Mckenzie's Dragon (Ctenophorus mckenziei)

Conservation status

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

Breeding season

McKenzie’s Dragon is expected to breed during the warmer months, broadly from spring to early summer. Exact timing may vary between South Australia and Western Australia, and between years, because species-specific breeding records are limited.

Breeding mode: Egg-laying, as expected for an agamid dragon. Species-specific confirmation is not recorded.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Hatching and young: Hatchlings and dependent young are expected during the warmer months. Species-specific timing is not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding site: Not recorded. Check open sandy or friable ground near shrubs and hummock grass for possible nesting activity, without disturbing the site.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded. Assume breeding is seasonal and may vary with rainfall and food availability.

Timing may shift between regions and years with temperature, rainfall, food availability and local site conditions, so avoid relying on the calendar alone during site checks.

• General surface activity and basking: Activity is most likely during warmer conditions, with reduced surface activity possible during cold winter weather.
• Mating and courtship: Plan for courtship and mating mainly from late winter through early summer, while allowing for seasonal variation.
• Egg laying and incubation: Potential nesting activity is most likely from late winter through early summer, although the species-specific laying period is not recorded.
• Hatchlings and dependent young: Small young may be present from late spring through summer and can be harder to detect than adults.
• Reduced winter activity: Cold conditions may reduce basking and surface movements, but this should not be treated as true hibernation.
• Highest clearing risk: Clearing from late winter through summer has the greatest potential to affect adults preparing to breed, eggs, hatchlings and dependent young.

Identification: Appearance and size

McKenzie's Dragon is a terrestrial dragon lizard. A reliable field identification should be confirmed by an experienced herpetologist where the animal is close to similar small dragons or is found in poor light.

A diagnostic appearance description and adult size are not established in this profile. Do not rely on colour alone, as dust, soil, shadow and seasonal condition can alter the animal's appearance.

Record clear photographs from above and the side where this can be done without handling the animal. Record the location, habitat, time, weather and behaviour.

• Use the scientific name, Ctenophorus mckenziei, when submitting records.
• Seek confirmation before moving an animal or authorising clearance around an uncertain identification.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A species specific call or reliable call recognition guidance is not established here. There is also no confirmed comparison with similar species in this field profile.

Do not identify McKenzie's Dragon from an audio record alone. Photograph the animal or arrange an expert identification.

Identification: Field signs

Species specific information on droppings, nests, scent, stains, whitewash and other signs is not established. Tracks and small ground disturbances may be difficult to separate from those of other reptiles.

Treat a suspected sighting as significant in suitable habitat. Mark the location, protect the immediate area from traffic and notify the site ecologist or fauna spotter catcher.

• Record direct sightings, tracks, shelter locations and any response to disturbance.
• Do not excavate suspected shelter sites to confirm an identification.
• Use photographs and precise location data for all records.

Distribution: Range in Australia

McKenzie's Dragon is recorded in South Australia and Western Australia. Records considered in one project assessment included a record from 2012 within the broader search area, and the species was judged likely to use suitable habitat even though it was not recorded during that field survey.

The species is mapped in South Australia and Western Australia. The available state level information does not define a complete regional range within either state.

No overseas range is recognised for this Australian species.

• Check current state databases and project specific records before clearing.
• Give additional attention to sites with intact shrubland, chenopod cover or hummock grass.

Distribution: Records near works

A nearby record does not confirm that animals are present in every suitable patch. Conversely, a failure to detect the species during a brief fauna survey does not demonstrate absence.

Desktop checks should consider reliable records since 1995 and a broad surrounding area where the project assessment requires it. One assessment used a 50 km search buffer for regional fauna records.

• Review records before finalising the clearing footprint.
• Map suitable habitat, recent records and proposed access routes together.
• Keep a record of negative survey results as well as confirmed sightings.

Distribution: Survey planning

For a Rare or Priority 4 species, survey effort should be scaled to the amount and condition of habitat proposed for disturbance, the reliability of nearby records and the consequences of clearing.

Use an experienced reptile ecologist to select suitable survey timing and methods. Include active searches and careful inspection of ground cover where this can be done without damaging habitat.

• Survey before clearing where suitable habitat is present.
• Include the full disturbance footprint, access tracks, laydown areas and temporary work areas.
• Repeat or extend survey effort where habitat is continuous, records are recent or detection conditions are poor.

Habitat: Vegetation to look for

The species lives among shrubs and hummock grass. On a works site, look for structurally diverse shrublands with persistent ground cover, rather than relying only on vegetation condition or remoteness.

Potential habitat includes chenopod shrublands, low open shrublands and open woodland with a shrub or hummock grass understorey.

Plant communities recorded as suitable or potentially suitable included shrublands dominated by Melaleuca pauperiflora, Nitraria billardierei, Geijera linearifolia, Acacia oswaldii, Scaevola spinescens, Cratystylis conocephala and Atriplex nummularia.

• Melaleuca pauperiflora over Tecticornia samphire shrubland.
• Eremophila weldii, Melaleuca pauperiflora and Atriplex nummularia shrubland.
• Nitraria billardierei and Geijera linearifolia shrubland over chenopod cover.
• Acacia papyrocarpa open woodland over Westringia rigida and chenopod shrubland.
• Scaevola spinescens low open shrubland with Vittadinia and Roepera understorey.

Habitat: Site features

Retain connected shrub cover, hummock grass and undisturbed ground where possible. Pay attention to habitat beside tracks and in apparently open areas, as suitable patches can occur within broader disturbed landscapes.

Map habitat condition rather than assuming that all cleared or grazed land is unsuitable. The species was considered likely to use suitable habitat in a project area despite no individual being recorded during the field survey.

• Shrub bases and dense low vegetation.
• Hummock grass and sparse grass understorey.
• Chenopod plants and low open shrubland.
• Vegetated margins around proposed work areas.

Habitat: Clearance controls

Use existing disturbed areas and tracks where practicable. Keep the approved disturbance footprint as narrow as possible and fence or mark retained habitat before machinery enters the site.

Where suitable habitat cannot be avoided, obtain project specific ecological advice before clearing. The species' near threatened equivalent listing warrants more than a casual fauna check in known or likely habitat.

• Brief operators on the species and the location of retained habitat.
• Prevent vehicle movements through marked habitat.
• Inspect the work area immediately before clearance for reptiles and refuge features.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas

Specific diet and foraging behaviour are not established in this profile. Retaining a range of shrubs, hummock grass and natural ground cover is the safest practical approach because these features are likely to support the animal and its prey.

Look for potential foraging habitat through shrublands and hummock grass, including open areas between shrubs and the understorey of chenopod communities.

Avoid removing small habitat patches simply because they contain sparse vegetation. Open structure can still provide movement and feeding areas for a terrestrial dragon.

• Low shrubland with patches of open ground.
• Hummock grass and grass lined spaces between shrubs.
• Chenopod understorey beneath open woodland.
• Vegetated edges around temporary and permanent work areas.

Foraging habitat: Ground disturbance

Dust, vehicle movements, repeated grading and soil disturbance can reduce the quality of ground level habitat. Keep machinery on approved routes and avoid unnecessary trimming of shrubs beside access tracks.

Control weeds and clean vehicles before entering intact habitat. Weed invasion can simplify the understorey and reduce the value of shrub and grass mosaics.

Foraging habitat: Field practice

Do not chase animals through dense cover or repeatedly disturb a suspected feeding area. Allow the animal to move away naturally and keep observers and vehicles clear.

Where a sighting occurs during works, pause nearby activity long enough for the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist to assess the situation.

• Record the habitat where the animal was seen.
• Photograph the animal without handling it where possible.
• Check the approved footprint before work resumes.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Breeding places, breeding timing and reproductive details are not established in this profile. Until project specific ecological advice is available, treat suitable shrub and hummock grass habitat as potentially relevant throughout the year.

No confirmed nest type, egg laying site or other breeding place is identified here. Avoid disturbing soil, dense ground cover and potential refuge features when clearing suitable habitat.

Do not assume that the absence of a visible nest means that breeding habitat is absent. Many small terrestrial reptiles can use concealed ground level sites.

• Retain suitable habitat outside the approved footprint.
• Do not turn over logs, debris or vegetation solely to search for animals.
• Refer suspected breeding activity to the site ecologist before continuing.

Breeding habitat: Timing and survey decisions

A breeding season is not specified. The project ecologist should consider local weather, recent rainfall, animal activity and the condition of the habitat when deciding whether additional survey effort is needed.

Where the species is recorded or highly suitable habitat is extensive, schedule clearance to avoid the periods of greatest observed reptile activity where practicable.

• Use recent local records to refine survey timing.
• Increase supervision during clearance if reptiles are active in the area.
• Record all animals found during pre clearance checks and clearing.

Breeding habitat: If a suspected breeding site is found

Stop work in the immediate area and establish a temporary exclusion zone agreed with the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist. Do not relocate eggs, young or adults unless the relevant approval and a suitable specialist are in place.

Document the location, habitat, photographs and actions taken. Update the clearing plan before work recommences.

Sheltering habitat: Potential shelter

Specific sheltering and roosting structures are not established in this profile. Search for cover within shrubs, hummock grass and other ground level vegetation without dismantling habitat.

Potential shelter is likely to occur around dense shrub bases, hummock grass, low chenopod cover and uneven ground. These features should be retained where they fall outside the approved disturbance area.

Sparse habitat can still contain isolated refuge patches. Inspect the interface between open ground and vegetation before machinery enters.

• Dense low shrubs.
• Hummock grass clumps.
• Chenopod and saltbush cover.
• Natural litter and small ground irregularities.

Sheltering habitat: Pre clearance checks

A fauna spotter catcher should inspect suitable habitat immediately before clearing and remain alert for animals moving ahead of machinery. Use a slow, staged approach where the risk of encountering reptiles is elevated.

Do not use destructive searches as a routine method. If an animal cannot be safely moved from the work area, stop work and obtain specialist advice.

• Check vegetation bases and hummock grass margins.
• Check the ground around shrubs before vehicles or plant move through.
• Keep captured animals in a secure, shaded container only under an approved fauna handling procedure.

Sheltering habitat: Lighting and disturbance

Limit unnecessary night lighting, noise and vehicle movements around retained habitat. Keep temporary materials, spoil and equipment out of shrubland and hummock grass.

Restore disturbed edges promptly with appropriate local controls so that weeds, erosion and repeated vehicle access do not expand the impact area.

Threats: Vegetation clearance

Development can affect McKenzie's Dragon through direct habitat loss and changes to the ground layer. Its Rare and Priority 4 equivalent listings call for careful avoidance, competent pre clearance checks and documented responses to sightings.

Clearing shrubland, hummock grass and chenopod understorey removes potential habitat and can isolate remaining patches. Include temporary work areas, access tracks and trimming zones in the impact assessment.

Avoid habitat wherever possible. Clearly mark the approved footprint and retain connected vegetation outside it.

• Use existing cleared areas for laydown and access.
• Minimise track widening and vegetation trimming.
• Do not clear additional habitat without ecological and approval review.

Threats: Machinery and direct harm

Vehicles and plant can crush animals, refuge features and ground cover. Grading and repeated traffic can also remove the low vegetation needed for shelter and movement.

Use a fauna spotter catcher during high risk clearing and stop work if an animal is found in the active work area.

• Keep plant on designated routes.
• Use staged clearing where practicable.
• Check beneath and around vegetation before mechanical removal.

Threats: Weeds, dust and altered habitat

Weed spread can change the structure of shrub and grass communities. Dust can coat vegetation and construction disturbance can promote erosion and loss of ground cover.

Apply the project's weed hygiene, dust suppression and erosion controls. Keep dust suppression water and runoff from damaging retained habitat.

• Clean vehicles before entering intact vegetation.
• Control weeds promptly around access routes and disturbed edges.
• Use dust controls that do not spread contaminated soil or weeds.

Threats: Noise, lighting and compliance

Noise, lighting and repeated activity can disturb animals near retained habitat. Keep these impacts within the approved work area and avoid unnecessary night activity around suitable vegetation.

Record sightings, handling, relocation and any unexpected habitat disturbance. Escalate records to the project ecologist and check whether state approval or reporting requirements apply.

• Brief all workers before clearing starts.
• Maintain marked exclusion areas.
• Review the clearing method if animals are repeatedly encountered.
• Seek specialist advice before relocating an animal or disturbing a suspected breeding place.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

McKenzie's Dragon is a terrestrial agamid associated with shrubs and hummock grass. It is poorly known at site scale, so surveys should focus on suitable habitat and use repeated searches during weather that supports surface activity.

Check current state and territory records before planning clearance. The species is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, and is treated as an EVNT species for project assessment.

Review records within and around the project area, including reliable records within 50 km where relevant. A record from 2012 was considered in one assessment, but the absence of a recent record does not demonstrate absence.

Map shrubland, chenopod vegetation, hummock grass, open woodland with a shrub understorey, and disturbed areas that retain suitable cover.

Survey methodology: 2. Targeted field search

Survey during warm, dry and reasonably calm conditions when dragons are likely to bask or move through open patches between shrubs and grass. Avoid relying on a single visit in cool, wet, windy or heavily overcast conditions.

Use slow visual searches along habitat edges, open ground, shrub bases and hummock grass. Check suitable natural cover and refuge features only where this can be done without damaging habitat.

Use experienced observers who can distinguish small agamid lizards from other reptiles. Keep searches systematic across the proposed disturbance footprint and adjoining habitat that may be used during escape or relocation.

• Walk transects through each habitat type and record the area searched, start and finish times, weather and observer names.
• Search from several viewpoints around dense shrubs and grass tussocks rather than disturbing all cover.
• Repeat the search under suitable conditions where the first visit has low detectability or where the project has a large clearing footprint.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection and effort records

Record live animals, remains, tracks, burrows, shelter sites and other signs separately. Do not treat a lack of observations during an opportunistic survey as evidence that the species is absent.

There is no established migration schedule or species specific survey period for McKenzie's Dragon. Plan effort around local weather and habitat condition, and obtain advice from a suitably experienced reptile ecologist where the risk is high.

• Record the date, time, GPS location, habitat, number of animals, behaviour and detection method.
• Photograph animals and habitat where this can be done without handling or causing stress.
• Record the extent and condition of shrubs, hummock grass, ground cover and any proposed clearing or access route.
• Document survey limitations, including poor weather, restricted access, dense vegetation or incomplete coverage.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and project controls

Avoidance is the preferred control for a species listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia. Confirm the approval pathway before any vegetation clearance, earthworks or access track trimming begins.

Check whether the action may affect a matter of national environmental significance and whether an EPBC referral or approval is required. Obtain all relevant state permits and approvals before disturbing habitat or handling fauna.

In Queensland, confirm whether the species is protected wildlife and whether tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program. Do not assume that a general fauna approval permits interference with a breeding place.

In South Australia, address the statutory Rare listing. In Western Australia, address the Priority 4 conservation status through the project risk assessment, survey design and management commitments.

• Have the project ecologist confirm the approval conditions, fauna handling authority and reporting obligations.
• Include the species, suitable habitat and stop work triggers in the construction environmental management plan.
• Retain approval documents and permit conditions on site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance, exclusion and timing

Redesign work areas, access routes and laydown areas to retain shrubland, hummock grass and connected patches of suitable habitat wherever practicable.

There is no confirmed breeding season or migration period for this species. Do not use a generic seasonal assumption as the sole basis for timing works. Use pre-clearance surveys and ecological advice to identify current risks.

Set no-go areas around retained habitat and any confirmed animal, shelter site or breeding place. The ecologist should define the exclusion area using the animal, habitat, terrain and approval conditions rather than applying an unsupported standard distance.

• Fence and sign exclusion areas before machinery enters the site.
• Keep vehicles, stockpiles, spoil and personnel out of retained habitat.
• Control dust, weeds, noise and unnecessary vegetation trimming near retained habitat.
• Stop work and reassess if site conditions change or new habitat is exposed.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and induction

Complete a targeted pre-clearance search shortly before disturbance, with timing suited to weather and site conditions. Search the full disturbance footprint and inspect adjoining habitat that may receive displaced animals.

Brief all workers, machine operators and fauna spotter catchers before work starts. Explain the species appearance if available, the habitat to protect, the exclusion areas and the stop work process.

• Nominate the fauna spotter catcher and give that person authority to stop or redirect work.
• Mark the clearing sequence and the location of retained habitat on site plans and in the field.
• Tell workers not to chase, catch, feed, move or photograph animals unless directed by an authorised person.
• Place contact details for the project ecologist, wildlife carer and relevant regulator in the site induction material.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Breeding places and special records

Breeding habitat and breeding place types are not well established for McKenzie's Dragon. Treat any suspected nest, burrow, shelter used by adults or juveniles, or repeated activity at one location as potentially significant until assessed.

Do not disturb an active breeding place. Apply the relevant approval condition or species management program before work resumes.

• Record the location and condition of the suspected breeding place.
• Establish a temporary exclusion area and prevent entry by people, vehicles and machinery.
• Obtain advice from the project ecologist and regulator where required.
• Do not fill, collapse, remove or relocate a breeding place unless expressly authorised.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a slow, supervised clearing process that gives animals an opportunity to move into retained habitat. The fauna spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when an animal, shelter site or breeding place is found.

Clear in stages towards retained habitat, where the site layout and approval conditions allow. Keep escape routes open and avoid isolating small patches of shrubs or hummock grass.

Use low speed and low disturbance methods near retained habitat. Remove vegetation progressively rather than pushing large areas into a single pile.

Inspect felled vegetation, loose cover and exposed ground before machinery continues.

• Start with the least sensitive edge of the work area and work towards the retained habitat.
• Keep the spotter catcher ahead of machinery and maintain clear communication with the operator.
• Pause work when visibility is poor, the spotter catcher loses sight of the work face or an animal moves into the clearing zone.
• Do not burn, bury or chip material until it has been inspected.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal encounters and handling

Only an authorised fauna handler may catch, examine, contain or relocate McKenzie's Dragon. Workers must stand back and allow the handler to assess the animal.

Use the least handling necessary. Keep the animal cool, quiet and protected from direct sun, machinery, dust and unnecessary contact.

Relocate an apparently healthy animal only under the project approval, fauna permit and advice of the ecologist. Release it into suitable nearby habitat that is outside the work area and safe from immediate recapture.

• Photograph the animal only if this does not delay protection or increase stress.
• Record the animal's location, condition, action taken and release location.
• Do not move an animal across roads, into unsuitable cleared ground or into another project work area.
• Do not retain an animal overnight unless this is authorised and appropriate care has been arranged.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Active breeding place or unusual concentration

Stop work if an active breeding place, dependent young, repeated shelter use, unusual concentration of animals or a suspected colony or roost is found. A colony or roost is not a recognised feature of this species, but any unusual concentration should still be assessed before disturbance continues.

Protect the location from people, machinery, vibration, dust and material storage while advice is obtained.

• Have the spotter catcher notify the site supervisor and project ecologist immediately.
• Mark a temporary exclusion area without entering the suspected breeding place.
• Obtain regulator advice or approval where required, including a Queensland species management program if applicable.
• Resume work only after the ecologist confirms that the action is authorised and the control measures are in place.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injury and mortality pathway

Treat injured, heat stressed or trapped animals as a fauna incident. Do not attempt treatment in the field unless authorised and trained to do so.

Use a licensed wildlife carer or veterinarian nominated in the project fauna management plan. Keep the animal secure, quiet and shaded while arrangements are made.

• Stop nearby work if machinery or site conditions are contributing to the injury risk.
• Record the animal's location, apparent injury, photographs, time found, handler and transfer details.
• Notify the project ecologist and regulator when required by the approval or permit.
• Record and investigate every death, including animals found after machinery has passed.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks confirm that no animals or habitat features were missed and help identify failures in the clearing controls. Use the results to adjust the remaining work program and rehabilitation plan.

Inspect the cleared footprint, retained habitat edge, stockpiles, machinery routes and temporary exclusion areas after each clearing stage. Search exposed ground, felled vegetation and remaining cover for live or injured animals.

Complete additional checks after overnight pauses, major weather changes, flooding, fire, or movement of stored vegetation and spoil.

• Check that exclusion fencing remains intact and that animals cannot enter active work areas.
• Inspect pits, trenches and pipes each day where reptiles could fall or become trapped.
• Remove or cover fauna traps created by construction materials, open drains and excavations.
• Record all checks, findings and corrective actions.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting and compliance

Maintain a species specific register for all sightings, signs, captures, relocations, injuries, deaths, breeding places and stop work events. Report incidents within the time required by permits, approvals and the construction environmental management plan.

Map all records so that repeat use of habitat and problem areas can be identified.

• Provide the project manager and ecologist with daily or stage based fauna records during clearing.
• Submit regulator reports where required for a Rare listed species, an EPBC matter, a state permit or a Queensland species management program.
• Keep photographs, GPS points, handling forms, veterinary or carer records and approval correspondence.
• Document any departure from the approved clearing method and the reason for it.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and follow-up

Check release areas for hazards such as active machinery, roads, dogs, exposed trenches, intense lighting and newly cleared ground. Confirm that relocated animals were released into suitable shrub and hummock grass habitat.

Do not repeatedly recapture animals that have moved into safe retained habitat. Escalate repeated movements into the work area to the project ecologist.

• Record the release location and habitat condition.
• Inspect the release area during later clearing stages and after major site changes.
• Review whether the release area remains connected to shelter and foraging habitat.
• Use the findings to refine exclusion fencing, clearing direction and crew instructions.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review each fauna incident with the spotter catcher, supervisor, machinery operator and ecologist. Focus on what happened, which control failed and what can be changed before the next shift or clearing stage.

• Update the risk assessment and clearing sequence after any injury, death or unexpected breeding place.
• Retrain workers where a procedure was misunderstood or not followed.
• Increase survey or supervision where detection was poor or habitat was more suitable than expected.
• Close out corrective actions and retain the review with the project records.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore the structure and connectivity of habitat used by McKenzie's Dragon. Prioritise native shrubs, hummock grass and ground cover, because there is no established evidence that artificial breeding or roost structures suit this species.

Retain topsoil and native plant material where practicable, and respread it onto rehabilitation areas. Recreate a varied cover of native shrubs, hummock grass and low ground shelter rather than establishing a uniformly bare surface.

Link rehabilitation areas with retained habitat and avoid creating isolated strips that are exposed to vehicles and predators.

• Use locally appropriate native species and locally suitable seed or tubestock.
• Shape ground surfaces to prevent erosion and retain natural drainage patterns.
• Replace suitable coarse ground cover only where it will not create a fire or weed hazard.
• Keep machinery off rehabilitation areas until vegetation is established.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Weeds, water and fire risk

Control weeds before they seed and during follow-up inspections. Prevent vehicles, soil movement and stored materials from spreading weeds into retained shrubland and hummock grass.

Manage drainage so that rehabilitation areas retain suitable ground conditions without creating unnecessary ponds or waterlogged habitat. This species is terrestrial and no artificial water feature is required for it.

• Use clean machinery when moving between weed free and infested areas.
• Remove weed infestations by methods approved for the site and protect regenerating native plants.
• Repair erosion and sediment movement promptly.
• Plan weed and fuel management around the needs of regenerating native cover, while complying with fire safety requirements.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Artificial structures and lighting

There is no established requirement for nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures for McKenzie's Dragon. Do not install these structures as a default mitigation measure.

If a project proposes artificial shelter or breeding structures, have a reptile ecologist confirm that the design, location, materials and maintenance are suitable and authorised. Natural habitat restoration should remain the primary measure.

• Do not place bat boxes, nest boxes or roost structures in retained habitat unless they are intended for another approved species and will not interfere with this species.
• Keep lighting away from rehabilitation and retained habitat where practicable.
• Use low intensity, shielded and sensor controlled lighting where lighting cannot be avoided.
• Prevent light spill across shrub edges, hummock grass and likely movement routes.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitation for plant establishment, weed invasion, erosion, cover development and use by reptiles. Set the monitoring period and frequency in the approval or rehabilitation plan, with additional checks where establishment is slow or habitat was heavily disturbed.

Use the same habitat and fauna measures at each visit so that changes can be compared over time.

• Photograph fixed points and map vegetation cover and weed extent.
• Search suitable restored habitat under appropriate warm and dry conditions, using the same detection methods as the pre-clearance survey where practicable.
• Record McKenzie's Dragon sightings, signs, injuries and habitat use without unnecessary handling.
• Repair failed rehabilitation areas and revise management where monitoring shows that cover, connectivity or weed control targets are not being met.

Sources

• Data_reports_template_-_clearance_under_regulations_NVC_v2, South Australian Government: https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/eyre_highway_shoulder_sealing_-_wa_border_to_nundroo_inc_pits_and_bores_-_vegetation_survey_-_native_vegetation_clearance.pdf
• McKenzie's Dragon (Ctenophorus mckenziei), Atlas of Living Australia: https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/taxa/31229-Ctenophorus-mckenziei
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/