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Nubbined Fine-lined Slider (Lerista colliveri)

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is a small, fossorial skink of Queensland open woodland and other terrestrial habitats. It can be overlooked during clearing because much of its activity and sheltering occurs at ground level or below the soil surface. It is listed as Endangered under both Queensland and Commonwealth legislation, so potential habitat should be surveyed and managed conservatively before works begin.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Endangered.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Endangered.

Breeding season

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is poorly known, and no species-specific breeding months have been established. For planning, treat it as potentially active year-round, with higher surface detectability in warmer months and local variation with temperature, rainfall and ground conditions.

Breeding mode: Not recorded.

Clutch or litter size: Not recorded.

Incubation or gestation: Not recorded.

Fledging or weaning: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding sites: Not recorded. The species is fossorial, so concealed ground shelter should be assumed until surveys demonstrate otherwise.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing may vary between Queensland regions and years, particularly with rainfall and temperature, so use local records and pre-clearance findings to refine the work plan.

  • Likely surface activity, warmer months: This is a general planning pattern for a small fossorial Queensland skink, not a documented seasonal pattern for this species.
  • Breeding activity, timing unresolved: No month can be assigned confidently, so breeding activity should be checked during every site visit rather than restricted to a presumed season.
  • Potential concealed young or eggs: Eggs, young and their shelter sites have not been documented, so disturbed ground should be managed as potentially containing breeding habitat at any time.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is year-round because the species is endangered and fossorial, and clearing can destroy concealed animals, shelter and any undocumented breeding sites.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is a poorly known, fossorial skink. Reliable identification should be confirmed by an experienced reptile ecologist, especially where several small skinks occur on the same site.

The species is a small member of the skink family. A detailed field description and adult body length are not established in the available profile.

Its recorded weight is about 4.2 g. Handle any animal gently and keep handling time as short as possible.

Class: Reptile

Family: Scincidae

Habit: Fossorial

Identification: Calls and similar species

No species-specific call or echolocation feature is available for field identification. The species should be identified from its physical characters and locality, rather than from sound.

Similar small skinks may occur in the same ground layer. Do not record a small skink as a Nubbined Fine-lined Slider without checking its identification.

Identification: Field signs

Species-specific nests, droppings, scent marks, stains, whitewash and other diagnostic signs are not established. The absence of visible signs does not demonstrate that the species is absent.

Fossorial reptiles can remain undetected during ordinary daytime searches. A spotter-catcher should inspect suitable ground habitat and any animals exposed by approved works.

  • Check the soil surface, leaf litter and low ground layer before machinery enters.
  • Inspect exposed soil and disturbed ground carefully during supervised clearing.
  • Photograph animals and record precise locations before release or further disturbance.

Distribution: Queensland range

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is endemic to Queensland. Records are concentrated in the Charters Towers local government area and the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion, but the available records do not define the full Queensland range.

The species is recorded only from Queensland and is classified as naturally occurring and endemic there.

Available records include the Charters Towers local government area and the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion. Presence records should be treated as a guide to potential habitat, not as a complete distribution map.

  • Charters Towers local government area, with 35 records and 29 specimens recorded, last seen on 17 January 2003.
  • Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion, with one record and no specimens recorded, last seen on 31 December 1993.

Distribution: Using records during project planning

Old or sparse records do not remove the need for a site assessment. A species may persist in suitable habitat where it has not been recorded recently.

A mapped absence is not evidence that the species is absent. Check current threatened-species information and obtain advice from the relevant Queensland authority before clearing.

  • Review records at the project footprint and in adjoining habitat.
  • Allow for the possibility of occupied habitat between known records.
  • Treat connected native woodland and intact ground habitat as potential habitat until assessed.

Distribution: Overseas range

The species is a Queensland endemic. No overseas range is recognised.

Habitat: Vegetation and ground layer

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is terrestrial and fossorial, with an association with open woodland. On a works site, retain native vegetation, soil structure and ground cover wherever practicable.

Look for open woodland with native ground cover and relatively undisturbed soil. The species may be missed if assessment is limited to the tree canopy or larger fauna.

Ground habitat can remain suitable even where woodland is open or patchy. Avoid judging habitat value from tree cover alone.

  • Native woodland and open woodland remnants.
  • Undisturbed or lightly disturbed soil beneath the woodland canopy.
  • Leaf litter, low vegetation and other ground-layer cover.
  • Patches connected to larger areas of native habitat.

Habitat: Landform and site features

The species' fossorial habit means that soil condition and the soil surface are relevant to habitat assessment. Pay particular attention to places where clearing, grading or vehicle movement will disturb the ground.

Specific preferred landforms have not been established. Assess the whole habitat patch rather than excluding areas because they lack a particular feature.

  • Areas with intact soil profiles.
  • Edges of proposed access tracks, pads and trench lines.
  • Ground beneath and between open woodland trees.
  • Undisturbed habitat adjoining previously cleared areas.

Habitat: Pre-clearing approach

Before works, have a suitably experienced fauna spotter-catcher inspect the footprint and mark habitat to be retained. Use low-impact searches first and avoid unnecessary soil disturbance.

Where habitat cannot be retained, plan clearing in stages so animals can be detected and managed before heavy machinery enters.

  • Fence or flag exclusion areas before machinery mobilisation.
  • Keep vehicle movements within defined work areas.
  • Brief operators to stop for any reptile sighting or exposed animal.
  • Record all findings, including animals found outside the mapped footprint.],
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Foraging habitat: Ground-level feeding habitat

The diet of the Nubbined Fine-lined Slider has not been established. Manage its likely feeding area as ground habitat, and avoid relying on untested assumptions about prey, vegetation or season.

Search and manage the soil surface, leaf litter and low ground layer as potential foraging habitat. These areas can be affected by clearing, grading, compaction and repeated vehicle traffic.

Retain native ground cover and avoid unnecessary removal of leaf litter or surface debris.

  • Minimise soil compaction from machinery and stored materials.
  • Prevent sediment, spoil and construction waste from covering retained ground habitat.
  • Keep lighting, noise and vehicle movement within the smallest practical work area.

Foraging habitat: Survey considerations

A general visual search may miss a fossorial skink. Combine careful observation with inspection of ground habitat during supervised clearing, using methods approved for the site and the species.

Do not infer absence from a short search or from a lack of surface activity.

  • Survey before clearing and continue observation during staged works.
  • Check disturbed soil, spoil margins and retained habitat edges.
  • Use an experienced reptile ecologist where identification is uncertain.

Foraging habitat: Diet and habitat condition

No confirmed diet is available for this species. Avoid broad insecticide use or other activities that could reduce ground-layer prey without first assessing the ecological consequences.

Maintain a natural ground layer and limit weed invasion, erosion and soil disturbance.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

The breeding habitat, breeding season and clutch size of the Nubbined Fine-lined Slider are not established. Because it is Endangered, treat suitable terrestrial habitat as potential breeding habitat during project planning.

Retain connected open woodland, native ground cover and undisturbed soil wherever possible. Do not assume that a cleared or sparsely vegetated area is unsuitable without an assessment.

No particular nest, burrow or breeding-place type has been confirmed for this species.

  • Avoid clearing across intact habitat patches where practicable.
  • Protect retained habitat from spoil placement, trenching and vehicle access.
  • Include adjoining habitat in the site inspection, not only the construction footprint.

Breeding habitat: Timing and works controls

A species-specific breeding period has not been established. Schedule clearing outside periods of highest site disturbance where practicable, but do not rely on timing alone to avoid impacts.

Use staged clearing and active fauna supervision for any unavoidable habitat removal.

  • Stop work if an animal, eggs or a suspected occupied shelter is found.
  • Set an exclusion area around the find and obtain ecological advice before proceeding.
  • Record the location, habitat condition and management action.

Breeding habitat: Breeding-place protection

Any suspected breeding place should be left undisturbed until its status has been assessed. Confirm approval and compliance requirements before tampering with habitat that may support breeding.

  • Do not fill, excavate or collapse suspected shelters during active works.
  • Keep machinery and personnel outside the exclusion area.
  • Escalate unexpected findings to the project ecologist and the relevant Queensland authority.

Sheltering habitat: Likely shelter features

The species is fossorial, so shelter may be below the soil surface or within the ground layer. Protect soil structure and surface cover rather than searching only for conspicuous shelters.

Inspect undisturbed soil, leaf litter and low ground cover for potential sheltering habitat. Fallen timber and other natural ground debris may also provide cover for small reptiles and should be retained where safe.

Specific shelter dimensions and shelter types have not been established for this species.

  • Intact soil and areas without recent grading.
  • Leaf litter and low native vegetation.
  • Natural ground debris, including fallen timber where present.
  • Edges between retained woodland and cleared areas.

Sheltering habitat: Clearing and handling

Fossorial animals may be exposed as vegetation is removed or soil is disturbed. Use staged, supervised clearing and allow the fauna spotter-catcher to inspect each work area before machinery proceeds.

Do not pick up an animal unless it is necessary for safety or approved relocation. If handling is required, use appropriate reptile hygiene and release procedures.

  • Clear toward retained habitat where the site layout allows.
  • Keep exposed soil open for inspection before further excavation.
  • Avoid crushing or burying animals beneath felled vegetation, spoil or equipment.

Sheltering habitat: Retained habitat

Mark sheltering habitat that will remain in place and protect it from indirect impacts. Prevent machinery, materials and wash-down water from entering exclusion areas.

  • Use visible fencing or bunting around no-go areas.
  • Keep access routes and stockpiles outside retained habitat.
  • Inspect exclusion fencing regularly during construction.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The main site risks are likely to come from loss and disturbance of native woodland, soil disturbance and the difficulty of detecting a fossorial reptile. The Endangered listing warrants a precautionary approach, with avoidance preferred over capture and relocation.

Removing open woodland and its native ground layer can reduce available habitat and break connections between occupied patches. Keep the construction footprint as small as practicable.

Retain habitat in larger, connected patches rather than isolated narrow strips where the design allows.

  • Avoid unnecessary clearing and secondary disturbance.
  • Clearly mark approved clearing limits before work starts.
  • Rehabilitate temporary work areas with locally appropriate native ground cover.

Threats: Soil disturbance and machinery

Grading, trenching, excavation, compaction and vehicle movements can destroy underground shelter and injure animals that are not visible at the surface.

Use defined access routes, staged clearing and fauna supervision wherever ground disturbance is unavoidable.

  • Prevent unnecessary traffic across retained habitat.
  • Inspect open trenches and excavations regularly.
  • Provide safe fauna management for any animal found in a trench or other excavation.

Threats: Fire, weeds and changed ground conditions

Changed fire regimes, weed invasion, erosion and loss of leaf litter can reduce the quality of the ground layer. Manage these pressures without repeatedly disturbing intact soil.

Avoid broad chemical treatments in potential habitat unless their need and likely effects have been assessed.

  • Retain native ground cover during construction and rehabilitation.
  • Control weeds using methods suited to threatened-species habitat.
  • Prevent sediment and spoil from spreading into retained woodland.

Threats: Detection and compliance risk

The species has few recent or detailed field records in the areas covered by the available profile. A low detection rate should not be treated as evidence of absence.

Before works begin, confirm the project's approval pathway under Queensland and Commonwealth threatened-species requirements. Keep survey, clearing and fauna-management records for the project.

  • Use an experienced fauna spotter-catcher for clearing in potential habitat.
  • Stop and reassess if the species is found.
  • Report significant findings through the project's environmental management process.
  • Review the management response if repeated captures or sightings occur.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is a poorly known, fossorial skink associated with open woodland. Survey should focus on suitable ground habitat, concealed animals and signs of disturbance, with methods adjusted to site conditions and weather.

Review WildNet records, recent project records, aerial imagery, vegetation mapping and previous ecological reports before planning fieldwork.

Treat mapped records as indicators rather than proof of current presence or absence. Check records for location precision, age and habitat context.

Map open woodland, intact ground cover, fallen timber, leaf litter, loose soil and other areas that could provide shelter. Include adjacent habitat where clearing may affect animals or their sheltering places.

Survey methodology: 2. Targeted field search

Use experienced reptile ecologists and fauna spotter catchers to search suitable ground habitat systematically.

Search beneath and around loose ground cover, fallen timber, rocks and other natural shelter where this can be done without damaging habitat. Inspect soil surfaces, cracks and shallow shelter sites where practical.

Use careful hand searches and habitat lifting only where authorised and where each item can be safely replaced. Do not excavate deeply or destroy burrows or shelter sites.

Because the species is fossorial, include searches of exposed soil, disturbed edges and areas where clearing has recently removed ground cover. Treat an absence of detections as inconclusive.

  • Conduct searches in warm, dry conditions when reptiles are more likely to be active, while avoiding unsafe heat, heavy rain and saturated ground.
  • Repeat searches across suitable habitat when the risk assessment indicates that one visit is unlikely to detect a concealed skink.
  • Coordinate survey timing with the project ecologist, because reliable breeding and seasonal movement periods have not been established for this species.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection and handling records

Record the date, start and finish time, weather, recent rainfall, temperature conditions, observers, search methods, search area, habitat and ground disturbance.

Record every detection with a GPS location, photograph where practical, behaviour, microhabitat, direction of movement and whether the animal was captured or moved.

Record unsuccessful searches as well as detections. Note inaccessible areas, damaged habitat, machinery noise and other factors that may have reduced detection.

  • Use the common name and scientific name, Lerista colliveri, in project records.
  • Submit verified records to the relevant Queensland wildlife database or agency process after checking coordinates and identification.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Desktop assessment and approvals

Plan the work around avoidance first. The species is listed as Endangered in Queensland and under the EPBC Act, so obtain approvals and set clear stop-work procedures before vegetation or ground disturbance begins.

Have the ecologist assess whether the action could affect the species or its habitat and whether an EPBC Act referral is required. Do not assume that a lack of recent records means the species is absent.

Confirm the Queensland listing and any permit requirements under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 before survey, capture, handling, movement or clearing.

Where work may tamper with a breeding place, obtain and follow a Queensland species management program if required. Confirm the conditions of any relevant state permit, authority or approval before mobilisation.

  • Keep approval documents, permit conditions, maps and contact details on site.
  • Make the approval holder responsible for checking that subcontractors follow all conditions.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site layout

Avoid clearing suitable open woodland and intact ground habitat wherever practicable. Retain native vegetation, ground cover, fallen timber, leaf litter and natural shelter.

Minimise the disturbance footprint and use existing access tracks, hardstands and previously disturbed areas where suitable.

Mark no-go areas on plans and on the ground before machinery arrives. Fence or flag retained habitat so it is not used for parking, stockpiling, access or spoil placement.

Use project-specific buffers around confirmed animals, shelter sites and any suspected breeding place. Set distances with the approving agency or qualified ecologist because a species-specific buffer is not established here.

  • Prevent runoff, sediment, dust, fuel, chemicals and spoil from entering retained habitat.
  • Control domestic animals and unauthorised access around retained habitat.
  • Do not remove habitat features solely to make fauna detection easier.

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

Complete a targeted pre-clearance survey shortly before disturbance. Search all suitable habitat within the approved work area and inspect likely shelter sites without unnecessary damage.

Have the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist review the clearing limits, access route, staged clearing plan, weather conditions and stop-work triggers before work starts.

Induct all workers on identification, likely fossorial behaviour, no-go areas, speed limits within the work area, reporting and emergency contacts.

  • Tell crews that only authorised and appropriately trained people may capture, handle or move the species.
  • Place the fauna spotter catcher where machinery operators can see and hear the stop-work signal.
  • Recheck the site if clearing is delayed long enough for conditions, access or the work footprint to change.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing and breeding-place precautions

No dependable breeding calendar or migration period has been established for this species. Do not schedule works on the assumption that a particular month is safe.

Plan works outside periods of wet weather, extreme heat or other conditions that increase animal stress and reduce safe detection where practicable.

If an active breeding place or suspected breeding place is found, stop work in the affected area and obtain advice on the required management program, exclusion area and resumption conditions.

  • Include seasonal weather triggers in the environmental management plan.
  • Require the project ecologist to approve any decision to resume work near a breeding place.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a slow, supervised clearing process that gives concealed skinks a chance to be detected and move into retained habitat. The fauna spotter catcher has authority to stop work whenever an animal, shelter site or unexpected risk is found.

Clear from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat so animals have an escape route into protected areas. Keep retained habitat free of machinery, people and loose materials.

Remove vegetation and ground cover in stages under direct supervision. Pause between stages to allow searches of newly exposed ground and shelter features.

Use low-impact methods around likely shelter sites and avoid pushing, rolling or burying fallen timber, rocks or soil piles before they have been checked.

  • Keep machinery movements slow enough for the spotter catcher to inspect the work area safely.
  • Stop clearing when visibility is poor, weather changes rapidly or the approved method cannot be followed.
  • Do not excavate, crush or backfill suspected burrows or shelter sites without ecological direction.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Detection, capture and relocation

Stop work immediately when a Nubbined Fine-lined Slider is seen, uncovered or suspected to be present in the active work area.

Allow the animal to move towards retained habitat where this is safe. Capture or move it only when authorised, using appropriate reptile handling methods and clean equipment.

Place a captured animal in a secure, ventilated container with suitable temporary conditions. Keep handling, heat exposure and transport to a minimum.

Release the animal only at a pre-approved, nearby location with suitable retained habitat and shelter. Record the release location and time.

  • Never pass the animal between untrained workers or allow workers to keep it.
  • Do not move the animal across roads, into unsuitable cleared ground or outside the approved relocation area.
  • Follow permit conditions and advice from the project ecologist for every relocation.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and unexpected finds

If an active breeding place, suspected breeding place, colony, roost or other significant shelter is found, stop work in the immediate area and protect the feature from entry, vibration, spoil and weather exposure.

Do not remove eggs, young, shelter material or soil from a suspected breeding place unless specifically authorised and directed by the relevant authority or qualified specialist.

Have the ecologist assess the find, confirm the required exclusion area and determine whether a Queensland species management program or other approval applies.

  • Mark the exclusion area clearly and brief all crews and contractors.
  • Record the location, condition, photographs, habitat, activity and actions taken.
  • Resume work only after the responsible ecologist and approval holder confirm that conditions have been met.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or dead animals

Stop work and keep people, vehicles and domestic animals away from an injured animal. Do not provide food, water or medication unless directed by a veterinarian or wildlife professional.

Contact the project ecologist and an authorised wildlife carer or veterinarian. Transport the animal only under the direction of an authorised person and in accordance with permit conditions.

If an animal is dead, do not move it until it has been photographed, recorded and the ecologist has confirmed the required action.

  • Record the location, time, apparent cause, photographs, people notified and final outcome.
  • Review machinery movements and clearing controls before work restarts.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records and communication

Maintain a daily fauna log covering cleared areas, search effort, detections, relocations, injuries, deaths, stop-work events and weather conditions.

Make the spotter catcher, machinery operators, supervisor and ecologist communicate directly throughout each clearing shift.

Report any breach of an approval, permit, exclusion area or management plan immediately to the project manager and approval holder.

  • Keep GPS points, photographs, permits, induction records and relocation details with the project environmental records.
  • Use a pre-start briefing to review the previous shift's issues and the next clearing stage.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Post-clearance checks confirm that animals and shelter features have not been left in the work area and that controls were effective. Use the results to improve the next stage and meet approval and reporting obligations.

Inspect the cleared area, retained edges, soil piles, drainage lines and access routes after each clearing stage and again when the work area is safe to enter.

Search exposed ground and displaced shelter features for animals that may have remained concealed. Check that no animal is trapped in excavations, trenches, pipes, pits or temporary fencing.

Close, cover or fauna-proof hazards that cannot be removed, subject to the project design and approval conditions.

  • Keep machinery out of the area while the inspection is under way.
  • Record the inspection date, observers, area checked, findings and any corrective action.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated animals

Check approved release areas for hazards such as traffic, machinery, domestic animals, intense lighting, exposed edges and ongoing disturbance.

Do not repeatedly recapture or move an animal unless directed by the ecologist or permit holder. Record any subsequent observation without disturbing it.

Review whether the release site retained suitable cover, soil and ground structure after relocation.

  • Maintain a relocation register with capture point, release point, date, time, method, condition and observer.
  • Report mortality or repeated returns to the work area to the project ecologist.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance

Prepare an incident report for each injury, death, breeding-place discovery, unauthorised clearing event or permit breach.

Provide required records to Queensland authorities, the Australian Government and approval holders within the timeframes set by the relevant approval or permit.

Update project maps and risk assessments with all verified records and areas where detection was limited.

  • Retain survey data, photographs, GPS files, daily logs, inductions, permits and correspondence.
  • Compare actual clearing and fauna outcomes with the approved environmental management plan.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Monitoring and review

Use post-clearance monitoring where required by approval conditions or where the project has affected suitable habitat. Keep the method consistent enough to compare visits.

Review detection results, incidents, relocation outcomes, retained habitat condition and rehabilitation performance with the ecologist and site supervisor.

Change clearing methods, exclusion controls, training or timing when monitoring identifies an avoidable risk.

  • Set monitoring triggers before work starts.
  • Escalate repeated detections, injuries or deaths to the approval holder and relevant authority.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore native ground habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the ground conditions and cover used by a fossorial skink, not just replace canopy vegetation. Design the work with an ecologist and retain natural habitat features wherever possible.

Reinstate local native open woodland species and ground layers appropriate to the site. Use local provenance seed or plant material where practicable.

Restore natural soil profiles, leaf litter, fallen timber, rocks and other shelter features without creating hazards or concentrating predators.

Avoid compacting soil in rehabilitation areas. Exclude vehicles, stockpiles and repeated pedestrian traffic until the ground layer is established.

  • Use clean soil and plant material that is free of weeds and contaminants.
  • Repair erosion and manage runoff so rehabilitation areas retain stable, permeable ground.
  • Do not create artificial wetlands or permanent water points unless they are part of an approved habitat design.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Weeds, fire and domestic animals

Control weeds before they seed and continue treatment while native ground cover establishes. Use methods that minimise harm to reptiles and retained shelter.

Manage fire, grazing and slashing in accordance with the site's ecological objectives and approvals. Retain patches of ground cover and shelter during maintenance.

Prevent domestic dogs, cats and other animals from entering retained and rehabilitated habitat.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after storms, weed treatment and maintenance works.
  • Use hand control or targeted treatment around known shelter features where practicable.
  • Record weed treatment areas, dates, products and weather conditions.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Replacement shelter and breeding features

Prioritise retention and reinstatement of natural ground shelter. The species' breeding places and use of artificial structures are poorly known.

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or roost structures as a substitute for habitat restoration. These structures are designed for other animal groups and are not established mitigation for this fossorial skink.

If a project-specific specialist recommends an artificial shelter or breeding feature, obtain approval first and document its design, placement, maintenance and monitoring.

  • Use natural materials and site-appropriate ground features only where the ecologist confirms they are suitable.
  • Inspect any approved artificial feature for damage, predators, flooding and unintended hazards.
  • Remove ineffective structures if monitoring shows that they cause harm or do not support the approved objective.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting, water and construction design

Keep lighting away from retained and rehabilitated ground habitat. Use the lowest practical intensity, direct lights away from vegetation and soil, and switch lights off when not required.

Prevent sediment, chemicals, concrete washout and polluted runoff from entering habitat. Keep drainage stable and avoid creating pits or trenches that can trap animals.

Design permanent roads, drains, fences and culverts to minimise fragmentation and allow safe movement through retained habitat where the ecologist identifies a need.

  • Use fauna-sensitive fencing and inspect it for trapped animals during construction and maintenance.
  • Cover or ramp temporary excavations at the end of each shift where safe and required by the site plan.
  • Keep water points clean and avoid attracting predators to rehabilitation areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitation for plant establishment, ground cover, soil condition, shelter retention, weed invasion, erosion and fauna use.

Use repeat searches by experienced reptile ecologists where monitoring is required. Interpret non-detection cautiously because this species is small, fossorial and poorly known.

Set measurable completion criteria with the approval holder, such as stable ground, established native cover, functioning erosion controls and absence of unmanaged hazards.

  • Inspect at intervals set by the approval, rehabilitation plan or project risk assessment.
  • Document failures and undertake corrective works promptly.
  • Continue monitoring until the agreed rehabilitation criteria have been met.

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