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Nangur Spiny Skink (Nangura spinosa)

The Nangur spiny skink is a small, burrowing skink known only from two genetically distinct populations in South East Queensland, near Gympie and Murgon. Its burrows and surrounding vine forest habitat can be affected by clearing, fire, weeds, vehicles and pest animals, and the species is listed as Critically Endangered under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

Nangur spiny skinks give birth in late January to early February. Activity is greatest in the warmer months, especially spring and summer, with some activity continuing through autumn. Timing may vary between the Nangur and Oakview populations and between years.

Breeding mode: Live birth. Females give birth in or around their single entrance burrows.

Birth timing: Late January to early February.

Litter size: Up to 4 live young.

Gestation: Not recorded.

Dependence of young: Some juveniles remain in the mother’s burrow for up to 1 year.

Age at maturity: Females mature at 3 to 4 years.

Breeding site: Single entrance burrows, including artificial burrows used in the release program.

Field activity can vary with temperature, rainfall, fire conditions and local habitat, so survey and clearing decisions should be based on current observations at each population and work site.

  • Breeding and births: Births occur in late January to early February and are associated with burrows.
  • Dependent young in or near burrows: Young may remain with their mother in a burrow for up to 1 year, or move into small natural or artificial burrows nearby.
  • Above-ground activity, especially dusk and dawn: Activity is most likely during the warmer months, with spring and summer the strongest activity period and some activity through autumn.
  • Burrow-centred foraging: Individuals usually forage close to their permanent burrows and are most often seen around dusk and dawn.
  • Highest clearing risk: Avoid clearing, ground disturbance and damage to burrows throughout the year, with the highest risk around late January and early February when births occur and dependent young are present.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Nangur spiny skink is a robust, distinctive skink with spiny scales and a strongly burrowing habit. It is not easily confused with other described lizards in the region, but all records should be confirmed by an experienced reptile ecologist.

Adults are brown, with dark irregular bands across the back. The bands may be faded. The back, flanks and tail have spiny scales, and the belly is cream coloured.

The scales around the mouth are barred with cream and brown. Adults grow to about 20 cm overall, with a snout to vent length of up to 10 cm.

Adult mass: 18 to 38 g

Newborn mass: 1.2 to 1.5 g

Identification: Calls and similar species

No distinctive call or echolocation feature is used to identify this species. The Nangur spiny skink is morphologically distinctive and an experienced investigator should be able to separate it from other regional lizards.

Identification: Field signs

Look for short, single entrance burrows in suitable vine forest and vine thicket. Activity is centred close to the burrow, so inspect the entrance, nearby rocks, roots, tree bases and resting platforms.

Defecation sites have been recorded about 30 cm from burrow entrances. Avoid probing, excavating or blocking a burrow during searches.

  • Individuals may show their head or tail at the entrance during daylight.
  • Skinks may be seen outside burrows around dusk and dawn.
  • Young may occupy tiny self dug burrows or empty artificial burrows.

Distribution: Known Australian range

The Nangur spiny skink is restricted to South East Queensland. Despite extensive searches, it is known from only two population areas, and no overseas range is recognised.

The species is known from Nangur National Park, near Murgon, and Oakview National Park and adjoining State Forest areas, near Gympie. The two locations are about 30 to 40 km apart, depending on the reference point used.

The species occurs on the Country of the Kabi Kabi People and Wakka Wakka People.

  • Nangur National Park, less than 50 ha occupied by the small remnant population.
  • Oakview National Park and adjoining State Forest, about 850 to 870 ha of known or occupied habitat in the core area.
  • No populations outside Queensland are known.

Distribution: Population context for site work

The Nangur population has declined to fewer than 50 mature individuals in some recent assessments. The Oakview population is much larger, with estimates ranging from about 1,000 adults to the low thousands, although its margins continue to decline.

  • The two populations are genetically distinct.
  • The Nangur population has separate conservation value and should not be treated as interchangeable with Oakview animals.
  • A new release population has been established using captive bred skinks, and ongoing monitoring is required.

Distribution: Survey implications

A site outside the known areas should not be assumed to be free of the species solely because a quick search found no animals. Potential habitat should be assessed by a suitably experienced ecologist, particularly where vine forest, vine thicket and suitable burrow features occur.

  • Record all active and inactive burrows, including their locations and associated habitat features.
  • Use remote cameras or binocular observations where possible to reduce handling and disturbance.
  • Escalate any suspected record, burrow or sign to the project ecologist and relevant Queensland conservation authority.

Habitat: Vegetation

The Nangur spiny skink is restricted to semi evergreen vine thicket and vine forest. On a work site, focus on intact or partly intact patches with suitable soils, creek banks, embankments and burrow forming features.

Look for semi evergreen vine thicket, araucarian notophyll vine forest and related vine forest communities. Some Oakview habitat includes emergent or planted hoop pine.

The species can persist in small remnant patches, but habitat condition and nearby threats differ between the two populations.

  • Dense vine thicket and vine forest.
  • Regional ecosystems associated with the species include 12.12.13, 12.12.16 and 12.12.17.
  • Vegetation shared with other threatened species should be treated as sensitive habitat.

Habitat: Landforms and soils

At Nangur, burrows have been recorded on a dry, gently sloping bank beside a seasonal creek, in hard black basaltic soils. At Oakview, burrows have been recorded in or along road embankments and on nearby alluvial soils.

Inspect banks, embankments and gently sloping ground, especially where soil remains stable and burrow entrances can be maintained.

  • Seasonal creek embankments.
  • Road or track embankments within suitable vegetation.
  • Alluvial and basalt derived soils.
  • Areas with exposed rocks, roots or tree bases.

Habitat: Site planning

Map suitable habitat before finalising access tracks, clearing limits, laydown areas and fire management works. Retain connected vine forest and vine thicket wherever practicable, including habitat around known burrows.

  • Keep machinery, spoil, vehicles and stored materials out of burrow areas.
  • Prevent changes to drainage that could erode creek banks or inundate burrows.
  • Use an ecologist to review any proposed disturbance in or near known habitat.

Foraging habitat: Foraging behaviour

The skink feeds close to its burrow and is most active around dusk and dawn. Foraging areas may be overlooked because the animal often ambushes prey from the burrow entrance or moves only a short distance.

Individuals typically feed around dusk and dawn. They may ambush prey from the burrow and usually forage within a few metres of it.

The species eats small insects and other invertebrates.

  • Beetles.
  • Spiders.
  • Snails.
  • Cockroaches and crickets.
  • Other arthropods and small invertebrates.

Foraging habitat: Features to inspect

Inspect the ground immediately around active burrows, including rocks, exposed roots, tree bases, leaf litter and stable soil surfaces. Avoid disturbing these features during routine site inspections.

  • Burrow entrances and nearby resting platforms.
  • Vegetation and litter around rocks and roots.
  • Stable ground at the base of banks and embankments.
  • Areas where pest animals may damage burrows or remove cover.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Visual searches should include quiet observations at burrow entrances during suitable activity periods. Binoculars and remote cameras can help detect feeding behaviour while limiting handling and trampling.

For a Critically Endangered species, survey methods should be designed and supervised by a qualified ecologist. Direct searches should be careful, targeted and stopped if they risk collapsing or blocking burrows.

  • Prioritise warmer months, especially spring and summer, when activity is more likely.
  • Record the burrow location, condition, associated features and any animal observations.
  • Do not use food, bait or unapproved trapping methods.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Nangur spiny skinks give birth to live young in or around their burrows. Burrows therefore provide both shelter and a potential breeding place, and disturbance during the breeding period can affect adults and dependent young.

Females give birth in or associated with their single entrance burrows. Young may remain with their mother in the maternal burrow for up to one year.

Young can later move into tiny burrows they dig themselves or into empty artificial burrows.

  • Single entrance maternal burrows.
  • Nearby small burrows used by juveniles.
  • Empty artificial burrows at managed release sites.
  • Stable soil around rocks, roots and tree bases.

Breeding habitat: Breeding timing and young

Births have been recorded from late January to early February. Litters contain up to four live young. Females mature at about three to four years of age.

  • Give known burrows and surrounding habitat a wide practical exclusion area during any ground disturbance planning.
  • Do not handle, relocate or separate adults and young unless directed by the relevant authority and an appropriately experienced fauna ecologist.
  • Treat juvenile burrows as occupied habitat even when no adult is visible.

Breeding habitat: Development controls

Before clearing or construction, inspect suitable habitat and map all burrows and associated features. A project specific exclusion area should be set by the fauna ecologist and approved through the relevant regulatory process, because no universal disturbance distance is established for this species.

  • Avoid clearing known breeding habitat.
  • Keep workers, machinery, spoil and temporary works away from burrow entrances.
  • Stop work and seek advice if a skink, juvenile or previously unrecorded burrow is found.
  • Use remote monitoring where confirmation of occupancy is needed.

Sheltering habitat: Burrow structure

The Nangur spiny skink is a homebody that rarely moves more than 1 m from its burrow, except during breeding season. Burrow damage can therefore remove the animal’s shelter, feeding location and breeding place at the same time.

Burrows are short, generally horizontal and have a single entrance. Entrances are often associated with a rock, exposed tree root or tree base.

Activity is concentrated around the entrance. Burrows may occur on creek banks, road embankments or gently sloping ground.

  • Oval burrow entrances.
  • Rocks over or beside entrances.
  • Exposed roots and tree bases.
  • Stable soil with little ground cover immediately around the entrance.

Sheltering habitat: Signs of occupancy

Look for a clear entrance, recent disturbance of soil, an animal showing its head or tail, and a defecation site about 30 cm from the entrance. Absence of a visible skink does not confirm that a burrow is unoccupied.

  • Observe from a distance before approaching.
  • Use binoculars or remote cameras for repeated checks.
  • Record burrow condition and nearby threats such as pig damage, weeds or trampling.
  • Never pour liquid into, smoke, probe or excavate a burrow.

Sheltering habitat: Protection during works

Fence or otherwise clearly mark known burrows and their approved exclusion areas before machinery arrives. Keep access, vehicle movements, spoil placement, weed control and fire operations outside these areas.

If a burrow must be disturbed, stop work and obtain direction from the project ecologist and relevant authorities. Do not undertake ad hoc relocation.

  • Use hand work only where authorised and supervised.
  • Prevent pigs, deer and other animals from damaging burrows where practical.
  • Avoid moving rocks, roots or other structures associated with burrows.
  • Maintain natural drainage and soil stability around occupied habitat.

Threats: Clearing and ground disturbance

The Nangur spiny skink is Critically Endangered under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. Works should be planned to avoid direct harm to skinks and burrows, loss of vine forest habitat, and changes that increase fire, weed or pest pressure.

Clearing, grading, trenching, road construction and spoil placement can destroy burrows and remove the small area used for shelter and feeding. Roadside maintenance and hoop pine plantation operations are recognised pressures in the species’ range.

  • Survey and map potential habitat before finalising the work footprint.
  • Avoid clearing vine forest, vine thicket, creek banks and suitable embankments.
  • Protect rocks, roots, tree bases and stable soil around known burrows.
  • Stop work if a skink or burrow is found outside the mapped area.

Threats: Fire and vegetation management

The species uses fire sensitive vine forest and vine thicket. Bushfire, fuel reduction burning and fire break clearing can damage habitat directly and can increase weed invasion after fire.

Fire planning should be coordinated with the conservation manager and project ecologist. Do not burn or clear fire breaks through occupied habitat without the required approvals.

  • Keep fire management works outside known occupied habitat where practicable.
  • Control post fire weeds without collapsing or smothering burrow entrances.
  • Use low disturbance methods around burrows and retain shade, roots and soil stability.

Threats: Pest animals and weeds

Cats, foxes, pigs, deer and cane toads can kill skinks or damage their habitat. Pigs can move rocks and damage burrows, while deer can trample habitat. Coral berry, cat’s claw creeper and lantana can degrade vegetation and cover burrow entrances.

  • Include pest animal and weed controls in the site environmental management plan.
  • Inspect access tracks and work areas for new weed spread.
  • Keep control equipment and vehicles away from burrow entrances.
  • Coordinate control programs with the land manager so treatment does not create new disturbance.

Threats: Legal protection and project response

The species is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992. The small Nangur population is genetically distinct and has particular conservation value.

Treat any known or suspected occurrence as a high risk environmental constraint. Confirm approval, survey and fauna handling requirements before works begin.

  • Engage a suitably experienced reptile ecologist early in project design.
  • Brief all workers and fauna spotter catchers on burrow recognition and stop work procedures.
  • Maintain restricted access where needed to reduce illegal take and interference.
  • Document sightings, burrow locations, incidents and control actions for ongoing monitoring.
  • Use captive breeding or reintroduction actions only through the authorised recovery program.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Nangur spiny skink is critically endangered and is known from only two South East Queensland populations. It is a quiet, burrow-dwelling skink, so surveys should focus on locating active burrows and observing animals without disturbing them.

Map all semi-evergreen vine thicket and vine forest, including regional ecosystems 12.12.13, 12.12.16 and 12.12.17. Give particular attention to gently sloping creek banks, road embankments, rocks, exposed roots and tree bases.

Check records and habitat connectivity near Nangur National Park, Oakview National Park and adjoining Oakview State Forest. Treat apparently suitable habitat as occupied until it has been adequately assessed.

  • Review proposed clearing, access tracks, trenching, fire management, roadside work and changes to drainage.
  • Identify burrow habitat, weed infestations, pig activity, deer tracks, fire history and areas where machinery could move rocks or damage roots.
  • Engage Queensland Government species officers and Traditional Owners, including Kabi Kabi and Wakka Wakka representatives, where appropriate.

Survey methodology: 2. Search for burrows and animals

Search visually for short, single-entrance burrows. Inspect rocks, tree bases, exposed roots, road embankments, creek banks and nearby ground for active entrances, animals, resting platforms and scat sites.

Use binoculars to watch burrow entrances from a distance. Individuals may show their head or tail during daylight and are most active around dusk and dawn.

  • Survey during warmer conditions, particularly in spring and summer and also in autumn. Avoid relying on cold, very wet or otherwise unsuitable conditions when skinks are unlikely to be active.
  • Use direct searching and quiet observation. Do not excavate burrows or move rocks, roots or other shelter features during a survey.
  • Use remote cameras where repeated observation is needed or where disturbance must be minimised.
  • Use experienced reptile ecologists who can distinguish active burrows from inactive holes and identify the species confidently.

Survey methodology: 3. Set survey effort for a critically endangered species

Use repeat visits across suitable conditions and times of day. A single negative visit should not be used to clear suitable habitat, especially where burrows or other indicators are present.

The species has been detected by diurnal herpetofauna searches, including a one person hour search within a 100 by 50 metre area. A six day survey at Oakview recorded 24 active burrows and 36 individuals. These records show that careful searching can detect the species, but they do not set a sufficient effort for every project.

  • Cover all suitable habitat and inspect likely burrow features systematically.
  • Search at dusk and dawn as well as during daylight, because activity is concentrated around these periods and some nocturnal activity has been observed.
  • Increase survey effort where habitat is fragmented, recently burnt, weed affected, close to roads or subject to proposed ground disturbance.
  • Stop and obtain specialist advice if a possible Nangur spiny skink, active burrow or fresh sign is found.

Survey methodology: 4. Record and map findings

Record each burrow and observation with a precise location, date, time, observer and survey conditions. Map the proposed disturbance footprint and all nearby occupied or potentially occupied features.

Record whether a burrow is active, the number and life stage of animals seen, associated rocks, roots or tree bases, signs of breeding, predators, weeds, fire damage and any disturbance.

  • Photograph animals and habitat from a distance where this can be done without disturbance.
  • Record survey method, search area, observer hours, weather, ground conditions and any limitations.
  • Keep location data secure. Do not release sensitive locations to the public or unauthorised personnel.
  • Report records to the relevant Queensland authority and update the project fauna register.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm approvals and permits

Avoiding the species and its burrows is the first response. Because both known populations are small and genetically distinct, clearing or construction should not proceed in suitable habitat until the approval pathway, survey results and protection measures have been confirmed.

Assess whether the action could have a significant impact on this critically endangered species or its habitat. Consider an EPBC Act referral before starting an action that may have a significant impact on the species or its habitat.

Confirm Queensland requirements under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Obtain any required Queensland species permits and approvals before handling, taking, relocating or interfering with a skink or its breeding place.

Ask the Queensland Government whether a species management program, or other authority, is required for the proposed activity. Do not assume that a general wildlife approval covers this species.

  • Keep copies of the EPBC decision, Queensland approvals, permit conditions and fauna management plan on site.
  • Make the approval holder responsible for checking conditions before each work stage.
  • Use the most protective requirement where approval conditions differ from standard site procedures.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoid occupied habitat

Redesign the work to retain vine thicket, vine forest, burrows, rocks, exposed roots, tree bases and creek or road embankment habitat. Avoid moving rocks, removing roots, grading banks, soil compaction, trenching and vehicle access near burrows.

Establish a clearly marked no-go area around every active or suspected burrow and its associated habitat. Have the project ecologist set the site-specific buffer with the relevant authority. Do not use an unverified generic distance.

  • Keep clearing, stockpiles, spoil, laydown areas, access tracks, pumps and exclusion fencing out of retained habitat.
  • Prevent fire, smoke, sediment, runoff, herbicide drift and weed spread into occupied habitat.
  • Control cats, foxes, pigs and deer where this is approved and practicable. Prevent domestic animals and unauthorised people from entering the site.
  • Maintain restrictions on public access where illegal take or interference is a risk.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Complete pre-clearance checks

Survey the final disturbance footprint and the retained edge shortly before works. Recheck all mapped burrows, shelter features and likely breeding places after final pegging and before machinery enters.

Treat a burrow as occupied unless an experienced ecologist and the relevant authority agree that it is inactive or can be lawfully managed.

  • Use quiet visual observation at burrow entrances during daylight, dusk and dawn, supported by binoculars and remote cameras where suitable.
  • Inspect the work area after rain or during suitable warm conditions when activity and fresh sign may be easier to detect.
  • Mark burrows and habitat on the ground and provide the map to the spotter catcher, supervisor and machine operators.
  • Do not excavate, probe, smoke, flood or otherwise test a burrow.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Plan timing and induction

Females give birth from late January to early February, and juveniles may remain in the mother’s burrow for up to one year. Schedule work outside this period where feasible, and apply extra caution whenever juveniles or a female with young may be present.

The species does not undertake a known migration. It generally stays within about one metre of its burrow, except during breeding season, so small areas around burrows can contain the whole local activity area.

  • Include the species, photographs, burrow features, legal controls and stop-work process in the crew induction.
  • Tell workers that moving a rock, damaging a root or filling a burrow can harm the animal even when no skink is visible.
  • Nominate the authorised fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist before work starts.
  • Give all workers a simple instruction: stop, secure the area and call the fauna spotter catcher if a skink, burrow or possible breeding place is found.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Clear in stages

Work should proceed in small, controlled stages under the direction of an authorised fauna spotter catcher. The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work immediately and must never force an animal from a burrow.

Use sequential clearing from the least disturbed edge towards retained habitat, only where this method is consistent with the approved fauna management plan. Keep machinery slow and use a spotter catcher to inspect each work area before disturbance.

Retain all identified burrows and associated rocks, roots and tree bases unless a specific approval authorises another action.

  • Fence and sign no-go areas before machinery starts.
  • Clear vegetation in small sections and pause between stages so animals can move into safe retained habitat where approved by the ecologist.
  • Do not burn, mulch, grade, roll, compact or stockpile material over burrows or occupied habitat.
  • Maintain an exclusion area around any animal, burrow or suspected breeding place until the ecologist gives written or recorded clearance.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop work and manage discoveries

Stop work immediately if a Nangur spiny skink, active burrow, juvenile, female with young or other possible breeding place is found. Protect the location from people, vehicles, vibration, dust and water until the authorised person has assessed it.

A burrow used for shelter may also be associated with birth and juvenile care. Do not assume that a burrow is not a breeding place because no young are visible.

  • Keep workers and machinery away from the find and do not touch the animal.
  • Photograph and map the find from a distance.
  • Contact the project ecologist, approval holder and relevant Queensland authority where required by the approval or permit.
  • Resume work only after the authorised person confirms the protection or relocation action and records the decision.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handle animals lawfully

Only a person authorised under the relevant Queensland permit or approval may capture, handle or relocate a Nangur spiny skink. Handling should be avoided wherever the animal can remain safely in place.

Never pull an animal from a burrow, dismantle a shelter feature or excavate soil to retrieve it unless that action is specifically authorised and directed by an appropriately qualified reptile specialist.

  • Use a clean, secure container and keep the animal shaded and protected from heat, cold, vibration and predators if temporary containment is authorised.
  • Record the capture location, time, animal condition, sex if known, life stage, photographs and release or transfer location.
  • Release or transfer the animal only as directed by the permit, approved plan and ecologist. Do not move it to another population or habitat without specific authority.
  • Keep juveniles with their mother where safe and lawful. Seek specialist direction before separating animals associated with one burrow.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Respond to injury or death

Treat an injured skink as a wildlife emergency. Minimise handling and arrange assessment by a reptile-capable veterinarian or approved wildlife carer through the project ecologist and permit holder.

Do not apply home treatments, feed the animal or release it without advice.

  • Secure the animal in a suitable ventilated container, keep it quiet and shaded, and prevent escape.
  • Record the exact location, apparent cause, time, photographs and people involved.
  • Notify the approval holder and relevant authority in accordance with the permit, EPBC conditions and Queensland requirements.
  • Preserve the incident area and any relevant evidence until the ecologist or authority confirms that it can be disturbed.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Keep live work records

Maintain a daily fauna log for every work area. Critically endangered species work needs clear records that can be audited against approval conditions.

The spotter catcher should brief the supervisor at the start and end of each shift and after every stop-work event.

  • Record areas cleared, dates, weather, personnel, machinery, searches, animals seen, burrows found, captures, relocations, injuries, deaths and corrective actions.
  • Record when no animals were detected, together with the search method and limitations.
  • Attach maps, photographs, permit references and fauna handling forms.
  • Escalate repeated detections, damaged burrows, predator incursions or non-compliance before the next work stage.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Complete post-clearance checks

Completion of clearing does not end the fauna obligation. Check the disturbed and retained areas, confirm that all controls remain effective, and use the results to improve the next work stage.

Inspect the cleared footprint, retained habitat edge, access routes and exclusion fencing after each clearing stage. Look for animals, damaged burrows, displaced rocks, exposed roots, soil collapse, tracks and new predator access.

Use quiet visual checks and remote cameras where suitable. Do not enter or disturb retained burrows unnecessarily.

  • Check for skinks at dusk and dawn when practical, and during suitable warm conditions.
  • Repair fencing, barriers and signs promptly if they have failed.
  • Remove spoil, waste and materials from retained habitat.
  • Record the result of each check, including the areas inspected and any unresolved risk.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Report and close out incidents

Report all captures, relocations, injuries, deaths, damaged burrows and suspected breeding-place interference under the project approvals and permits. Notify the Queensland authority and the Commonwealth where required.

Prepare a close-out report that links each incident to its location, work stage, approval condition and response.

  • Include maps, photographs, fauna logs, handling records and names of authorised personnel.
  • Record whether the animal was released, transferred for care or found dead.
  • Review incidents with the supervisor, spotter catcher, ecologist and contractor before work resumes in similar habitat.
  • Escalate any breach immediately. Do not wait for the end of the project report.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitor relocated or released animals

Monitor any relocated animals only under the approved relocation method. Confirm that the receiving site is suitable, protected and within the authorised area before release.

Use remote cameras and non-invasive observations where possible. This species is a burrow user and rarely moves far from its burrow, so monitoring should focus on the release burrow and nearby habitat.

  • Record survival, burrow use, activity around dusk and dawn, feeding, breeding behaviour and signs of juveniles.
  • Check artificial burrows and barriers for damage, flooding, weed cover and predator access.
  • Do not repeatedly handle animals to confirm survival.
  • Continue monitoring for the period required by the approval and extend it if the results show poor survival or ongoing threats.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Review the work method

Hold a fauna debrief after each stage and at project completion. Use the findings to refine survey timing, exclusion areas, access routes, machinery controls and weed or predator management.

Give the next contractor or land manager a clear handover of occupied habitat, retained burrows, monitoring results and ongoing restrictions.

  • Compare predicted and actual detections and impacts.
  • Document lessons from weather, visibility, ground conditions and observer performance.
  • Update the site environmental management plan before any later work in suitable habitat.
  • Retain sensitive location information in the project fauna register.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore habitat and soil

Rehabilitation should recreate secure vine thicket or vine forest habitat and protect the burrow environment. The Nangur spiny skink uses short, single-entrance burrows, so habitat structure and soil stability matter as much as plant cover.

Reinstate natural landform, drainage and stable soil around retained and rehabilitated burrow areas. Avoid compaction, erosion, ponding and sudden changes to creek or embankment conditions.

Restore locally appropriate semi-evergreen vine thicket or vine forest using suitable local provenance plants and methods approved for the site.

  • Protect rocks, exposed roots and tree bases that can support burrow entrances.
  • Keep heavy vehicles and stockpiles off rehabilitation areas until soil and vegetation are stable.
  • Use erosion controls that do not block or fill burrows.
  • Retain fallen woody debris and natural shelter features where they are not a fire or safety hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Use artificial burrows where appropriate

Artificial burrows have been used in the captive breeding and release program. They may be appropriate for approved reintroduction, augmentation or habitat restoration work, but they are not a substitute for retaining natural burrows.

Design, place and maintain artificial burrows under direction from the Queensland recovery program or a specialist reptile ecologist.

  • Place artificial burrows in suitable vine thicket or vine forest habitat with stable soil and nearby natural shelter features.
  • Keep entrances single and unobstructed, and protect them from pigs, deer, machinery and public access.
  • Use remote cameras to check occupancy and behaviour without repeated disturbance.
  • Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or roost structures. These structures do not suit a burrowing skink.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Control weeds and pest animals

Remove aggressive weeds that smother habitat or burrow entrances, including cat’s claw creeper, lantana and coral berry where they occur. Use methods that prevent chemical or mechanical damage to skinks and burrows.

Manage cats, foxes, pigs and deer through approved control programs. Pigs can move rocks and damage burrows, while deer can trample habitat.

  • Inspect burrows before weed treatment and use spot treatment rather than broad application where feasible.
  • Prevent machinery, herbicide, washdown water and weed material from entering retained habitat.
  • Control weeds before they seed and monitor treated areas for regrowth.
  • Repair barriers and maintain predator exclusion around release or high-value habitat areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Manage fire, water and lighting

Protect fire-sensitive vine forest and vine thicket from unplanned fire, fire-break clearing and fuel-reduction works that could damage occupied habitat. Any planned fire treatment should be assessed against the species approvals and recovery objectives.

Maintain natural moisture patterns without flooding burrows or concentrating runoff through occupied areas.

  • Keep drains, culverts and erosion controls from directing water into burrow entrances.
  • Use low-disturbance watering during plant establishment and inspect for erosion after heavy rain.
  • Avoid bright night lighting near burrows and retained habitat. Use the minimum lighting needed for safety, direct it away from the ground and habitat, and avoid unnecessary night work.
  • Include fire, weeds, predators, drainage and lighting in the long-term site management plan.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Monitor recovery over the long term

Monitor rehabilitated habitat and any artificial burrows using repeat burrow inspections, binocular observation and remote cameras. Track habitat condition as well as skink detections.

Continue monitoring for the period required by approvals and recovery actions, with extra attention to the small Nangur population and any new release site.

  • Record active burrows, animal detections, juveniles, breeding activity, weed cover, predator signs, fire effects, erosion and barrier condition.
  • Use the same mapped locations and methods where possible so results can be compared over time.
  • Repair failed rehabilitation promptly and adapt weed, predator, fire or drainage controls when monitoring identifies a problem.
  • Share outcomes with the Queensland recovery program and relevant land managers while protecting sensitive location data.

Sources