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Keeled Legless Lizard (Shark Bay) (Pletholax edelensis)

The Keeled Legless Lizard (Shark Bay) is a slender, limbless pygopodid known from sandy habitats in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. Its use of sandy ground and low vegetation makes careful pre-clearance checks important. It is listed as DBCA Priority 3, a priority category rather than a threatened listing under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Conservation status

Western Australia, WA Threatened and Priority Fauna List: Priority 3.

Seasonal information

A genus-level study reports a spring peak in gonadal cycles. Exact month-level dates for this taxon are not available, so survey planning should not rely on a narrow seasonal window.

Breeding information: Gonadal cycles were reported to peak in spring; exact months for this taxon are not provided.

Survey planning: A species-specific seasonal survey window has not been established.

Month-level timing is not available.

  • Reported gonadal-cycle peak: Spring is reported as the peak period, but exact months are not reported; the encoded months are not a month-specific claim.
  • Pre-clearance planning: General planning window only. A seasonal survey period has not been established; check suitable habitat before disturbance whenever works are scheduled.

Identification: Appearance and size

A slender, limbless lizard with keeled scales. It can be distinguished from the Graceful Legless Lizard by several head-scale and pattern features.

The body and tail are extremely slender and elongated, with strongly keeled scales. The species has no limbs and no externally visible ear opening.

A study of the former subspecies reported mature snout-vent lengths of 79.0 to 88.0 mm in females and 67.5 to 80.0 mm in males. These values describe mature individuals in that study, not the full size range.

Identification: Similar species

The Reptile Database distinguishes this taxon from Pletholax gracilis by its lack of an externally visible ear opening, larger body size, similarly sized anterior and posterior supraoculars, three supraciliaries, two anterior temporals and a lighter dorsal pattern with greater contrast between dorsal and lateral zones.

Identification: Field signs

Distinctive tracks, burrows, scats and other field signs have not been described for this taxon. Do not treat an unconfirmed trace or sand disturbance as diagnostic.

Distribution: Known range

The recorded range is restricted to the Shark Bay region of Western Australia.

The Reptile Database gives the distribution as the Shark Bay region, with the type locality 4 km south of Useless Loop. Atlas of Living Australia records show 14 Western Australian records at nine distinct 0.1-degree locations, between latitude -26.7 and -25.9 and longitude 113.2 and 114.2.

Distribution: WA region and status

The DBCA priority list flags the Midwest region. The taxon is Priority 3, meaning poorly known, known from several locations and not under imminent threat. No national listing is recorded.

Habitat: Substrates

Records and collector notes associate the lizard with sandy ground and coastal dune environments in the Shark Bay region.

Reported settings include white, grey, yellow and light brown sands, coastal dunes and sandy loam. A study of the former subspecies also records grey loamy sand.

Habitat: Vegetation

Associated vegetation includes Acacia shrubs, spinifex and low heaths. One account describes sparse Acacia over dense low heath.

Foraging habitat: Diet information

The taxon's foraging behaviour and diet have not been documented.

A genus-level study suggests the lizards may feed predominantly on termites, but this has not been confirmed for this taxon.

Foraging habitat: Site checks

Where sandy habitat and associated low vegetation occur, treat the ground and vegetation as potential fauna habitat during site checks. Do not assume that prey availability or a particular foraging location has been established.

Breeding habitat: Reproduction

Breeding biology is poorly known.

The Reptile Database describes the taxon as oviparous. A study of Pletholax reports a clutch size of two and a spring peak in gonadal cycles for both sexes.

Breeding habitat: Known limitations

A specific nest site, egg-laying substrate and precise breeding dates have not been identified for this taxon. Do not infer a nest location from the general habitat description.

Sheltering habitat: Subsurface activity

The genus is reported to use both above-ground and below-ground environments, but shelter details for this taxon remain limited.

A genus-level account describes Pletholax as active both above and below the soil surface and reports sand-burrowing behaviour in the genus. The extent and pattern of subsurface activity for this taxon are not established.

Sheltering habitat: Potential refuge habitat

As a precaution, treat sandy ground beneath or among the recorded low vegetation as potential refuge habitat. A particular refuge type or depth has not been identified for this species.

Threats: Known pressures

Specific threats to this taxon have not been identified.

A genus-level paper notes that predation by birds has been reported, but its significance for this taxon is not established.

Threats: Status context

DBCA lists the species as Priority 3: poorly known, known from several locations and not under imminent threat.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

No validated, taxon-specific survey protocol has been established. Use habitat-focused checks and suitably qualified fauna personnel.

Review current DBCA information, project records and available fauna databases before works. Check whether the footprint contains Shark Bay-region sandy substrates, coastal dunes or the associated Acacia, spinifex and low heath vegetation.

Survey methodology: 2. Habitat inspection

Have an ecologist or fauna spotter catcher inspect the footprint and proposed access areas before clearing. Carefully check sandy ground and low vegetation without assuming that the animal will be visible above ground.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection and records

A detection rate or species-specific survey method has not been established. If an animal is found, pause nearby works, have it identified by a suitably experienced person and record the location, date, habitat and outcome. Follow applicable approvals and DBCA guidance for any capture or relocation.

Vegetation associations: Acacia, mulga or brigalow

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

Associated vegetation includes Acacia shrubs, spinifex and low heaths.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Vegetation associations: Heath

Associated vegetation includes Acacia shrubs, spinifex and low heaths.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Vegetation associations: Hummock grassland or spinifex

Associated vegetation includes Acacia shrubs, spinifex and low heaths.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Ecosystem associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific ecosystem association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Soil and substrate associations: Sandy soils or sand

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

The Keeled Legless Lizard (Shark Bay) is a slender, limbless pygopodid known from sandy habitats in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Soil and substrate associations: Loamy soils

Reported settings include white, grey, yellow and light brown sands, coastal dunes and sandy loam.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: WA.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Water and wetland associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific water association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Fauna records and mapped habitat: Not yet analysed

Record locations can be overlaid with mapping, but record frequency alone does not measure habitat preference. No species is excluded from desktop assessments by this analysis.

No quality-controlled record-to-map analysis has been completed for this species. The existing generalised distribution dots and indicative range polygons have not been treated as precise occurrence coordinates.

A defensible run needs dated, independently attributable records, coordinate uncertainty, duplicate and captive-record checks, layer versions and regional scope. Preference and absence require additional survey-effort and detection evidence.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: No supported exclusion recorded

Not recorded is not the same as cannot occur. Low suitability, resident habitat, breeding habitat and occasional movement are different conclusions.

This library has not established a vegetation, ecosystem or soil-type exclusion for this species. This does not mean all habitat is suitable; the evidence needed to justify an exclusion has not been assembled.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: Before using a negative association

  • Confirm the taxon, geographic region, life stage and habitat function covered by the evidence.
  • Check survey methods, season, repeated effort and detectability before interpreting non-detection.
  • Investigate credible contradictory records and microhabitats absent from broad mapping.
  • Do not convert a missing map class, low record count or failed data request into species absence.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Plan the footprint

Plan works to avoid unnecessary disturbance of suitable sandy habitat and to ensure a clear response if fauna is found.

Map sandy areas, dunes and patches of Acacia, spinifex and low heath in and around the work area. Where practicable, avoid or reduce clearing in these areas and keep access, laydown and stockpile areas within the approved footprint.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Brief the crew

Brief clearing crews and fauna spotter catchers on the taxon's appearance, the potential for below-ground activity and the requirement to stop work locally if a lizard is found. Confirm who is responsible for identification and how observations will be recorded.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Check conditions

Complete pre-clearance checks close to the start of disturbance and recheck areas if the footprint, timing or work method changes. A species-specific seasonal survey window has not been established.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Clear progressively

Use slow, controlled clearing and maintain a clear stop-work response in potential habitat.

Keep disturbance within marked boundaries and clear in a controlled sequence so fauna personnel can inspect the area ahead of machinery. Avoid unnecessary vehicle movements over uncleared sandy habitat.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Respond to a find

If a suspected individual is seen, stop work in the immediate area, secure the location and prevent handling by unauthorised personnel. Ask the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist to identify the animal and follow project approvals and DBCA advice before work resumes.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Check disturbed ground

Have fauna personnel inspect exposed sandy ground and vegetation as disturbance proceeds. Do not rely on a lack of visible animals as proof that the area is unoccupied.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm the work area

Close out the fauna response carefully and retain records that can inform later works.

Before restarting work after a fauna encounter, confirm that the animal has been identified and that the agreed response is complete. Keep the immediate area undisturbed until the responsible fauna professional or approval conditions allow work to resume.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Record and report

Record observations, locations, habitat, dates, actions taken and any injuries or mortalities. Report findings to the project lead and to DBCA where required by approvals or incident procedures.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore suitable ground

Rehabilitation should retain or restore the sandy substrates and low vegetation associated with the recorded habitat.

Where rehabilitation is required, use locally appropriate methods to restore sandy ground and the site's pre-disturbance landform. Avoid unnecessary compaction or mixing of soil layers.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Re-establish vegetation

Where consistent with the approved rehabilitation plan, restore vegetation structure that reflects the site's recorded habitat, including relevant Acacia, spinifex or low heath. A species-specific rehabilitation prescription or required planting mix has not been established.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Check outcomes

Inspect rehabilitation for erosion, vehicle damage and establishment of the intended ground cover. Record any fauna observations. A monitoring method or success threshold for this taxon has not been defined.

Sources