Fauna: |
The main survey technique used for this investigation was the laying of roofing tiles as a survey grid, by creating a microhabitat for Aprasia aurita to utilise. Where possible, survey grids of 50 tiles were laid in either a five by ten tile grid (Figure 3) or a seven by seven grid with an extra tile at the end of one of the rows. The layout was dependent on the appropriateness and configuration of the habitat at the particular site. A site which had a narrow band of vegetation was set with a 5 x 10 grid. Each tile was labelled according to a grid reference style e.g. 0,1 , 5,6 etc. The 15 survey sites are inclusive of known A. aurita population at Malone Heath NFR and Rocky Reserve NFR Each site was monitored up to eight times after commencement in mid-September until mid-December. Each tile was systematically lifted and all reptiles underneath recorded; where possible, animals were captured to assist with identification. Metric data for all Aprasia was recorded, including snout-vent length, sex and whether the individual had a regenerated tail. To enable individual identification and avoid marking the animal, a head scale image was taken of all Aprasia aurita Tiles were surveyed under a variety of conditions in order to determine the optimal time and climate for surveys to be undertaken in the future. This range included, overcast, sunny, dry, humid, raining, hot, cooler and moderate conditions refer to report Baltais, A and Dickson C (2013) Review of the Eared Worm-lizard (Aprasia aurita) in the South East of South Australia. Report to the Nature Foundation of SA. |