Have your say on the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard draft action plan


Released 25/10/2016

“Officially declared vulnerable in 2008, this rarely seen small lizard lives mostly underground in the burrows of certain type of ant nests, where it feeds on the eggs and larvae of the ants,” EPD Senior Ecologist Murray Evans said.

“These specialised requirements make the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard vulnerable to changes in its habitat. For example, removal of rocks can lead to less ant nests, which then causes negative impact to the lizards. Other threats are summer bushfires, encroachment by weeds and being eaten by predators, including native predators as well as introduced predators such as cats.

“The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard was once much more widespread in south-eastern Australia, but is now confined to only a few sites scattered between the ACT and Victoria. In the ACT the lizard can be found along the slopes of the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee River corridors and on adjacent outlying hills including Mount Taylor, Cooleman Ridge, Urambi Hills, The Pinnacle and Mount Stromlo.

“This action plan was written to help ensure this fascinating little lizard, which is often mistaken for a worm or small snake, remains part of the fauna of the ACT long into the future.

“The plan’s action items include formally protecting all key populations, monitoring abundance of key populations, undertaking community awareness activities as well as implementing appropriate management activities, such as grazing and slashing, to conserve the species and its habitat.

“The ACT Government is already working to protect the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and enhance its habitat through establishing and improving wildlife corridors. Examples are at the Molonglo River Reserve at Barrer Hill where weed removal, rock relocation and salvage log placements are helping to encourage the return of threatened species like the lizard.

“It is vital we do all we can to conserve our threatened native species so I encourage interested members of the public to view the action plan and put forward their views,” Mr Evans said.

The Conservator of Flora and Fauna, with advice from the Scientific Committee, is responsible for preparing and finalising action plans for each species listed as threatened in the ACT. Following public consultation, the finalised Action Plan will be tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Public comments on the draft action plan close on 6 December 2016. For more information visit www.yoursay.act.gov.au

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Tony Mollett

(02) 6205 7985

0401 766 218

anthony.mollett@act.gov.au


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases