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Kaputar Rock Skink (Egernia roomi)

The Kaputar rock skink is a medium-sized, diurnal skink endemic to high-elevation volcanic rock outcrops in the Nandewar Ranges of New South Wales. It shelters in rock crevices and rock-on-rock spaces, so clearing, rock disturbance, fire and changes to adjacent vegetation can affect individuals and habitat on development or infrastructure sites.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

Breeding biology is not confirmed for the Kaputar Rock Skink. For planning at high elevation, use the documented active period of September to January and treat rock refuges as occupied potential breeding habitat throughout the year.

Reproductive mode: Not confirmed for this species. It is believed to be viviparous, meaning females give birth to live young.

Litter size: Not recorded.

Gestation: Not recorded.

Size at birth: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Approximately 2 to 3 years is suggested from related species. Maturity may take longer at high elevation because young have shorter periods available for basking and foraging.

Nest or egg sites: No nest or egg sites are recorded. Potential breeding groups may use deep rock fissures, rock-on-rock spaces and shelters beneath rock slabs.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded. Related Egernia species generally produce one litter per season, although multiple litters have been reported in some species.

Confirm timing locally using temperature, frost and seasonal rainfall conditions, because these may alter activity, basking and shelter emergence at high elevation.

  • Mating: No mating records exist for this species. Related Egernia species mate from late winter or spring to late spring, including September to October and November records.
  • Gravid females: The duration of pregnancy is not recorded for this species. Based on related Egernia timing, females may carry embryos from spring mating through summer births, with the period most likely extending from September to December or January.
  • Births: Births have not been documented for this species. Related Egernia species give birth mainly from December to March, with several records concentrated in January and February and one high elevation species recorded in March.
  • Newborns: The timing of newborn emergence is not recorded for this species. If it is viviparous as believed, newborns would be expected near the related Egernia birth period of December to March, with January and February commonly recorded.
  • Active period: Adults are diurnal and have been surveyed successfully from early September to mid-January. Activity is greatest in late spring and summer, when temperatures allow basking after winter sheltering.
  • Winter inactivity: High elevation individuals shelter during cold winter conditions, including snowfall and prolonged frost. The strongest sheltering period is approximately April to August, but entry and emergence dates are not defined.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing risk is high from March to January because animals may be concealed in rock refuges during winter or active around exposed rock and vegetation from September to January. February is a transition month with no confirmed seasonal boundary, so rock disturbance can harm animals at any time.

Identification

Look for a medium-sized, dark brown to grey-brown skink basking on exposed volcanic rock or disappearing into a narrow crevice. Identification should be confirmed by an experienced herpetologist where similar Egernia species occur.

The Kaputar rock skink is dark chocolate brown to grey-brown above, often paler on the head and nape. Dark markings on the head and nape form a broad mottled stripe or two stripes along the back, breaking into darker bars behind the shoulders. The throat is bluish grey and the belly is dull orange.

Adults average 105 mm snout to vent length, with recorded measurements of 103 to 121 mm. Weight has not been reported in the supplied sources.

Body length: 103 to 121 mm snout to vent length recorded; 105 mm average adult length.

Weight: Not reported.

Activity: Diurnal and heliothermic, meaning it relies on external heat sources such as direct sun on rock.

Identification: Distinguishing features

The species has smooth or slightly grooved dorsal scales. This separates it from Egernia saxatilis and Egernia mcpheei, which have sharply or bluntly keeled dorsal scales.

It is a crevice-obligate, saxicoline skink. It uses exposed basaltic outcrops, plateaux and rock-on-rock spaces, and was not observed using trees or fallen logs during targeted surveys.

Identification: Field signs and sexing

The most useful field sign is the animal itself, usually basking or moving across exposed rock, or visible in a crevice during cool, wet or foggy conditions. Individuals have also been observed sheltering beneath rock slabs.

No species-specific tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or eyeshine characteristics are described in the supplied sources. Sex-specific field marks have not been reported. Do not turn rocks during a survey or fauna inspection, because moving rocks can alter the shelter microhabitat.

  • Use binoculars or unaided observation from a distance before approaching a rock outcrop.
  • Inspect suitable crevices with a torch or fibre-optic camera where authorised, rather than lifting or dislodging rocks.
  • Treat a skink entering a crevice as a potential indication of occupied shelter habitat, not just a transient sighting.

Distribution: State and bioregion

The Kaputar rock skink is restricted to the Nandewar Ranges in northern New South Wales. All confirmed records are from Mount Kaputar National Park, with the known range concentrated around the Kaputar Plateau and nearby high peaks.

The species is endemic to New South Wales. Its confirmed distribution is in the Nandewar bioregion, particularly the Kaputar subregion, within Mount Kaputar National Park.

The range is an isolated high-elevation area surrounded by warmer, drier country and lowland valleys. The species has not been confirmed elsewhere in Australia.

State: New South Wales only.

Bioregion: Nandewar bioregion.

Subregion: Kaputar subregion.

Protected area: Mount Kaputar National Park.

Distribution: Known strongholds and subpopulations

Targeted surveys increased the known occurrence from three historical sites to 18 sites. Records are concentrated on the Kaputar Plateau and adjacent rocky peaks and cliffs, including Mount Kaputar Summit, Mount Dowe, The Governor, Mount Lindsay, Lindesay Rocks, Bundabulla Cliffs and sites near the Horton River headwaters.

Some groups are separated by deep valleys or areas without suitable rock. The eastern Horton River sites are separated from the nearest other population by approximately 1.1 km and from summit populations by approximately 3.5 km. Lindesay Rocks is separated from Mount Lindsay by approximately 800 m.

Known sites: 18 occurrence sites after the 2022 to 2023 surveys and later Grattai survey.

Updated area of occupancy: 40 km² using the 2 km by 2 km grid method.

Fine-scale suitable habitat: 1.51 km² mapped as suitable rocky habitat.

Updated extent of occurrence: 11.97 km² before applying the IUCN convention that extent of occurrence is set equal to area of occupancy when smaller.

Largest recorded site separation examples: Approximately 800 m between Lindesay Rocks and Mount Lindsay, 1.1 km between eastern Horton River and Lindesay Rocks, and 3.5 km between eastern Horton River and summit populations.

Distribution: Population size and trend

Population size is unknown. The 2020 brief search observed approximately 20 individuals on the Governor's Track and three at the Mount Kaputar summit lookout, but these observations are not a population estimate.

The species was assessed as Critically Endangered because of its restricted distribution, fragmentation and continuing threats. The 2024 survey found the species at all historical sites and at 15 additional sites, but did not provide a total population size or population trend.

Population estimate: Unknown.

Reliable trend: Unknown. Continuing decline in distribution, habitat quality and number of locations was inferred in the NSW assessment.

2020 observations: Approximately 20 individuals at the Governor's Track and three at the Mount Kaputar summit lookout during a brief search.

Habitat: Overall habitat

Habitat is defined by exposed volcanic rock with suitable crevices and nearby vegetation. The species occurs as small, discrete habitat patches rather than across all high-elevation vegetation.

The Kaputar rock skink occupies high-elevation outcrops of volcanic rock at escarpment edges, including exposed basaltic outcrops, rocky plateaux, plugs and dykes where suitable shelter is present.

The species is associated with rock-on-rock microhabitat and does not construct burrows. Suitable sites include craggy cliffs, lava fields, summit outcrops and isolated rocky peaks.

Habitat: Vegetation and structure

Adjacent vegetation includes open Snow Gum, Mountain Gum, Ribbon Gum and White Gum woodland, snow grass, dry heathland and Tea Tree thickets. Sub-alpine vegetation is most typical above approximately 1200 m, although the species is now confirmed at lower montane sites.

Important structural features are exposed rock for basking, deep cracks and fissures for shelter, rock slabs overlying rock, and vegetation cover beside rock used for foraging and concealment.

  • Retain rock outcrops, slabs, fissures and the natural arrangement of rocks.
  • Retain vegetation immediately beside rocky habitat, including groundcover and shrubs that provide food, shade and concealment.
  • Avoid creating new tracks or access routes across discrete rocky habitat patches.

Habitat: Elevation and climate limits

The confirmed elevational range is 1147 to 1509 m. Earlier records were from 1360 to 1480 m, but later surveys detected the species down to 1147 m and at the 1509 m summit.

The species is adapted to cool, high-elevation conditions, including snowfall and prolonged winter frost at the highest sites. Warmer lowland valleys and areas without suitable rock appear to separate habitat patches.

Confirmed elevation: 1147 to 1509 m above sea level.

Typical high-elevation setting: Rocky peaks and plateaux, often above 1000 m, with the strongest known occurrence on the Kaputar Plateau.

Climate sensitivity: High-elevation habitat is exposed to warming, heatwaves, drought and increased fire risk.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The diet of the Kaputar rock skink has not been studied directly. It is expected to forage around rocky shelter sites and adjacent vegetation during periods when temperatures allow activity.

The diet is unknown, but the NSW assessment indicates that related Egernia species are omnivorous and commonly eat invertebrates such as beetles, ants, grasshoppers and cockroaches. Plant material may also contribute during some seasons.

Fire, drought and grazing can reduce vegetation and invertebrate prey around shelter sites. This may reduce body condition and reproductive output, although the effect has not been measured in this species.

Confirmed diet: Unknown.

Likely prey: Invertebrates, including beetles, ants, grasshoppers and cockroaches, based on related Egernia species.

Possible plant food: Vegetation adjacent to rocky habitat may contribute during some seasons.

Foraging habitat: Foraging locations and behaviour

Foraging is expected to occur on or beside exposed rock and within adjacent vegetation. The species was found close to rock and was observed active, basking or sheltering beneath slabs and in crevices.

The species' foraging range, daily travel distance and home range have not been measured. Related rock-dwelling Egernia species can have defined home ranges and may move between isolated outcrops, but movement is reduced when connecting cover is removed.

Foraging range: Not known.

Home range: Not measured; a defined home range is considered possible based on related Egernia species.

  • Retain groundcover, shrubs and other vegetation immediately beside occupied rock habitat.
  • Do not clear or heavily thin vegetation around crevices without assessing the effect on prey, concealment and microclimate.
  • Do not use rock turning as a search method.

Breeding habitat: Known breeding information

Breeding biology has not been studied in the Kaputar rock skink. Field planning should therefore treat occupied rock crevices and nearby vegetation as potential breeding habitat throughout the active season.

No confirmed information is available on mating, birth season, litter size, gestation or nest sites. The species has been observed in pairs or small groups, and related Egernia species can form social family groups.

The species is likely to need the same rock-on-rock refuges used by adults, together with nearby basking and foraging areas. Do not assume that a crevice is unoccupied because no animal is visible.

Breeding season: Unknown.

Litter size: Unknown.

Gestation: Unknown.

Age at maturity: Not known for this species; approximately 2 to 3 years is suggested from related Liopholis and Egernia species.

Lifespan: Not known for this species; up to 10 years is suggested from related species.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat safeguards

Potential breeding groups may use deep rock fissures and other rock-on-rock shelters that buffer temperature extremes. Adjacent vegetation may provide food and cover for adults and young.

Because the breeding season and dependence period are unknown, avoid clearing, blasting, vibration and rock disturbance at occupied or potentially occupied outcrops whenever practicable. Obtain species-specific advice before work begins.

  • Survey exposed rock and crevices before works, using observation from a distance and non-destructive crevice inspection.
  • Retain connected rock patches and vegetation between shelter, basking and foraging areas.
  • If a skink is detected, stop work in the immediate shelter area and refer the record to the project ecologist and relevant NSW authority.

Sheltering habitat: Rock refuges

Shelter is the defining habitat requirement for this species. It uses natural rock spaces rather than soil burrows, tree hollows or fallen logs.

Kaputar rock skinks shelter in deep cracks and fissures in exposed volcanic rock, beneath rock slabs and in rock-on-rock spaces. The preferred shelter is rock overlying rock, rather than rock embedded in soil.

These refuges provide protection from cold winter conditions and may protect individuals from direct fire. They also reduce exposure to predators when the skinks are inactive.

Shelter type: Rock-on-rock spaces, deep fissures, cracks and spaces beneath rock slabs.

Shelter dimensions: Not reported.

Burrows or hollows: No soil burrows, tree hollows or fallen-log shelters have been reported for this species.

  • Do not lift, rotate, stack, remove or fracture rocks within or beside suitable habitat.
  • Keep machinery, stored materials and spoil away from rock slabs, fissures and cliff bases.
  • Use a non-destructive inspection method, such as a torch or fibre-optic camera, where access is authorised.

Sheltering habitat: Microclimate and surrounding cover

Shelters are used beside exposed rock suitable for basking. Vegetation around the shelter can provide foraging resources, concealment and a moderated microclimate.

Fire may not destroy the rock refuge itself, but loss of surrounding vegetation can reduce food availability and cover, increase predator exposure and alter the shelter microclimate.

  • Retain vegetation around rock shelters unless removal is necessary for an authorised action.
  • Prevent trampling and repeated pedestrian access across rocky habitat.
  • Keep natural drainage and surface conditions around occupied outcrops unchanged where practicable.

Threats: Clearing, rock disturbance and fragmentation

The main risks are loss or alteration of rocky shelter habitat, fire and climate change. Small, separated habitat patches mean that a single incident can affect many or all known groups.

Removing, dislodging or fracturing bushrock can destroy the microhabitat beneath the rock and make a shelter unsuitable. This has been recorded near accessible walking tracks at Mount Kaputar, including the Summit, Mount Dowe, The Governor and Mount Lindsay.

Clearing vegetation between rocky outcrops can reduce cover and foraging resources and may restrict movement between groups. The species occurs in discrete habitat islands separated by valleys and areas without suitable rock.

  • Avoid clearing any exposed rock, rock slab, cliff edge or adjacent vegetation until a species assessment has been completed.
  • Fence and sign exclusion zones around occupied or potentially occupied outcrops before site establishment.
  • Do not use rock piles, cairns, spoil placement or temporary access tracks within suitable habitat.

Threats: Fire and climate change

The entire updated known range overlaps the 2019 fire footprint. About 95% of the mapped burn area was low severity, and rock outcrops may have provided refuges, but post-fire loss of vegetation can reduce food, cover and habitat connectivity.

More frequent or severe fire, drought, heatwaves and warming may reduce the amount of cool high-elevation habitat and increase isolation between patches. The species has limited scope to move uphill because it already occupies high peaks.

2019 fire overlap: 100% of the updated known range overlapped the mapped fire footprint.

Earlier estimated overlap: Approximately 50% of the potential range in the NSW assessment, and 67% of the earlier modelled range in the 2024 study.

  • Avoid introducing ignition sources or conducting high-risk works beside occupied rocky habitat during periods of elevated fire danger.
  • Apply the Mount Kaputar National Park fire management requirements where works occur within or near the park.
  • Retain post-fire vegetation recovery and avoid clearing regrowth around rocky shelter sites.

Threats: Feral animals and predators

Feral goats occur across most surveyed sites and can browse adjacent vegetation and foul rocky habitat. This may reduce foraging cover and shelter quality.

Foxes, feral cats, feral pigs and black rats occur in Mount Kaputar National Park and may prey on or affect the species, although their species-specific impact is not known. Native reptiles and birds are also identified as predators.

  • Record goat presence, pellets, fouled crevices and damage to vegetation during site inspections.
  • Prevent domestic animals from entering work areas near occupied habitat.
  • Coordinate feral predator and goat control with the land manager rather than undertaking unapproved control.

Threats: Roads, disease and hydrology

The supplied sources do not report a measured road mortality rate, disease, pathogen or hydrology threat for the Kaputar rock skink. Roads and construction access can still cause direct habitat loss, rock disturbance, fire ignition and increased human access to crevices, so these risks should be assessed at each site.

  • Keep construction access and vehicle parking outside rocky habitat and avoid widening tracks towards outcrops.
  • Use clean footwear and equipment between sites to reduce the risk of moving soil-borne organisms or weeds into high-elevation habitat.
  • Do not divert runoff onto or away from rocky shelter areas without an ecological assessment.

Survey methodology: 1. Confirm habitat and records before fieldwork

Kaputar rock skink surveys must focus on high elevation volcanic rock outcrops, plateaux and rock-on-rock crevices in Mount Kaputar National Park and the Nandewar Range. The species is diurnal and readily detected when basking in suitable weather, but surveyors must avoid moving rocks or altering crevice habitat.

Map exposed basaltic rock, rocky escarpments, plateaux and discrete rock outcrops above 1000 m where the project may affect habitat.

Check the project area against known records and the current distribution of 18 known occurrence sites identified by targeted surveys.

Treat small, isolated rocky habitat patches as potential habitat even where no record is known, because the species occurs on discrete rock islands separated by unsuitable woodland and valleys.

Known elevation range: 1147 to 1509 m

Known occurrence sites after 2022 to 2023 surveys: 18 sites

Fine-scale suitable rocky habitat mapped: 1.51 km2

Survey methodology: 2. Diurnal visual encounter surveys

Survey during the active season from early September to mid-January, with late spring and summer preferred because skinks are active after winter and conditions support basking.

Survey only when temperatures are above 10°C and conditions are clear of rain.

Use two surveyors where practicable, scan exposed rock from a distance with binoculars and unaided eyes, then inspect visible crevices with a torch.

Search until all suitable rock habitat at the site has been covered, rather than stopping after the first detection.

Survey each site at least once and revisit it if the species is not detected on the first visit.

Published detection time at occupied sites: 2 to 35 minutes, mean 13.2 minutes

Published survey coverage: 30 sites, including 18 occupied sites and 14 sites without detections

Published survey period: Early September 2022 to mid-January 2023

Survey methodology: 3. Observe basking and crevice use

Record skinks basking, moving across exposed rock or sheltering in cracks and fissures.

Inspect crevices from outside the habitat with a torch, and use a fibreoptic camera only where this can be done without touching, widening or dislodging rocks.

Do not turn rocks, lift slabs or disturb rock stacks during surveys, because the species relies on rock-on-rock shelter sites and disturbance can make them unsuitable.

Record the exact location of each observation, the habitat feature used, the behaviour observed and the survey conditions.

Recorded location accuracy in the published survey: Approximately plus or minus 5 m

Typical shelter and activity sites: Rock-on-rock crevices, cracks and fissures on exposed volcanic outcrops and plateaux

Survey methodology: 4. Use targeted searches for impact areas

Give priority to rocky habitat near walking tracks, access routes, proposed pads, service corridors and other areas where rock disturbance or vegetation removal is planned.

Search isolated outcrops and habitat separated by valleys or open woodland, including small peaks and cliffs away from formed tracks.

Record fire evidence, goat presence, rock dislodgement, rock cairns, fractured rocks and other habitat damage during the survey.

Where fire has affected the site, assess whether crevices remain intact and whether surrounding vegetation and ground cover have regenerated, rather than assuming that the species is absent.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Cover every accessible rocky outcrop, plateau edge, cliff and rock-on-rock crevice within the proposed disturbance area.
  • Complete at least one full diurnal search in suitable weather during the active season and repeat the search where the first visit produces no detection.
  • Document survey dates, start and finish times, weather, temperature, surveyors, route or area searched, habitat condition, detection effort and all results.
  • Photograph habitat features and record coordinates without entering or altering fragile crevice habitat.
  • Submit verified records, including negative survey information where required, to the relevant NSW wildlife database and the project environmental records system.
  • Report any detection to the project ecologist and approval holder before works proceed in or near the occupied habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Avoiding disturbance to occupied rock habitat is the first control. The known range is small, fragmented and concentrated within Mount Kaputar National Park, so a project footprint that affects one outcrop may affect a discrete local population.

Redesign the footprint to retain volcanic outcrops, escarpment edges, plateaux and all intact rock-on-rock crevices.

Do not remove, stack, fracture or reposition bushrock, including loose rocks that form shelter sites.

Retain vegetation beside rock habitat because it provides cover, prey resources and suitable microclimate, and helps maintain movement between habitat patches.

Avoid creating new barriers between isolated outcrops, including unnecessary access tracks, cleared strips and permanent infrastructure.

Known distribution pattern: Small, discrete rocky habitat patches on the Kaputar Plateau and nearby high elevation peaks

Known separation between some isolated populations: Approximately 600 m to 3.5 km

Before habitat disturbance: Check approvals and plan the works

Confirm the current EPBC Act and NSW threatened species status before construction, noting that the species is identified as Critically Endangered in the project brief and in the later federal assessment described by Gale and colleagues.

Obtain any required EPBC Act referral or approval and NSW approvals, licences and park permissions before disturbing occupied or potential habitat.

Prepare a species-specific fauna management plan that defines the survey area, no-go zones, exclusion controls, stop-work triggers, authorised handlers, incident reporting and post-work monitoring.

Stage works so that the smallest practicable area is exposed at any one time and retained habitat remains connected to other rocky patches.

Before habitat disturbance: Prepare the site

Complete the pre-clearance survey using the published visual encounter method before machinery enters rocky habitat.

Mark all occupied sites, potential crevices, rock outcrops, retained vegetation and no-go areas on plans and on the ground.

Install exclusion fencing or equivalent physical controls where they can be placed without damaging rocks, crevices or surrounding vegetation.

Brief operators that rocks, rock piles, cairns and crevice entrances are habitat features and must not be moved, used for access or covered with spoil.

Clean boots, vehicles and equipment before entering the site to reduce the spread of weeds and soil-borne disease.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and spotter coordination

Works must be controlled around rocky habitat every day. A fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop machinery when a skink, occupied crevice or unapproved habitat disturbance is identified.

Inspect exclusion fencing, no-go markers, access routes and retained habitat before work starts each day.

Keep machinery, spoil, laydown areas and vehicle parking outside marked rock habitat and buffer areas set by the approved fauna management plan.

Use a fauna spotter catcher to inspect the active work area immediately before clearing, excavation, rock breaking or movement of materials.

Keep the spotter catcher in direct communication with machinery operators and stop the activity before the machine approaches an occupied crevice, rock outcrop or animal.

During habitat disturbance: Manage rocks and surrounding habitat

Do not lift, roll, split, crush or relocate rocks unless the action is specifically approved and supervised under the fauna management plan.

Do not place spoil, mulch, concrete, sediment controls or stored materials over crevice entrances or retained rock habitat.

Retain adjacent vegetation wherever possible because fire, browsing and clearing can reduce food availability, cover and suitable microclimate around shelter sites.

If an approved rock movement is unavoidable, stop and obtain direction from the authorised ecologist before proceeding.

During habitat disturbance: If a skink is found

Stop work in the immediate area and keep people, vehicles and machinery away from the animal and its crevice.

Do not catch, chase, handle or block the animal unless the approved fauna management plan permits it and the person is authorised under the relevant state requirements.

Allow the animal to retreat into its original crevice where safe, because the species uses rock refuges for shelter from cold, fire and predators.

If relocation is approved and unavoidable, move the animal only to nearby retained rocky habitat selected by the project ecologist, with equivalent crevice and basking features.

Place an injured animal in a secure, ventilated container only under authorised direction and arrange prompt assessment by a veterinarian or licensed wildlife carer.

Record the location, time, behaviour, habitat feature, photographs, action taken and final outcome, and notify the project ecologist and approval holder.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and incident records

  • Stop work if a Kaputar rock skink is detected within or beside the work area.
  • Stop work if a rock, crevice, outcrop or retained vegetation feature is damaged outside the approved footprint.
  • Stop work if exclusion fencing fails, machinery enters a no-go area or sediment and spoil reach retained rocky habitat.
  • Stop work if fire, smoke, extreme heat or other conditions create an immediate risk to the animal or its refuge habitat.
  • Resume only after the fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist have inspected the area, recorded the incident and confirmed the controls.

After habitat disturbance: Complete post-clearance checks

Completion does not end the fauna controls. Retained crevices, nearby vegetation and movement routes must remain intact and free of construction impacts.

Inspect the full work area and retained habitat for trapped, injured or displaced skinks, damaged crevices, rock movement, spoil deposition and failed exclusion controls.

Check areas beneath temporary materials, around fencing and beside access routes before demobilisation.

Remove temporary materials without entering or altering retained crevice habitat.

After habitat disturbance: Monitor retained habitat

Repeat diurnal visual searches during suitable active-season conditions, using temperatures above 10°C and periods clear of rain.

Use the same marked observation areas and methods so that records can be compared with the pre-work survey.

Monitor occupied and retained sites for skink presence, basking activity, crevice condition, vegetation recovery, goat impacts, human rock disturbance and fire effects.

Set the duration and frequency of monitoring through the approval and fauna management plan, because the documents do not specify a standard post-construction schedule.

After habitat disturbance: Report and maintain controls

Submit survey results, incidents, injuries, relocations, habitat damage and monitoring data to the relevant NSW wildlife database and approval authorities where required.

Maintain no-go markers, fencing, drainage controls and access restrictions until the project ecologist confirms that they are no longer needed.

Apply approved offsets or compensatory habitat measures where residual impacts cannot be avoided, and document how they protect or improve rocky habitat for this species.

Rehabilitation actions: Reinstate rocky habitat and vegetation

Rehabilitation should restore the specific rock refuges and surrounding vegetation used by Kaputar rock skinks. Planting alone will not replace a lost rock-on-rock crevice or an isolated volcanic outcrop.

Retain and protect existing basaltic outcrops, cracks, fissures and rock-on-rock shelter sites as the primary rehabilitation objective.

Where approved rock disturbance has occurred, reinstate rocks to their documented original position and orientation under ecologist supervision.

Replant locally appropriate native vegetation communities associated with the high elevation sites, including mountain gum, snow gum, ribbon gum, white gum, snow grass, dry heath and tea tree where these match the local reference community.

Restore vegetation beside crevices to provide cover, prey resources and a cooler, less exposed microclimate without blocking basking surfaces or crevice entrances.

Do not construct artificial rock piles or move bushrock from elsewhere unless specifically approved, because poorly placed rocks may not provide suitable shelter and may damage other habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: Control weeds, feral animals and fire risk

Control weeds and prevent soil and seed movement into retained high elevation rocky habitat.

Monitor and manage feral goats because browsing and fouling can reduce vegetation cover and degrade crevice habitat.

Assess the need for fox and feral cat control in accordance with the approved park or project program, noting that their effect on this species is not yet quantified.

Implement fire management consistent with the Mount Kaputar National Park Fire Management Plan and avoid creating high frequency or high severity fire impacts across connected rocky patches.

Protect regenerating vegetation after fire because post-fire loss of cover may reduce prey availability, increase exposure to predators and alter the microclimate around crevices.

Area of the species range within the 2019 fire footprint: 100% of the updated ground-truthed range

Proportion of the mapped burn area reported as low severity: 95%

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor rehabilitation success

Measure success by the continued integrity of crevices, survival and cover of native plants, absence of rock disturbance, reduced goat impacts and persistence of skinks at retained sites.

Use repeat visual encounter surveys in the active season, with clear weather and temperatures above 10°C, and record basking, sheltering and breeding-season observations where detected.

Compare post-work records with the pre-work baseline and report failures such as rock slippage, erosion, weed invasion, goat damage, fire damage or loss of skink detections.

Do not use the absence of a detection from one visit as evidence that rehabilitation has failed or that the species is absent, because detection depends on temperature, rain, basking conditions and access to crevices.

Sources