BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1110          Total No. of Sites: 157
Survey/Project Name: Monitoring the Endangered Cunningham's Skink (Egernia Cunninghami) in SA - SAHG
Abstract: This project aims to establish the current status of Cunningham's Skink (Egernia cunninghami) in South Australia. The species has been recorded in SA only from the Mount Lofty Ranges and southern Fleurieu Peninsula where both areas that have been extensively modified by human activities. OBJECTIVES: 1. The South Australian Herpetology Group (SAHG) will revisit all localities where the species has been recorded in the last 100 years (approx. 20 sites) and establish whether the species still occurs. 2. Visit additional sites where appropriate habitat (rocky outcrops in higher rainfall areas) occurs in order to record additional populations. 3. Document the habitat factors that correlate with the species presence or absence at a site.
 
Start Date: 01/01/2006      End Date: 23/04/2025
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: Torrens Gorge, Torrens Linear Park and near Millbrook Reservoir, Black Hill CP, Morialta CP, Cleland CP, Onkaparinga NP, Sturt Gorge RP, Boat Harbour Beach, and several sites along Fisheries Beach near Cape Jervis, Ingalalla Waterfall, Upper Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve on the middle Onkaparinga River Catchment, Blowhole Creek, Deep Creek Cove, Newland Head CP, Sellicks and Willunga Hills, Shepherds Hill RP, Belair NP, Horsnell Gully CP and Brown Hill Creek RP.
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: Methods used will involve field workers searching rock outcrops for the lizards or signs of their presence (dropping piles used as territorial markers). These lizards inhabit massive outcrops, so the searching will not involve moving or destruction of loose rocks. Where opportunity permits, some use will also be made of Elliott traps, baited with peanut butter and rolled oats. Traps will be set in the early morning in sheltered sites, and checked twice daily. Any animals captured by hand searching or trapping will be briefly held in order to record basic data, to individually mark animals for later recognition, and to retain samples for future conservation genetic study. During this time the lizards will be held individually in calico bags, then released at the capture site. Procedures to be used for marking and sampling will be using P.I.T. chips, injected sub dermally Marking will be limited to adult and sub adult animals (snout-vent length > 150 mm). A sample of tissues (2-4 mm tail tip, toe tip or recently sloughed skin) will be taken at this time to be stored for future study at the South Australian Museum. Up to five individuals will be retained and lodged with the South Australian Museum as reference specimens for any newly discovered populations. Any such animals will be transported alive to the Herpetology Section within 48 hours of collection, and will be euthanised by SA Museum staff.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : EPBC/NPWSA Threatened species targeted survey. Flora or fauna species.
Fauna : Presence and absence method
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Adelaide) - Cleland Office
South Australian Herpetology Group