South-western Slider (Lerista microtis)

Conservation status

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

Breeding season

The South-western Slider is poorly known, so this bar uses the general seasonal pattern for small terrestrial skinks in southern Australia. Activity and breeding may extend later in warmer parts of Western Australia and shorten in cooler South Australian areas.

Breeding mode: Not recorded

Clutch size: Not recorded

Incubation period: Not recorded

Hatching period: Not recorded

Age at maturity: Not recorded

Breeding frequency: Not recorded

Timing can shift between years and regions, particularly between cooler South Australian sites and warmer Western Australian sites, so pre-clearance checks should be adjusted to local conditions.

• General surface activity: Surface activity is expected to be highest in warmer months, with reduced activity during the cooler period.
• Breeding and egg laying: Spring to early summer is a provisional breeding window for this small terrestrial skink group, but species specific timing has not been recorded.
• Hatchlings and young: Young animals may be present from late spring through autumn if breeding occurs in the preceding warm season.
• Highest clearing risk: Plan habitat checks, staged clearing and fauna spotter catcher coverage most carefully from late winter through autumn, when animals may be active or young may be present.

Identification: Appearance

The South-western Slider is a small, lightly built skink that can be difficult to detect in ground cover. Identification should be confirmed from a close view or photographs, especially where other small Lerista occur.

The species usually has an olive grey, brown or darker brown back. It commonly has black flecks, diffuse dorsal markings and a narrow to wide pale dorsolateral stripe.

A sharp-edged black or blackish upper lateral stripe runs from the snout towards the tail. A pale white or whitish midlateral stripe runs from the upper lip towards the base or proximal part of the tail. The underside is usually greyish white or pinkish white, with some dark stippling.

The head has four supraoculars, six supraciliaries, two loreals and usually seven upper labials. These features are best checked from clear photographs or by an experienced herpetologist.

Typical colour: Olive grey, brown or darker brown above, with pale and dark lateral stripes.

Snout to vent length: 20 to 61 mm across the three subspecies.

• Five fingers and five toes.
• Movable eyelid.
• Very wide black upper lateral stripe in some individuals.
• White midlateral stripe from the upper lip towards the tail.

Identification: Size and subspecies

Three subspecies are recognised: Lerista microtis microtis, Lerista microtis intermedia and Lerista microtis schwaneri.

Lerista microtis microtis is the smallest and shortest legged form, with a recorded snout to vent length of 20 to 52 mm. Lerista microtis intermedia is medium sized, at 22 to 57 mm. Lerista microtis schwaneri is larger and longer legged, at 32 to 61 mm.

Do not assign a subspecies in the field from colour alone. Record photographs, measurements where permitted, locality and habitat details for specialist confirmation.

• Lerista microtis microtis: mean snout to vent length 38.7 mm in the examined sample.
• Lerista microtis intermedia: mean snout to vent length 43.1 mm in the examined sample.
• Lerista microtis schwaneri: mean snout to vent length 46.7 mm in the examined sample.

Identification: Calls and similar species

No useful species specific call or echolocation signal should be expected. This is a small skink, so visual searches, careful lifting of ground cover and photographs are more useful than call playback.

Lerista arenicola was formerly treated as a subspecies of the South-western Slider but is now recognised as a separate species. The South-western Slider has a wide, sharp-edged black upper lateral stripe, which helps separate it from Lerista arenicola.

Lerista viduata is also separated from the South-western Slider. The South-western Slider has a white midlateral stripe. Lerista bougainvillii from south-eastern Australia differs in scale counts, size and limb proportions.

• Do not rely on colour alone when identifying Lerista.
• Photograph the side of the body, head, feet and tail where safe to do so.
• Seek expert confirmation for records from clearing sites or areas supporting possible range extensions.

Identification: Field signs

The South-western Slider is unlikely to leave conspicuous droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odours that can be used for routine site detection. Direct observation is the main field sign.

Look for rapid movement through leaf litter or low ground cover, particularly when debris is carefully lifted. Replace cover immediately after inspection.

• Small skink tracks or movement trails in loose surface material may be visible, but are unlikely to be diagnostic.
• A live animal, photograph or capture record is more reliable than indirect signs.
• Record the exact vegetation type, ground cover, shelter feature and disturbance condition at each observation.

Distribution: Australian range

The South-western Slider is an Australian species mapped in South Australia and Western Australia. The available profile does not assign individual state or regional limits to each subspecies, so records should be retained at the most precise verified locality.

The species is mapped in South Australia and Western Australia. It is a terrestrial species and should be considered wherever suitable ground shelter and low vegetation remain within its mapped range.

Use current state databases and project specific advice to confirm whether a proposed site is within a known population or an area requiring further survey.

Overseas range: None. The species is Australian.

Subspecies range: The available profile recognises three subspecies but does not provide verified state or regional boundaries for each one.

• South Australia.
• Western Australia.

Distribution: Site records and survey planning

Treat a record as a site level conservation observation, not only as a fauna encounter. Map the observation, the proposed disturbance footprint and nearby connected ground habitat.

A lack of sightings does not demonstrate absence. Small terrestrial skinks can remain concealed, and detection is likely to vary with weather, ground cover and search effort.

• Check state conservation databases before finalising the clearing footprint.
• Search retained habitat as well as the area proposed for clearing.
• Report photographs and voucher information through the relevant state process.
• Have an ecologist confirm records that may represent a subspecies or a taxonomic lookalike.

Habitat: Habitat features to inspect

Detailed habitat associations are not well documented in this profile. For works planning, focus on terrestrial areas with continuous ground cover and a range of small shelter sites rather than relying on broad vegetation names alone.

Inspect the ground layer closely in native vegetation, lightly disturbed remnants and connected habitat within the mapped range. Useful features may include leaf litter, low plants, loose surface material, fallen timber, bark and small gaps beneath ground debris.

Retain the structure of the ground layer where possible. Clearing that removes surface cover, compacts soil or isolates a remnant can reduce the shelter available to small skinks.

• Continuous or patchy native ground cover.
• Leaf litter and low herbs or grasses.
• Loose bark, fallen branches and other surface debris.
• Uncompacted soil with small crevices or gaps.

Habitat: Worksite assessment

Before clearing, walk the disturbance footprint and adjacent retained habitat. Mark habitat features that can be retained and identify places where machinery movement will create avoidable ground disturbance.

Where habitat is highly fragmented or heavily disturbed, use a qualified ecologist to decide whether the area still provides potential habitat. Do not rule out the species solely because the vegetation is low, sparse or modified.

• Map retained habitat and movement connections.
• Keep exclusion zones around occupied or potentially occupied ground cover where feasible.
• Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of soil, timber and vegetation over retained habitat.
• Keep access routes to the smallest practical footprint.

Foraging habitat: Likely foraging areas

The diet and detailed foraging ecology of the South-western Slider are poorly documented. As a small terrestrial skink, it should be managed as a ground forager that may use leaf litter, low vegetation and surface debris.

Search the litter layer, bases of low plants, loose bark and the edges of small shelter features. Foraging areas may include both shaded and more open patches where ground cover remains connected.

Avoid assuming that bare ground is unsuitable. Inspect transitions between bare soil and retained litter, low plants or debris.

• Leaf litter and fine surface debris.
• Ground cover beneath low plants.
• Edges of fallen branches, bark and small rocks.
• Ecotones between open ground and denser ground cover.

Foraging habitat: Survey method

Use a slow visual search and carefully inspect suitable cover. A fauna spotter catcher should lift items gently, check both sides where practical, and replace them in their original position.

Avoid excessive trampling, repeated disturbance and broad raking of the ground layer. Record the search conditions because detection may be low when animals are concealed.

• Search before machinery enters the work area.
• Use photographs for confirmation where capture is not necessary.
• Keep animals shaded and handle them only under the relevant approval or licence.
• Stop and reassess if multiple animals are found in a small area.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

The breeding biology and breeding site requirements of the South-western Slider are poorly documented. Do not assume that a site is unimportant because no nest or obvious breeding structure is visible.

Retain a connected mosaic of ground cover, shelter and suitable soil across occupied habitat. Small skinks may use concealed ground sites that cannot be identified during a standard clearing inspection.

Avoid disturbing likely shelter and soil features during periods when animals may be breeding or when young may be dispersing. Confirm timing and controls with the relevant state authority or project ecologist.

• Areas with stable leaf litter and surface cover.
• Uncompacted soil beneath or beside debris.
• Connected habitat around known records.
• Undisturbed ground within retained vegetation.

Breeding habitat: Management during clearing

If animals are found, pause work in the immediate area and follow the approved fauna management procedure. A spotter catcher should relocate animals only to suitable nearby habitat and only where permitted.

Do not move soil, logs or other shelter material off site without checking whether it contains animals or forms part of retained habitat.

• Use staged clearing where the project approval allows it.
• Clear towards retained habitat so animals have an escape route.
• Keep retained habitat free from sediment, spoil, washdown water and construction traffic.
• Record all captures, relocations and mortality.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

The South-western Slider is a small ground dwelling skink and is likely to depend on concealed surface and near surface shelter. Because shelter sites can be very small, routine machinery inspection alone will not detect all occupied locations.

Inspect beneath loose bark, leaf litter, small branches, fallen timber and other stable surface cover. Check gaps in uncompacted soil and sheltered edges of low vegetation.

Retain a range of shelter sizes rather than removing all debris from a work area. Leave retained cover in place unless it must be checked under an approved fauna procedure.

• Leaf litter.
• Loose bark and fallen timber.
• Small rocks or other stable ground debris.
• Gaps beneath low vegetation and surface material.

Sheltering habitat: Practical controls

Fence or clearly mark habitat to be retained before clearing starts. Keep vehicles, pedestrian traffic and materials out of these areas.

If clearing is unavoidable, use a qualified fauna spotter catcher and a slow, staged approach. Check debris immediately before it is moved and replace retained material after inspection where safe.

• Avoid broad scraping or grading before fauna searches are complete.
• Do not bury or burn potentially occupied shelter during initial clearing.
• Prevent soil compaction in retained habitat.
• Inspect trenches, pits and stored materials before they are closed, moved or removed.

Threats: Clearing and machinery

The South-western Slider is listed at a level that warrants active consideration during clearing and construction. Management should aim to avoid mortality first, then retain and reconnect suitable ground habitat.

The main worksite risks are direct crushing, burial, removal of ground cover and loss of shelter during vegetation clearing, grading, trenching and stockpiling.

Use preclearance searches, marked exclusion areas and a fauna spotter catcher where required by approval or site risk.

• Minimise the clearing footprint.
• Clear in stages where approved.
• Inspect debris and trenches before movement or closure.
• Record injury, mortality and relocation events.

Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation

Removing small habitat patches can break connections between retained areas. Roads, compounds, tracks and repeated vehicle movement can also reduce the quality of the ground layer.

Retain connected native ground cover and avoid placing temporary works in habitat that could otherwise remain undisturbed.

• Keep access routes narrow and defined.
• Avoid unnecessary soil stripping.
• Protect retained habitat from spoil, sediment and construction traffic.
• Reinstate ground cover with locally appropriate material where authorised.

Threats: Fire, weeds and introduced predators

High intensity fire, frequent disturbance and weed invasion can simplify the ground layer and remove shelter. Cats, foxes and other introduced predators may add pressure, although site specific impacts should be assessed rather than assumed.

Use fire and weed controls that maintain ground cover and shelter. Do not leave food waste or other attractants around work compounds.

• Avoid unnecessary burning of fallen timber and litter.
• Control weeds without broad removal of retained shelter.
• Keep compounds clean and secure.
• Report unusual concentrations of predators or repeated fauna mortality.

Threats: Status and project response

In South Australia, the species is listed as Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. In Western Australia, it is listed as Priority 4, a non-statutory DBCA category for rare and near threatened species that need monitoring.

For a listed species at this level, project teams should complete a targeted risk assessment before clearing, use qualified surveyors where habitat is present, and apply avoidance and salvage controls proportionate to the footprint and likelihood of occurrence. Confirm permit, approval and reporting requirements with the relevant state authority before work begins.

• South Australia: check statutory requirements for Rare fauna before disturbance.
• Western Australia: check current DBCA advice and any project approval conditions for Priority 4 fauna.
• Treat confirmed records as triggers for site specific management, not as isolated observations.
• Monitor relocated animals and mortality records so controls can be adjusted during the works.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The South-western Slider is a small terrestrial skink that can be difficult to detect. Survey design should allow for its low profile, ground sheltering behaviour and limited ecological information. The species is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, so survey effort should be scaled to the habitat affected and the level of risk.

Confirm whether the site is within the mapped South Australian or Western Australian range. Check vegetation, soil, ground cover and previous records before finalising the survey plan.

Treat records of Lerista microtis, Lerista arenicola and Lerista viduata carefully. These species can be similar, and identification should be checked by an experienced herpetologist where needed.

• Map areas with sandy or loose soils, leaf litter, fallen timber, loose bark, low vegetation and other ground shelter.
• Search local government, museum, state database and project records for previous records and nearby populations.
• Identify proposed clearing areas, access tracks, stockpiles, drainage works and indirect impacts such as lighting, dust and altered drainage.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Use a combination of methods. A single method is unlikely to detect all individuals of this small skink.

Use pitfall traps with drift fencing and funnel traps where the risk assessment supports trapping. Obtain any required animal ethics, wildlife or scientific permits before installation.

Undertake careful hand searches of suitable ground shelter, including loose timber, bark, rocks and accumulated litter. Replace all cover in its original position after inspection.

Use active searches during warm, calm conditions when small skinks are likely to be moving. Avoid relying on cold, wet or very windy conditions for the main survey.

• Inspect the ground surface, shelter and edges of vegetation systematically.
• Keep traps shaded, checked at the frequency required by the permit and protected from overheating, flooding and predators.
• Use experienced personnel for capture, identification and release.
• Do not use destructive searches unless they are specifically approved and supervised.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and effort

Plan repeat survey visits across suitable warm conditions rather than relying on one visit. Include the period when works are proposed, because detectability can change with temperature, rainfall and ground conditions.

Survey effort should increase where habitat is continuous, disturbance is extensive, records are nearby or the project may affect a population. A qualified ecologist should document the rationale for the chosen effort.

Do not assume that the species migrates or that a site is unoccupied because no animals are found. The species is poorly known, and absence from a short survey does not demonstrate absence.

• Record date, start and finish time, weather, recent rainfall, soil condition and survey method.
• Record search effort, trap locations, trap nights where traps are used, habitat searched and the area covered.
• Record every animal, including coordinates, identification confidence, photographs, sex or life stage where evident, and whether it was released or relocated.
• Record likely threats such as cats, foxes, weeds, rubbish, vehicle use, fire history and changes to drainage.

Survey methodology: 4. Identification and data quality

Confirm unusual records with clear photographs and, where permitted, appropriate specimen or genetic advice. The South-western Slider has five fingers and five toes, a movable eyelid and a prominent black upper lateral stripe. Similar Lerista species occur in the region.

Record the subspecies only when identification is reliable. The species includes Lerista microtis microtis, Lerista microtis intermedia and Lerista microtis schwaneri, and the former subspecies Lerista microtis arenicola is now treated as Lerista arenicola.

• Photograph the animal from above and both sides, without handling it unnecessarily.
• Record scale rows, colour pattern and body proportions when these features are needed for confirmation.
• Send records to the relevant state database and the project environmental register in the required format.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan to avoid habitat first, then minimise and manage the remaining risk. The South-western Slider is an EVNT species, with a Rare listing in South Australia and a Priority 4 category in Western Australia, so clearing should not proceed on the assumption that a small or isolated site is of low value.

Check whether the action may have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance and whether an EPBC Act referral is required. Obtain any approval before starting the relevant work.

Obtain the required state permits for survey, capture, handling, collection, transport and release. Confirm requirements with the relevant South Australian or Western Australian authority.

In Queensland, apply the relevant protected wildlife requirements. Where the species is covered by the Queensland provisions for near threatened animals, obtain an approved species management program before tampering with a breeding place.

• Use the project ecologist to prepare an approvals register covering Commonwealth, state, local and landholder requirements.
• Keep permit conditions, maps, contact details and emergency procedures at the work front.
• Do not allow a contractor to handle or relocate the species unless that person is authorised under the applicable permit or approval.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site layout

Retain occupied habitat and connected ground cover wherever practicable. Give priority to retaining intact soil, litter, fallen timber, low vegetation and shelter features.

Minimise the clearing footprint. Use existing tracks and cleared areas for access, laydown, stockpiles and vehicle parking.

Avoid fragmenting habitat with unnecessary tracks, fencing, drainage changes or permanent lighting.

• Mark no-go areas on plans and on the ground before mobilisation.
• Use physical exclusion fencing where animals could enter the work area or where machinery could breach retained habitat.
• Keep spoil, mulch, concrete washout, fuel and rubbish out of retained habitat and drainage lines.
• Control domestic animals and prevent unauthorised collection.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a pre-clearance survey immediately before works in suitable habitat, using the approved methods and qualified personnel. Check the full clearing footprint, access routes and areas that may be indirectly affected.

Where detection conditions are poor, postpone clearing or undertake additional survey rather than treating a negative result as confirmation that no animals are present.

• Search shelter and the ground surface before machinery enters.
• Inspect likely refuge areas again after vegetation is removed but before soil is disturbed, where this can be done safely.
• Mark all records and potential breeding or shelter sites for review by the project ecologist.
• Set a stop-work trigger for any South-western Slider, breeding site, concentration of animals or unexpected habitat feature.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing, buffers and induction

Schedule works for periods that support detection and safe relocation, where practicable. Do not rely on a fixed seasonal buffer because breeding timing and local activity are poorly known.

Set buffers around retained habitat, breeding places and occupied shelter according to the approval, permit and site risk assessment. Use larger buffers where the site supports connected habitat or repeated records.

• Induct all workers in species recognition, no-go areas, speed limits, search procedures and stop-work requirements.
• Show workers who to contact and how to report an animal or damaged exclusion fence.
• Brief operators that soil disturbance, grading, trenching and stockpiling can harm animals even after vegetation clearing is complete.
• Keep a spotter catcher or suitably authorised fauna handler available for all high-risk clearing.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence and keep the authority to stop work with the fauna team. The aim is to give animals a safe opportunity to move into retained habitat while preventing injury from machinery, vehicles and exposed trenches.

Clear from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat, where the site layout allows. Use low-speed, staged clearing and pause between stages so animals can move away.

Remove vegetation and surface shelter before soil stripping. Have the fauna team inspect each stage before the next stage begins.

Keep machinery out of no-go areas and maintain exclusion fencing throughout the works.

• Clear small sections rather than opening the full footprint at once.
• Lift or move ground shelter under supervision before crushing, burying or stockpiling it.
• Cap, cover or ramp trenches and pits whenever they are unattended.
• Check machinery, pipes, materials and stockpiles for trapped animals before movement.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Spotter catcher decisions

The authorised spotter catcher or fauna handler must be able to stop work without waiting for contractor approval. Stop immediately when an animal, suspected breeding place or unsafe fauna condition is found.

Only authorised people may capture, handle, transport or release the species. Use the least handling needed for identification, protection and release.

• Keep machinery stationary until the fauna handler has inspected the area and given clearance.
• Do not chase animals into dense retained habitat, open water, traffic or active machinery.
• Use clean, secure containers with suitable ventilation and shade when temporary containment is authorised.
• Release animals at the approved nearby location and in suitable shelter, following permit conditions.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and concentrations

Treat eggs, hatchlings, gravid females, repeated records, occupied shelter and a concentration of animals as a potential breeding or refuge site. Do not disturb the location until the project ecologist and relevant authority have assessed it.

Follow the approval or species management program for any active breeding place. Do not remove, fill, cover or relocate a breeding place without written authority.

• Establish a temporary exclusion zone and record its coordinates.
• Suspend work that could affect the site, including vibration, excavation, vehicle movement, dust generation and drainage changes.
• Obtain advice from the relevant regulator before modifying the work method or resuming.
• Record the decision, people consulted, photographs, permit reference and time work resumed.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animals and incidents

Place an injured animal in a secure, shaded container and seek advice from the authorised wildlife carer, veterinarian or relevant wildlife authority. Do not provide food or water unless directed.

Report deaths, injuries, unauthorised handling, damaged exclusion fencing, trench entrapment and clearing outside the approved footprint.

• Keep the animal's location, condition and photographs with the incident record.
• Prevent further disturbance while advice is obtained.
• Notify the project manager and environmental representative immediately.
• Preserve the scene where required for an investigation and review the work method before restarting.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks help identify animals missed during active clearing and confirm that controls worked. Use the results to improve the next clearing stage and to meet permit, approval and reporting conditions.

Inspect the cleared area, retained edges, exclusion fencing, trenches, pits, stockpiles and materials after each clearing stage. Continue checks while ground disturbance remains active.

Search likely shelter and shaded locations, especially after overnight weather or when animals may have moved into construction materials.

• Record live, dead, injured and relocated animals separately.
• Check that all fauna escape ramps, covers and fencing remain effective.
• Remove hazards such as open pipes, uncovered pits, loose netting and trapped construction materials.
• Have the fauna handler clear the area before the next work stage.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring retained habitat

Monitor retained habitat where records were made, where clearing approaches occupied habitat or where indirect impacts are likely. The monitoring period and methods should follow approval conditions and the project risk assessment.

Use repeat searches or trapping only under the relevant permit. Compare results with the pre-clearance baseline and record changes in habitat condition.

• Inspect retained ground cover, soil surface, drainage and vegetation for disturbance.
• Check for weed invasion, erosion, altered moisture, vehicle access, fire impacts and predator activity.
• Map any new barrier or edge effect that could isolate retained habitat.
• Escalate declining habitat condition or repeated animal injuries to the project ecologist.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and reporting

Keep a complete relocation register. Relocation should be local, authorised and directed towards suitable retained habitat. Do not move animals to an unapproved site or release them into unsuitable ground cover.

Submit records to the required regulator, land manager, database and project register within the required timeframe.

• Record capture location, release location, date, handler, method, condition and identification confidence.
• Record whether the animal was released immediately, temporarily held, treated or transferred to a wildlife carer.
• Provide maps, photographs, survey effort, incidents, mortalities and corrective actions in the completion report.
• Retain permit compliance evidence and sign-off from the fauna handler.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every injury, mortality, escape, unauthorised handling event and breach of the clearing plan. Include the spotter catcher, machinery supervisor and project ecologist in the review.

Change the sequence, exclusion controls, induction or supervision before similar work continues.

• Identify the immediate cause and any underlying planning or communication failure.
• Update the site environmental management plan and toolbox materials.
• Share lessons with all crews and subcontractors.
• Track corrective actions to closure and document who approved the change.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore the ground structure used by a small terrestrial skink, not just replace canopy cover. Focus on connected native ground cover, stable soil and natural shelter, with long-term controls for weeds, drainage, predators and artificial light.

Reinstate local soil profiles and natural ground contours. Use clean, locally appropriate soil and retain natural leaf litter, fallen timber, bark and rocks where they are suitable and safe.

Revegetate with locally appropriate native plants that provide low cover and maintain a continuous ground layer. Avoid leaving large bare areas between retained habitat and the rehabilitated footprint.

• Replace topsoil promptly where it has been stripped and stored appropriately.
• Spread salvaged litter, timber and other natural shelter across rehabilitation areas where approved.
• Keep heavy vehicles off rehabilitated ground while plants establish.
• Reconnect isolated patches with native ground cover and retained shelter.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Artificial structures and shelter

The South-western Slider is a ground-dwelling skink. Nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites and roost structures are generally not suitable substitutes for its habitat.

Use artificial shelter only where a qualified ecologist confirms that it suits the local site and approval conditions. Natural ground cover should remain the primary measure.

• If artificial shelter is approved, use stable ground-level materials that do not trap animals, overheat or create fire hazards.
• Inspect and maintain any installed shelter, and remove it if it becomes a hazard or attracts predators.
• Do not install bird nest boxes, bat boxes or roost structures as a substitute for retaining South-western Slider habitat.
• Document the design, location, inspection schedule and success criteria for any approved artificial shelter.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water and predators

Control weeds before they form dense, unsuitable ground cover or alter fire behaviour. Use methods that minimise soil disturbance and avoid contaminating retained habitat.

Maintain natural drainage and avoid prolonged inundation, erosion or drying caused by construction. Do not create artificial water points unless they are needed for another approved purpose and are designed to avoid trapping fauna.

• Use clean machinery and weed hygiene procedures before entering rehabilitation areas.
• Remove invasive plants in stages where sudden loss of cover could expose animals.
• Install erosion and sediment controls without blocking animal movement.
• Control rubbish, food waste, cats, dogs and other predator attractants around the site.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting and long-term monitoring

Limit artificial lighting at habitat edges and rehabilitation areas. Use shielding, low spill fittings and controls that direct light away from retained and restored ground habitat.

Monitor rehabilitation until vegetation, soil cover and shelter are established and the performance criteria are met. Monitoring should include the South-western Slider where the project risk assessment or approval requires it.

• Inspect habitat condition, shelter, weeds, drainage, erosion, lighting spill and access at each monitoring visit.
• Use repeat searches or approved trapping to assess occupancy and activity where survey is justified.
• Compare results with the pre-clearance records and nearby retained habitat.
• Repair failed controls promptly and continue monitoring after any major maintenance or new disturbance.

Sources

• Adec Preview Generated PDF File, Western Australian Government: https://museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/REVISION%20OF%20LERISTA%20MICROTIS%20(LACERTILIASCINCIDAE).pdf
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/