Spotted-necked Ctenotus (Ctenotus greeri)

Conservation status

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

Breeding season

The Spotted-necked Ctenotus is poorly known, and species-specific breeding dates have not been recorded. The bar below is a general guide for an Australian skink, with activity expected to vary between regions and years.

Breeding mode: Not recorded for the Spotted-necked Ctenotus.

Breeding timing: Not recorded for the Spotted-necked Ctenotus.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Breeding place or nest site: Not recorded.

Timing may shift with rainfall, temperature and region, so in South Australia, where the species is listed as Rare, and in Western Australia, where it is Priority 4, use pre-clearance checks and adaptive controls rather than relying on calendar dates alone.

• General surface activity: Warm conditions generally support the highest surface activity, although animals may be active outside this period in suitable weather.
• Indicative mating and laying period: Treat September to January as an indicative breeding period only, because timing has not been documented for this species.
• Indicative eggs and young: Eggs or recently hatched young may be present from late spring into summer, but the timing and development of young are not recorded.
• Highest clearing risk: Plan clearing conservatively from September to February, use experienced reptile surveyors, photograph suspected animals for identification, and stop to assess any animal found during works.

Identification: Appearance

The Spotted-necked Ctenotus is a brown skink with a distinctive striped and spotted pattern. It is marked as tricky to identify in field materials, so photographs and clear capture records are useful on work sites.

The body is dark brown. White dots and dashes occur along each side.

A dark stripe with white edges runs down the centre of the back. Two white stripes run alongside the central stripe.

Body size: Not established in this profile

Body weight: Not established in this profile

Identification: Calls and similar species

No diagnostic call or echolocation feature is known for this species. Skinks do not use echolocation.

Similar species have not been confirmed for this profile. Treat a quick view as unconfirmed unless the pattern can be checked in a photograph or by an experienced reptile ecologist.

• Photograph the animal from above and from the side where safe to do so.
• Record the location, date, time, habitat and clearing activity.
• Use capture and release procedures approved for the project if identification cannot be made in place.

Identification: Field signs

No distinctive droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odour are available as reliable field signs for this profile.

The most useful field evidence is a direct sighting, a clear photograph or a verified capture record.

Distribution: Australian range

The species is recorded across parts of inland and northern Australia. Distribution records are sparse in some areas, so a lack of records near a project should not be treated as proof of absence.

The Spotted-necked Ctenotus is mapped in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

The available South Australian records are from the Outback region. Four records are recorded for South Australia and for the Outback, with the last Outback observation recorded in 1996.

• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia, including the Outback region
• Western Australia

Distribution: South Australian record context

The South Australian records cover a very small recorded area. The area of occurrence is recorded as 2 km² for all records and 1 km² for recent records in the regional assessment.

These figures describe known records, not the full area the species may occupy.

South Australian status: Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

South Australian regional assessment: Outback status RA

Distribution: Site planning

Check the relevant state database, approval conditions and species lists before clearing. Give additional attention to projects in or near mapped records and to sites with suitable undisturbed terrestrial ground habitat.

There is no overseas range identified for this species.

Western Australian status: Priority 4, a non-statutory category for rare and near threatened species requiring monitoring

Queensland protection: Protected wildlife; tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program

Habitat: Features to inspect

Specific habitat descriptions for the Spotted-necked Ctenotus are limited. As a terrestrial ctenotus, it should be considered a ground-dwelling skink during site inspections and clearing planning.

Inspect the terrestrial ground layer across the proposed disturbance area. Look closely at places where a small skink could move, shelter or bask close to the ground.

Retain and inspect native ground cover, surface debris and natural shelter features where practicable.

• Undisturbed soil surfaces
• Leaf litter and low ground cover
• Logs, fallen branches, loose bark and surface rocks
• Edges between intact ground habitat and cleared areas

Habitat: Habitat assessment on work sites

Map intact and disturbed ground habitat separately. Record recent fire, grazing, vehicle use, weed cover, erosion and the amount of surface shelter.

Avoid assuming that a highly modified area is unsuitable without a site inspection, particularly where nearby native ground habitat remains connected.

Habitat: Pre-clearing approach

Walk the clearing footprint before machinery enters. Check likely shelter features and the margins of any retained habitat.

Where the species is listed or suspected, use the project's approved fauna spotter catcher and reptile handling procedures. Stop work and seek ecological advice if a likely individual is found.

Foraging habitat: Ground-level foraging areas

The diet and detailed foraging habitat of the Spotted-necked Ctenotus are not well documented. Manage its likely feeding area as the terrestrial ground layer rather than focusing only on trees or taller vegetation.

Inspect native ground cover, leaf litter, open soil and the edges of surface debris. These areas may support the small invertebrates and other prey used by ground-dwelling skinks.

Keep observations separate from assumptions about diet unless prey or feeding behaviour is directly recorded.

• Ground layer beneath retained vegetation
• Leaf litter and low vegetation
• Open patches between shelter features
• Undisturbed habitat beside tracks and work pads

Foraging habitat: Work-site controls

Limit unnecessary vehicle travel across intact ground habitat. Keep stockpiles, access tracks and laydown areas out of retained habitat where possible.

Avoid spreading weeds, rubbish or loose construction materials into areas that may be used by terrestrial fauna.

Foraging habitat: Survey observations

Record the exact location and habitat when an animal is seen foraging or moving between shelter features. A clear photograph can help confirm the identification and improve understanding of site use.

Do not rely on the absence of visible animals during one inspection to clear a site.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

Breeding habitat, breeding timing and clutch size are poorly documented for the Spotted-necked Ctenotus. Until site-specific advice is available, protect intact terrestrial habitat and avoid disturbing potential shelter or nest locations.

Inspect undisturbed ground, loose soil, leaf litter and sheltered spaces beneath surface debris. These features should be treated as potential breeding habitat where the species occurs.

Do not disturb suspected eggs, young or nesting areas. Seek advice from the project ecologist and the relevant regulator if breeding activity is detected.

• Areas with stable, undisturbed ground
• Sheltered spaces beneath logs, bark, rocks or dense ground cover
• Habitat connected to known or suspected records

Breeding habitat: Timing and compliance

A reliable breeding season is not established for this profile, so apply controls throughout the clearing period rather than relying on a single seasonal exclusion.

In Queensland, the species is protected wildlife and tampering with its breeding place requires a species management program.

Breeding season: Not established

Clutch size: Not established

Breeding habitat: Response to a breeding record

Stop disturbance at the immediate location and protect the feature from vehicles, spoil, stockpiles and vibration until the approved response is confirmed.

Record photographs, coordinates, habitat details and the activity that was occurring when the breeding evidence was found.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Detailed sheltering behaviour is not well documented. During clearing, treat natural ground cover and surface debris as potential shelter for this terrestrial skink.

Look beneath and around logs, fallen branches, loose bark, rocks, leaf litter and dense low vegetation. Inspect these features before they are moved or removed.

Shelter may also occur along the edge of intact vegetation and in small undisturbed patches within a larger work area.

• Surface debris
• Loose bark and fallen timber
• Rocks and natural ground irregularities
• Leaf litter and low vegetation

Sheltering habitat: Clearing practice

Have a fauna spotter catcher check shelter features before mechanical clearing. Move material only under the project's approved fauna handling procedure.

Do not place cleared vegetation, spoil or equipment against retained habitat. This can reduce shelter quality and make fauna movement harder to manage.

Sheltering habitat: Movement and relocation

Seasonal movement patterns are not established. Avoid unnecessary relocation and release any captured animal only at an approved nearby location with suitable terrestrial cover.

Keep a record of the capture point, release point, habitat condition and handling outcome.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The species has a limited documented record base, including only four South Australian records. On work sites, the main risks are loss of ground habitat, direct mortality and damage to the shelter features on which terrestrial skinks depend.

Removal of native ground cover, surface debris and connected habitat can reduce shelter and foraging opportunities.

Keep the disturbance footprint as small as practicable. Clearly mark retained habitat before machinery arrives.

• Avoid unnecessary clearing outside the approved footprint.
• Retain natural ground features where safe and practicable.
• Prevent spoil, fill and stockpiles from spreading into retained habitat.

Threats: Direct injury and mortality

Animals may be crushed by vehicles, machinery, stored materials or displaced surface debris. They may also be injured during rushed clearing.

Use staged clearing and fauna spotter catcher supervision where required by the approval or management plan.

• Inspect the work area before daily disturbance.
• Control vehicle speed and access across retained ground habitat.
• Stop work if an animal is found in the active clearing area.

Threats: Fire, grazing and site disturbance

Fire, grazing, erosion, weed invasion and repeated vehicle use can alter the ground layer and remove shelter. Record these pressures during habitat assessments.

Use the project environmental management plan to control dust, weeds, waste, fire and unauthorised access.

Threats: Listing and regulatory risk

The species is profiled as an EVNT species. South Australia lists it as Rare, and Western Australia lists it as Priority 4. These listings support a precautionary approach where records are sparse.

Check state requirements before works begin. In Queensland, protected wildlife provisions apply, including requirements concerning tampering with a breeding place.

South Australia: Rare

Western Australia: Priority 4

Queensland: Protected wildlife

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Spotted-necked Ctenotus is poorly known, and field detection methods have not been well established. Treat every suitable terrestrial habitat patch as potentially occupied, and use a combination of active searches, trapping where approved, and careful observation during clearing.

Map intact and partly disturbed terrestrial habitat before planning works. Give particular attention to areas with natural ground cover, loose shelter and connected vegetation.

Review museum, government and local ecological records. South Australian records are very limited, with four records in the Outback assessment area and the most recent observation in 1996.

Check whether the site is within a mapped population or a listed area in South Australia or Western Australia. Ask the relevant state agency for current records and advice where the species may be present.

• Mark habitat that will be cleared, temporarily occupied or affected by traffic, spoil, drainage or lighting.
• Identify access tracks and laydown areas that can avoid intact habitat.
• Record the assumptions, data sources and survey limitations in the project environmental documentation.

Survey methodology: 2. Active searches and trapping

Search during warm conditions when skinks are likely to be active, while avoiding very hot conditions when they may shelter. Walk slowly through suitable habitat and inspect ground cover, shelter edges and open areas.

Use visual encounter surveys, and consider approved pitfall or funnel trapping where active searches are unlikely to provide adequate coverage. Trapping must be designed and supervised by an experienced ecologist and checked at appropriate intervals for animal welfare.

The available species information does not establish a reliable breeding season, daily activity window or survey effort. Set effort in consultation with the project ecologist and relevant regulator, and increase effort where habitat is extensive, connected or difficult to search.

• Use repeated visits where the first visit is affected by unsuitable weather or poor visibility.
• Keep rocks, logs and other shelter in place unless they must be moved for an approved search.
• Use clean equipment between sites to reduce the risk of moving disease, weeds or soil pests.

Survey methodology: 3. Identification and handling during survey

The Spotted-necked Ctenotus is dark brown, with white dots and dashes along the sides. A dark central stripe with white edges runs along the back, with two white stripes beside it.

Identification can be difficult. Take clear photographs from above and from the side, including the head, back and body pattern. Seek confirmation from an experienced herpetologist when identification is uncertain.

Handle animals only when necessary, and only under the project fauna handling authority. Keep handling brief, minimise heat exposure and release animals close to their capture location in suitable shelter.

• Record the date, time, location, weather, observer, method and search conditions.
• Record the animal's behaviour, habitat, shelter, photographs and whether it was captured, released or relocated.
• Submit voucher photographs and location records to the project database and relevant biodiversity authority where required.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Avoidance and approvals

Plan the work around avoidance first. The species has a limited information base, so a conservative approach is appropriate wherever suitable habitat or a confirmed record occurs.

Redesign the footprint to retain occupied or suitable habitat, linked habitat and natural ground shelter wherever practicable.

Check approval requirements before works start. Consider an EPBC Act referral if the action may have a significant impact on a listed threatened species or place. Obtain any required state fauna permits and clearing approvals.

In Queensland, confirm whether a species management program is required before tampering with a breeding place. In South Australia, treat the species as Rare. In Western Australia, treat the Priority 4 listing as a trigger for monitoring and agency consultation.

• Obtain written advice where the listing, population or proposed impact is uncertain.
• Use the most protective condition that applies to the site and approval.
• Include species specific controls in the construction environmental management plan and clearing permit.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Pre clearance survey and site marking

Complete a targeted pre clearance survey by an appropriately qualified ecologist before vegetation or ground disturbance. Survey the full disturbance area and nearby habitat that may be used for relocation or refuge.

Mark exclusion zones around retained habitat, known records and areas containing natural shelter. The project ecologist should set buffers according to the habitat, machinery type, disturbance risk and approval conditions.

No fixed buffer or breeding season is established for this species. Do not assume that a clear surface means the site is unoccupied, because animals may be sheltering below ground cover.

• Fence and sign no go areas before machinery arrives.
• Protect retained rocks, logs, leaf litter, soil crust and low vegetation from stockpiling, compaction and vehicle movement.
• Provide the fauna team with maps showing the approved disturbance limits and release areas.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Timing, induction and contingency planning

There is no reliable species specific breeding or migration period available for planning. Schedule works outside periods of extreme heat where practicable, and obtain local ecological advice before setting the work window.

Induct all supervisors, operators and spotter catchers in identification, avoidance areas, stop work rules and reporting requirements.

Nominate an authorised fauna spotter catcher and an ecological contact before clearing begins.

• Explain that the species may be difficult to identify and that a photograph is required for uncertain sightings.
• Provide secure containers, shade, clean handling equipment and a first aid pathway for injured fauna.
• Confirm the location of the nearest wildlife carer, veterinarian or wildlife hospital before work starts.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear progressively and keep the fauna spotter catcher in control of fauna decisions. Stop work whenever the approved controls cannot be maintained or an animal, shelter site or potential breeding place is found.

Clear in small, manageable stages from the disturbed area towards retained habitat, where this is safe and consistent with the approval. This gives mobile fauna an opportunity to move away from machinery.

Use a spotter catcher to inspect the work area immediately ahead of machinery and to check disturbed ground and shelter as clearing proceeds.

Avoid unnecessary removal of rocks, logs and other ground cover. Move unavoidable shelter slowly and only under fauna supervision.

• Keep machinery within the approved footprint.
• Stop clearing during unsafe heat, poor visibility or conditions that prevent effective fauna observation.
• Recheck areas after vegetation removal and before earthworks, trenching or stockpiling.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal, shelter and breeding place response

The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work. Stop machinery and establish a quiet exclusion area when a Spotted-necked Ctenotus is found.

Only authorised and trained people may capture or handle the animal. Photograph it where possible, place it in a suitable ventilated container if handling is necessary, and release it into nearby suitable shelter approved by the ecologist.

If an active breeding place or suspected breeding place is found, stop the relevant activity. Do not disturb, fill, excavate or move the site until the ecologist confirms the legal and management response.

• Notify the site supervisor and project ecologist immediately.
• Apply the required species management program, permit condition or agency direction before resuming work.
• Record the location, habitat, action taken and release location, without moving the animal farther than necessary.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Injury, death and incident records

Treat injured animals as a fauna incident. Keep the animal quiet, shaded and at a stable temperature, and seek advice from the nominated wildlife carer or veterinarian.

Do not give food or water unless directed by a qualified wildlife professional. Do not release an injured animal until it has been assessed.

Report deaths, injuries, unauthorised disturbance and damage to exclusion areas under the project approval and incident procedure.

• Record the time, exact location, machinery involved, condition of the animal, photographs, people involved and immediate controls.
• Preserve relevant evidence where safe, including photographs of tracks, shelter and the work area.
• Review whether work methods, supervision, exclusion areas or timing need to change before restarting.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post clearance checks

Do not treat the end of mechanical clearing as the end of fauna risk. Complete a hand search and document the outcome before the area is released for construction or earthworks.

Have the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist inspect the cleared footprint, remaining shelter and edges before heavy earthworks begin. Check trenches, pits, spoil piles and stored materials for trapped animals.

Remove or cover fauna hazards promptly. Keep access points to retained habitat open where required by the approval.

Confirm that exclusion fencing remains intact and that no machinery or materials have entered retained habitat.

• Search again after overnight works or a substantial change in the work area.
• Check areas where rocks, logs or other shelter were displaced.
• Record a nil result as well as any animals found.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocation and monitoring

Release relocated animals into suitable nearby habitat with natural shelter, away from active machinery, roads and areas likely to be cleared. The release site and distance should be selected by the ecologist and recorded.

Do not repeatedly move the same animal. If animals continue to appear in the work area, stop and reassess the clearing method, exclusion controls and habitat connectivity.

Where the species is confirmed, use targeted follow up monitoring suited to the site and approval conditions. Monitoring should focus on occupancy, habitat condition, further mortalities and the effectiveness of avoidance measures.

• Use the same observation and identification standards at each monitoring visit.
• Keep monitoring records with photographs, coordinates, weather, effort and results.
• Continue monitoring where required by a permit, species management program or environmental approval.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and review

Provide the client, site supervisor and relevant regulator with the required fauna records and incident reports. Share confirmed records through the appropriate state biodiversity database where permitted.

Review all encounters, injuries, deaths, escapes and breaches of exclusion areas at the end of each work stage.

Update the construction controls before the next stage if the species is detected or if the survey assumptions prove unreliable.

• Compare actual clearing with the approved footprint.
• Check that all fauna conditions were completed and signed off.
• Retain photographs, maps, permits, handling records and release details in the project file.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore ground habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the ground conditions used by terrestrial skinks rather than install structures designed for birds or bats. Because the species' breeding and shelter requirements are poorly documented, use local reference habitat and adaptive management.

Retain and replace natural ground cover, including suitable rocks, logs, leaf litter, coarse woody material and low vegetation where these occur in nearby intact habitat.

Recontour compacted ground, replace suitable local soil and stabilise disturbed surfaces without burying retained shelter or creating barriers to movement.

Use locally appropriate native plants and natural materials. Avoid importing soil, mulch or rocks that may carry weeds, pests or pathogens.

• Keep rehabilitation areas connected to retained habitat where practicable.
• Prevent vehicles, stockpiles and repeated foot traffic from entering recovering habitat.
• Use staged rehabilitation so completed areas can be checked before the next stage.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Breeding and artificial structures

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures as a default measure. These are designed for other animal groups and are not known to provide suitable breeding habitat for this ground dwelling skink.

If a breeding place is found or lost, obtain species specific advice from the regulator and a qualified herpetologist before designing a replacement. Any artificial refuge or breeding structure should be based on local evidence and approved before installation.

Prioritise replacement of natural shelter and ground conditions over structures that have not been shown to suit the species.

• Protect any confirmed breeding or refuge site from construction and maintenance disturbance.
• Document the design, location and maintenance of any approved artificial feature.
• Inspect approved replacement features for use and damage as part of the monitoring program.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water, lighting and long term care

Control weeds using methods that protect skinks, their shelter and their prey. Avoid broad scale herbicide use in retained habitat unless approved and supervised by a suitably qualified person.

Provide water only where it is part of the local habitat design and can be maintained without creating drowning traps, erosion, weeds or predator concentration. Do not assume that artificial water points benefit this species.

Use the lowest practical lighting level at habitat edges and direct lights away from retained and rehabilitated ground habitat. Avoid unnecessary night access and vehicle movement.

• Inspect rehabilitation after rain, extreme weather and construction maintenance.
• Monitor vegetation cover, shelter, weeds, erosion, lighting and species detections at intervals set by the ecologist and approval.
• Repair failed rehabilitation promptly and use monitoring results to adjust methods, plantings and access controls.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Handover and adaptive management

Set clear rehabilitation completion criteria for ground cover, shelter, weed control, erosion and protection from further disturbance. Include fauna outcomes where the species has been recorded.

Keep the site manager responsible for maintenance after construction handover. Retain maps of rehabilitation areas and any confirmed habitat or breeding places.

Use new records and monitoring results to improve future surveys, clearing methods and habitat design for the species.

• Record whether relocated animals were later detected in rehabilitated or retained habitat.
• Review controls annually where the site remains active or where monitoring identifies continuing risks.
• Consult the relevant state agency if monitoring shows ongoing decline, repeated mortality or failure of rehabilitation.

Sources

• [PDF] Regional Species Conservation Assessments, South Australian Government: https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/saal-fauna-conservation-assessments-data-gen.pdf
• Pirra Jungku Project species guide, nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au: https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/4kanjc5w/1-3-4-pirru-jungku-species-field-guide_google_aug-2020_f.pdf
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/