, scats, calls, eyeshine or sloughing signs are described in the supplied documents. Avoid disturbing suspected warrens while searching for animals.

  • Treat occupied-looking burrow systems, basking sites and connected cover as potential habitat even when no skink is visible.
  • Do not excavate, probe or block burrows during fauna searches.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia and is known from two disjunct alpine areas. Its populations are separated by distance, developed areas and unsuitable habitat, and its ability to recolonise disturbed sites is limited.

In New South Wales, the Guthega Skink is known from Kosciuszko National Park, extending from the Ramshead Range in the south to Schlinks Pass in the north. In Victoria, it occurs on the Bogong High Plains. Both state populations are in the Australian Alps IBRA Bioregion, within the Southern Rivers New South Wales and North East Victoria natural resource management regions.

  • NSW records include areas around Mount Kosciuszko and alpine resorts including Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass.
  • Victorian records are associated with isolated sites on the Bogong High Plains.

Distribution: Range and subpopulations

The distribution is severely fragmented, with small colonies separated by roads, tracks, buildings, groomed ski slopes and unsuitable vegetation. In NSW, the species has a restricted range and some sites, including Smiggin Holes and Schlinks Pass, appear to have been lost or have not been recolonised after fire.

Australian extent of occurrence: Less than 5,000 km² in the original Commonwealth listing advice

NSW extent of occurrence: Estimated at 160 km² from known records, or about 119 km² when sites apparently lost after the 2003 fires are excluded

NSW area of occupancy: Estimated at 68 km² from known records, or about 60 km² excluding apparently lost sites

Victorian extent of occurrence: Estimated at 41 km²

Victorian area of occupancy: Estimated at 36 km²

Victorian known colonies: 12 colonies reported in the 2021 Victorian assessment

Distribution: Population status

The total population across Australia is not known. The Victorian assessment estimated about 360 mature individuals, averaging around 30 mature individuals per colony, and inferred a 20 to 50 percent continuing decline within two generations. NSW colony sizes have ranged from two to more than 100 animals, with an average of about 15 animals at surveyed locations, but no systematic survey has established the NSW population size.

Estimated mature individuals in Victoria: About 360

NSW colony size: Two to more than 100 individuals at surveyed colonies

Average NSW colony size: About 15 animals at the limited locations surveyed

Inferred Victorian decline: 20 to 50 percent within two generations

  • Use recent state databases and project-specific surveys to check for records because distribution mapping is indicative and may contain omissions.
  • Do not infer absence from a single unsuccessful search, particularly where burrows, boulders and dense vegetation are present.

Habitat

Guthega Skinks occupy cold, wet alpine and subalpine sites where rocks or shallow buried boulders occur beneath soil or thick vegetation. Habitat suitability depends on the combination of shelter, basking surfaces, soft soil and connected native vegetation.

Recorded vegetation includes open Snow Gum woodland with grassy or shrubby understorey, dry tussock grassland, and tall or short heath. In NSW, occupied habitat is associated with granite substrates and decomposing granite soils. In Victoria, isolated occurrences are usually associated with granite boulder fields, often on exposed north or west-facing slopes.

  • Map boulder fields, buried rock, heath, tussock, native grassland, Snow Gum woodland and dense shrub cover before ground disturbance.
  • Retain native vegetation and soil around boulder fields, burrow systems and known basking areas.

Habitat: Climate and elevation

The species occurs in some of the coldest and wettest mainland Australian environments, with winter snow cover. Records extend from about 1,600 to 2,170 m, while the NSW determination describes the species as restricted to the alpine and subalpine zone above 1,500 m.

Typical recorded elevation: 1,600 to 2,170 m

Broad NSW elevation threshold: Above 1,500 m

Substrate: Granite boulders or buried boulders with decomposing granite soils

  • Give particular attention to sites with persistent snow influence, decomposing granite soil and natural alpine vegetation.
  • Consider the limited availability of cooler higher ground when assessing climate and fire impacts, because the species already occurs near the top of the available elevational range.

Habitat: Structural features

Important habitat features include exposed rocks for basking, subsurface boulders, soft soil beneath shrubs, rocks and logs, thick vegetation, and native ground cover that provides insulation and access to burrows. Groomed ski slopes and areas where native vegetation has been replaced by exotic grass are unsuitable or less suitable.

  • Avoid soil compaction, grading, rock removal, vegetation stripping and changes to the structure of native ground cover.
  • Maintain links between boulder fields, burrow habitat, basking sites and foraging vegetation.

Foraging habitat

The Guthega Skink forages close to its familiar warren and basking areas. It is an opportunistic predator of small invertebrates and also takes some plant material.

The diet is dominated by invertebrates taken opportunistically. Ants and beetles are important food items in early to mid-summer. Later in summer, the species selects seasonally abundant berries from Snow Beard-heath, Acrothamnus montanus. Some other plant material is also likely to be eaten.

  • Retain native heath, tussock, shrub and woodland understorey that supports invertebrate prey and seasonal fruit.
  • Avoid broad ground disturbance, weed replacement and soil compaction around boulder fields and burrow systems, as these can reduce prey habitat.

Foraging habitat: Foraging area

Adults show strong site fidelity and usually bask and forage close to familiar burrows. The home range is not measured, but is expected to be small. A maximum short-term dispersal distance of about 300 m has been suggested from information on the closely related L. whitii.

Home range: Not measured, but expected to be small

Maximum short-term dispersal estimate: About 300 m, based partly on the closely related L. whitii

  • Treat connected habitat within and around a colony as potentially used for foraging, even where animals are only observed at burrow entrances.
  • Keep machinery, vehicle movements and personnel away from occupied warrens and adjacent native ground cover.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs in spring and early summer, with live young born in late summer to early autumn. Breeding habitat is likely to be within the same stable warren systems used by adults for shelter, basking and foraging.

Guthega Skinks are live-bearing. The supplied sources give slightly different litter estimates, ranging from one to three young in NSW, three or four young in the Commonwealth advice, and one, rarely two, young in the Victorian assessment. Breeding success is otherwise poorly known.

Mating: Late spring to early summer; spring in the Victorian assessment

Births: Mainly February to March; late summer to early autumn in Victoria

Litter size reported: One to three young in NSW; three or four in the Commonwealth advice; one, rarely two, in Victoria

Age at sexual maturity: Estimated at 3 to 4 years, or in the fourth year

Lifespan: At least 8 to 10 years; possibly up to 13 years based on related-species information

Generation length: Estimated at 4 to 6 years

Incubation or gestation: Not applicable as a measured egg incubation period; the species gives birth to live young

  • Avoid clearing, rock removal, soil disturbance and heavy traffic around known colonies during the breeding and birth period.
  • Where works cannot be avoided, obtain species-specific advice and use authorised fauna handling and exclusion procedures.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat

Warrens can contain adults and their progeny, and individual Victorian warrens have supported one to six skinks. Breeding sites are likely to require secure deep burrows, nearby basking surfaces, soft soil, rocks or logs, and vegetation that supports foraging and cover.

Individuals recorded per Victorian warren: One to six, presumed adults and their progeny

  • Protect entire warren systems rather than only the point where an animal is seen.
  • Retain soil, subsurface boulders, shrubs and logs around known colonies, and prevent machinery from compacting or collapsing burrow entrances.

Sheltering habitat

Shelter is provided by deep burrow systems in soft decomposing soils beneath shrubs, rocks and logs. Subsurface boulders, thick vegetation, soil and snow cover also help buffer the species from alpine cold.

The species is colonial and lives in deep, extensive or complex warren systems. Burrows are constructed in soft soils beneath shrubs, rocks and logs, often within or beside granite boulder fields. Adults are likely to return to familiar burrow networks and nearby basking and foraging areas.

  • Inspect suitable boulder fields, shrub bases, logs, soft granite soil and existing holes for signs of warrens before clearing or excavation.
  • Do not fill, collapse, block or cover burrow entrances with spoil, sediment, vehicles or temporary infrastructure.
  • Retain undisturbed soil and vegetation around boulders and logs, not just the visible rock itself.

Sheltering habitat: Cold-weather refuge

Soil and snow cover provide insulation from winter cold. Thick vegetation and buried boulders may provide shelter when surface conditions are cold or snow covered.

  • Avoid unnecessary disturbance to snow-covered or frozen ground in occupied habitat.
  • Maintain natural drainage and soil cover around burrow systems so that shelter is not exposed or destabilised.

Sheltering habitat: Site fidelity and disturbance sensitivity

Home range is likely to be small, and the species has limited dispersal capacity. The NSW determination suggests that short-term dispersal may not exceed about 300 m, making the loss or isolation of a warren system difficult to offset through natural recolonisation.

Estimated maximum short-term dispersal: About 300 m

Social grouping: Colonial; related Liopholis species commonly occur in groups of two to six, while Guthega Skink warrens have been recorded with one to six individuals in Victoria

  • Use exclusion zones and clearly marked no-go areas around known colonies, burrows and connected boulder habitat.
  • Do not assume that an animal will move to nearby habitat after a warren is disturbed.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The main project risks are direct loss of alpine habitat, fragmentation, ground disturbance, fire and introduced predators. Because colonies are small, isolated and slow to recolonise, impacts at one site can affect a substantial part of a local population.

Roads, tracks, buildings, dams, resort expansion and ski runs have destroyed, fragmented or modified habitat. Track works, construction, summer recreation infrastructure, grading and ski-run grooming can remove native vegetation, boulders, soft soil and burrow systems. In Kosciuszko National Park, about 225.2 ha of potential habitat was reported as disturbed around three alpine ski resorts.

Reported potential habitat disturbed near three NSW ski resorts: Approximately 225.2 ha

  • Avoid clearing and ground disturbance in known or potential habitat, especially around granite boulder fields, native heath, tussock and Snow Gum woodland.
  • Keep access tracks, compounds, stockpiles, drainage works and temporary facilities out of warren and basking habitat.
  • Prevent soil compaction, rock removal, vegetation stripping and replacement of native ground cover with exotic grass.
  • Survey and mark habitat before works, and stop work if a Guthega Skink or occupied warren is found.

Threats: Fragmentation and movement

The species has small home ranges, strong site fidelity and limited dispersal. Buildings, roads, tracks and groomed slopes separate colonies, and many occupied sites are more than the estimated 300 m short-term dispersal distance apart.

  • Retain habitat connections between boulder fields, warrens and native vegetation.
  • Avoid creating new barriers through fencing, wide cleared corridors, roads or permanently groomed surfaces.
  • Plan vehicle routes and construction staging to keep disturbance within already modified areas where avoidance is possible.

Threats: Fire and climate change

Wildfire can kill skinks directly, remove shelter and alter vegetation structure. The 2003 fires were followed by an apparent loss of records at several NSW sites, including Smiggin Holes, Whites River and Schlinks Pass. Climate change is expected to increase fire frequency and severity, alter vegetation and allow predators, weeds and other species to move into higher elevations.

  • Apply the relevant alpine fire management strategy and protect known colonies from avoidable fire impacts.
  • Provide occurrence information to fire authorities where appropriate and include skink habitat in fire planning.
  • Avoid high-frequency disturbance that removes slow-regenerating alpine vegetation.

Threats: Introduced predators, herbivores and weeds

Foxes and feral cats may prey on Guthega Skinks and may alter behaviour, body condition and breeding success. Rats and dogs are also identified as potential predators in the NSW profile. Feral horses, deer, pigs, rabbits and, historically, cattle degrade habitat through grazing, trampling, soil compaction and erosion. Alpine weeds, including Orange Hawkweed and Mouse-ear Hawkweed in NSW, can suppress native grassland and reduce suitable habitat.

  • Control or exclude cats, foxes and other introduced predators around occupied habitat where approved programmes apply.
  • Keep horses, deer, pigs, rabbits and livestock out of colonies and prevent trampling of burrows and boulder fields.
  • Clean machinery and manage soil movement to reduce weed spread and avoid introducing weeds into alpine habitat.
  • Use weed control methods that do not collapse burrows, remove shelter or disturb occupied colonies.

Threats: Disease and habitat condition

The NSW profile identifies Phytophthora cinnamomi infection of native plants as a threat to habitat. Weed invasion, altered vegetation and loss of native ground cover can reduce the structure and food resources associated with colonies.

  • Apply site hygiene and clean-down procedures for vehicles, machinery and footwear where Phytophthora or weed spread is a risk.
  • Avoid moving contaminated soil, gravel or plant material into or through Guthega Skink habitat.
  • Monitor native vegetation condition after works and rectify erosion, weed establishment or loss of ground cover promptly.

Survey methodology: 1. Define the survey area and habitat

The Guthega Skink is relevant to projects in its known alpine range, above about 1,500 to 1,600 m in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, and on the Bogong High Plains, Victoria. No species specific survey effort guideline was provided in the source material, so survey design must be agreed with the relevant approval authority and should target warm, rocky habitat with subsurface boulders and burrow systems.

Map the entire proposed disturbance footprint and adjoining retained habitat, including granite boulder fields, exposed north or west facing slopes, subsurface boulders, thick shrubs, logs, burrow entrances, Snow Gum woodland, tussock grassland and heath.

Record the elevation, aspect, substrate, vegetation structure, rock availability, soil condition and evidence of disturbance from roads, tracks, ski runs, grazing, horses, deer, pigs, weeds and fire.

Treat apparently suitable habitat as potential habitat even when no skinks are seen, because the species has small home ranges, site fidelity and limited dispersal.

Survey methodology: 2. Warm-season daytime searches

Undertake targeted visual searches during warm daylight conditions when skinks are most likely to bask near burrow entrances and forage close to familiar warrens.

Search systematically around granite boulders, rocks, logs, shrubs, soil banks and burrow entrances, without dismantling shelter or damaging burrow systems.

Use repeat visits where weather or temperature limits activity, and record the date, start and finish times, weather, ground temperature if measured, cloud cover, wind, recent rain, search area, observers and all detections.

Give priority to late spring through summer, noting that mating occurs in late spring or early summer and young are reported in February to March.

Survey methodology: 3. Colony and burrow searches

Inspect suitable habitat for complex burrow systems and signs of a colony, while keeping disturbance to the minimum needed for identification.

Record every burrow or warren location with a GPS point, photographs and a description of the associated rocks, logs, shrubs, soil, aspect and disturbance history.

Do not infer absence from a single visit because colonies may be small, access may be limited, and the species is poorly known in parts of its range.

Where works may affect a warren, obtain advice from the relevant state agency or approval authority before any closer inspection, trapping or handling.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use a survey design that covers all potential habitat within the disturbance footprint and a representative area of adjoining retained habitat, with the area, transect length, search time, number of observers, visit dates and weather conditions recorded.
  • Do not state that a site is clear solely because no skinks were detected during a limited search.
  • Use additional repeat searches where habitat is highly suitable, populations are fragmented, fire or construction has recently altered the site, or weather was unsuitable for basking.
  • Report locations in a format that can be supplied to the relevant state wildlife database, and submit verified records to the NSW BioNet Atlas or the relevant Victorian biodiversity records system.
  • Retain photographs, GPS data, survey sheets, negative results, habitat mapping and details of any handling or relocation.
  • Check the current survey, approval and database requirements before fieldwork because the supplied conservation documents do not prescribe a fixed number of nights, trap nights, hours, transect length or search area.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Avoiding habitat damage is the preferred control because Guthega Skinks use familiar burrow networks, have small home ranges and may disperse no more than about 300 m over the short term. Projects in alpine habitat should be planned around the species, not only around the clearing boundary.

  • Avoid clearing or ground disturbance in granite boulder fields, subsurface boulder habitat, burrow systems, thick shrub cover, logs and other shelter used for basking and foraging.
  • Retain continuous habitat between known colonies and retained habitat patches, because resort buildings, groomed ski slopes, roads and tracks can create severe fragmentation.
  • Keep machinery, spoil, temporary storage, access tracks, drainage works and workers outside mapped habitat and agreed exclusion areas.
  • Avoid works that remove native vegetation or alter soil, rock cover, snow insulation, burrow entrances or the structure of Snow Gum woodland, tussock grassland and heath.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and fauna planning

Commonwealth status: Endangered

NSW status: Endangered

Victorian status: Critically Endangered on the 2013 advisory list and proposed as Critically Endangered in the 2021 assessment

  • Check whether the proposed action requires referral or approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 because the species is nationally listed as Endangered.
  • Obtain the relevant NSW or Victorian threatened species permissions, park approvals, animal ethics approvals and wildlife handling authorisations before survey, capture, relocation or disturbance.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies potential habitat, exclusion areas, survey methods, weather limits, fauna roles, stop-work triggers, relocation arrangements, injury response and reporting requirements.
  • Nominate an appropriately authorised fauna spotter catcher and a qualified ecologist to make decisions about detection, handling and release.

Before habitat disturbance: Timing and staging

  • Schedule ground disturbance outside periods of cold, wet or otherwise unsuitable basking conditions where practicable, and confirm the final timing with the relevant authority.
  • Plan works to avoid the late spring to early summer mating period and the February to March period when young may be present, unless the approved fauna plan provides suitable controls.
  • Stage clearing so that retained habitat remains connected and available while each work area is inspected and completed.
  • Avoid high fire danger periods and suspend works when fire conditions could damage retained habitat or create a rapid, uncontrolled disturbance.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

  • Complete a pre-clearance survey of the footprint and adjoining habitat using the approved method, with particular attention to boulder fields, burrows, logs, shrubs and north or west facing slopes.
  • Mark all retained habitat, known colonies, burrow systems, rocks, logs, exclusion areas and access limits before machinery arrives.
  • Install exclusion fencing where it can prevent entry into mapped habitat without blocking skink movement between retained areas, and inspect the fencing regularly.
  • Brief all workers on the species appearance, habitat, no-go areas, speed limits, stop-work procedure and the requirement to report any skink or suspected burrow immediately.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls

The fauna spotter catcher should control the work interface throughout clearing and excavation. Work must stop when a skink, occupied burrow system or previously unmapped suitable habitat is found.

  • Inspect exclusion fencing, habitat markers, access routes, machinery and the work area before starting each day.
  • Confirm that the day’s work area has been searched and that weather and fire conditions remain within the approved limits.
  • Keep machinery, vehicles, spoil, fuels and materials out of retained habitat and maintain the agreed separation from burrows, rocks, logs and shrubs.
  • Use the lowest-impact clearing sequence practicable, retain native ground cover and avoid unnecessary soil compaction, erosion, weed spread and disturbance to boulder fields.

During habitat disturbance: Spotter catcher and machinery interface

  • Position the fauna spotter catcher where the operator can see and hear the instruction to stop before the machine reaches habitat features or suspected shelter.
  • Clear progressively in small sections, allowing the spotter catcher to inspect exposed soil, rocks, logs, shrubs and burrow entrances before machinery advances.
  • Do not permit machinery to crush, fill, pry apart or drag rocks, logs or burrow structures until the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist have assessed them.
  • Use hand methods around known or suspected colonies where machinery would damage burrows, soil insulation or connected shelter.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna encounter and handling

  • Stop work immediately if a Guthega Skink, suspected skink, occupied burrow system or fresh sign is found within or beside the work area.
  • Keep workers, machinery and dogs away from the animal and provide shade and a quiet area while the authorised fauna handler assesses the situation.
  • Do not chase, excavate, restrain or relocate the skink unless the person is authorised and the action is permitted by the project approvals and fauna management plan.
  • If relocation is approved, release the skink into nearby retained habitat with suitable rocks, soil, shrubs and burrow opportunities, as close as practicable to the capture site and without crossing a barrier to movement.
  • Do not move an animal across roads, developed areas, groomed ski slopes or unsuitable vegetation, and do not move it outside its known local population without specific approval.
  • Transport an injured skink in a secure, ventilated container with temperature protection and arrange prompt assessment by an approved wildlife carer or veterinarian.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

  • Stop work for any confirmed or suspected Guthega Skink, occupied warren, unexpected colony, damaged exclusion fence, unapproved habitat impact, unsafe fire condition or change that falls outside the fauna management plan.
  • Recommence only after the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist have assessed the risk, the site controls have been restored and the project environmental officer has recorded the decision.
  • Record the date, time, exact location, observer, photographs, weather, habitat feature, animal condition, action taken, handler, release location, permits and people notified.
  • Report a death, injury, trapped animal, habitat damage, unauthorised clearing or unplanned relocation to the project environmental officer and the relevant authority within the timeframe required by the approval.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance inspection

Post-work checks must confirm that the project did not leave animals, burrows or connected habitat exposed to avoidable risks. Monitoring should focus on known colonies, retained habitat and the threats identified for the site.

  • Inspect the completed work area and the edge of retained habitat for injured or trapped skinks, damaged burrows, crushed rocks, removed logs, exposed soil, erosion, weed spread and breaks in exclusion fencing.
  • Search adjoining retained habitat for animals displaced by works and record all observations, including negative results and the conditions during the inspection.
  • Remove temporary materials and restore access routes so they do not block movement between retained habitat patches or create predator access.
  • Keep machinery and construction traffic out of retained habitat until the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist have signed off the area.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

  • Monitor known colonies and retained habitat using the approved survey method, with repeat visits timed to detect basking animals under suitable conditions.
  • Compare post-work records with pre-work records for occupancy, colony locations, burrow condition, habitat structure, weeds, predators, fire effects and evidence of grazing or trampling.
  • Maintain monitoring for the period required by the approval or fauna management plan, and adapt controls if skink detections, habitat damage or threat levels change.
  • Provide monitoring results, incident reports, relocation records, photographs, spatial data and database submissions to the relevant project authority and state wildlife database.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and corrective action

  • Determine whether an offset, restoration action or additional conservation measure is required under the Commonwealth or state approval for unavoidable impacts.
  • Prioritise protection and management of nearby alpine habitat that supports existing colonies, rather than relying only on creation of isolated habitat patches.
  • Correct erosion, weed invasion, predator access, fencing failures, illegal access and other project-related impacts as soon as they are identified.
  • Do not treat an absence of detections after construction as evidence that the species was not affected.

Rehabilitation actions: Rebuild habitat structure

Rehabilitation should restore the structure and shelter features used by Guthega Skinks, while maintaining connections to occupied or suitable alpine habitat. Work should reflect the local substrate, elevation, aspect, vegetation and fire history.

  • Reinstate native alpine vegetation appropriate to the local Snow Gum woodland, tussock grassland or heath community, using locally suitable provenance where available.
  • Reinstate granite rocks, subsurface shelter, logs, soil cover and shrub structure in patterns that provide basking sites and protected burrow opportunities.
  • Do not place rocks, logs, mulch or spoil over known burrow entrances, and do not create barriers between restored areas and retained habitat.
  • Use local topsoil or suitable uncontaminated soil where approved, and restore natural drainage without eroding burrow areas or compacting the soil.

Rehabilitation actions: Threat control

  • Control weeds, including hawkweeds where relevant, before they replace native alpine vegetation or alter the structure of skink habitat.
  • Prevent feral horse, deer, pig, rabbit and cattle access where practicable, and repair damage from grazing, trampling, soil compaction and erosion.
  • Control foxes and feral cats in accordance with approved threat management programs, particularly near alpine resorts and restored habitat.
  • Apply an approved fire management strategy that protects colonies, avoids high-frequency fire and maintains the vegetation structure required by the species.
  • Manage construction access, visitor access, dogs, lighting and waste so that they do not increase predator access or disturb basking and burrowing areas.

Rehabilitation actions: Rehabilitation monitoring and success measures

  • Inspect restored areas for native plant establishment, rock and log stability, burrow opportunities, soil condition, erosion, weeds, grazing, predators and fire impacts.
  • Use repeat daytime searches under suitable warm conditions to check whether Guthega Skinks use restored or adjoining retained habitat.
  • Set success measures in the approval or rehabilitation plan for vegetation cover, retained shelter features, weed control, exclusion of feral animals, erosion control and confirmed skink use where detection is feasible.
  • Submit photographs, maps, monitoring results, management actions and verified species records to the project authority and relevant state wildlife database.
  • Review and adapt the rehabilitation plan if habitat structure declines, threats increase or monitoring shows that restored areas are not reconnecting suitable habitat.

Sources