Enhancing habitat for the threatened pink-tailed worm-lizard

Date: 15, Sep, 2021
Author(s): Daniel Florance  

Surface rock provides animals with shelter, protection from predators, and places where they can escape from fire and extreme weather conditions and also serves an important ecosystem functions. Many species are negatively affected by the loss of surface rock in agricultural landscapes, including the threatened pink-tailed worm-lizard (Aprasia parapulchella). We have conducted detailed targeted field surveys on numerous grazing properties to detect new populations of the pink-tailed worm-lizard. We have also established a surface rock addition experiment as part of identifying new ways to restore habitat for the pink-tailed worm-lizard. The field surveys have uncovered evidence of several new populations of the pink-tailed worm-lizard across New South Wales. We have added 50 tonnes of rocks to our box-gum grassy woodland plots as part of the rock addition experiment. Reptiles have quickly colonised some of the newly restored areas, and preliminary results suggest considerable potential for effective restoration of rocky habitats in agricultural landscapes.