Species to be translocated

1. The species that will be relocated

Species that will be relocated

a) Common and scientific names: Delma impar, Striped Legless Lizard (Lucas, Barnard & Victoria, 1884)

b) Threat status and assessment year: Strimple assessed the threat status as susceptible in 1995. (1996).

EPBC: The EPBC status of the striped legless lizard has been designated as vulnerable by Australia’s Department of Environment and Energy.

Strimple (1996) confirms that the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act has resulted in a significant fall in the population of the striped legless lizard.

According to the IUCN’s website, the Striped Legless Lizard is a vulnerable species (iucnredlist.org).

Other:

2. Reason for the translocation

2.1 Translocation overview

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The striped legless lizard thrives very well on grassland, thus plans to move it will be to do so to a grassland area in Australia. The main reason for doing this is to ensure the long term survival of the said species, and ensure longevity through its development in the suitable areas it is to be moved to (environment.gov). in the locations where they are, pre-translocation, roofing material will be placed. This is to ensure they congregate around the roofing material as they bask in the sun. They will then be collected and moved.

2.2 Conservation outcomes

What are the desired SMART objectives from this translocation and this species in the:

Relocations to different areas are reliant on the ecological and geological conditions of the translocation area. An assessment of the species should be done to ensure compatibility with the ecosystem of the translocation area of choice. Other risks threatening the subject, must be considered to ensure a smooth transition.(Sect. 4.1, IUCN Guidelines)

3. Source population

Refer to section 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 6 in the IUCN guidelines.

3.1 Possible source populations

List the possible source populations

As listed on the IUCN guidelines, the species is likely to habit more than 30 sites as of a current survey. The survivability and appearance of the species in a certain area is largely dependent on its ability to survive within the ecological range within its suitable habitat. Namely these areas are; Derrimut Grassland Reserve, Iramoo Wildlife Reserve, Terrick-Terrick National Reserve along with Graigieburn Grasslands.

3.2 Preferred source

300 words

The striped legless lizard has the largest population at the Iramoo National Reserve (environment.gov). This in turn increases their long term survival. A high number means a higher level of success for relocation since mating will be of higher chances of success due to the high number of lizards in the park

Many individuals of the same species have been collected and congregated at central points in different reserves. This is mainly to prevent the extinction of said species. This is carried out because a high number or occurrence at a single optimal ecological point increases survival chances through mating and enough food and resources.

There have been reports on exercises that translocate individual lizards to various parks in their areas of habitation. The translocate species are made to blend with the new surroundings as a management practice

3.3 Risks to source population risks

Refer to Biological Risk table – risks a), and Annex 6.2 of the IUCN guidelines

250 words

Comment on the risk to the source population of removing individuals.

The striped legless lizard mainly lives in a grassy area (environment.org). It has a preference for tussock grass, spear grass and soils with little interference, in form of ploughing. In the case that it does get translocated but does not live in its new environment, it is recommended that translocation continue so as to force an adaptation in the new area for the incoming individuals. By doing so, all offspring of the new individuals may have better chances adapting to that change.

4. Release at LTWS - Site preparation and release impacts.

4.1 Site management

300 words

State what (if any) site preparation and management (A) will be required in the LTWS for successful translocation.

For the translocation of the striped legless lizard, a number of practices and processes should be taken into account. First, the area for translocation should specifically have no fires recently or in its history as this could lower survival chances. The area chosen should not have been recently grazed or herbivores introduced onto said area. The area should preferably have lightly placed rocks to provide cover, also a high amount of tussock or spear grass should very well be present to allow for maximum success. To further increase the chances of success it would be best to choose an area with low physical disturbance.

4.2 Ecological impacts

Refer to section 6 in the IUCN guidelines.

500 words

Comment on the ecological impacts that the addition of the translocated species might have on the existing species and/or functioning of the ecosystem of LTWS, and outline additional management required (A) for non target species prior to or following release.

Introduction of the translocated species would have a sharp effect on the ecosystem at the said area where it got translocated to. The striped legless lizard has feeding habits along the lines of spiders, grasshoppers and mainly lepidopteron larvae. This is among a host of other crawling insects, inclusive of cockroaches (environment.org). By introducing this species into this ecosystem would result in a sharp increase in vegetation since it eats what eats the vegetation. This would also mean an increase in the lizard abundance in the area. However, the striped legless lizard goes into hibernation in the winter months and as a form of regulation, the grasshoppers and preys’ population increase as a result of a temporary elimination of the predator. The species are active hunters and will do so, foraging and hunting for food both day and night. Thus, again introducing them into the ecosystem, will cause an effect into the ecosystem. Causing a drop or an unwarranted increase of either prey or predator

4.4 Site containment risks

100 words

Is species is likely to spread beyond the confines of the release site? If so state the risks to people and environment, and how these will be minimized (A).

5. Translocation design

Refer to section 7.2 in the IUCN guidelines.

5.1 Composition

Refer to section 5.1.4, in the IUCN guidelines.

300 words

Describe the plans(A) for the proposed composition of the plants or animals to be translocated including (where appropriate):

Age

Sex ratio

Singles/pairs

Genetic variability

Total number of individuals

If more than one source, state how many from each

Explain the rationale for this proposed composition. Comment on how likely it is to produce a genetically diverse and viable population, and if not, why the translocation should go ahead

5.2 Capture / collection and transport

Refer to section 5.1.5 in the IUCN guidelines.

200 words

Describe methods(A) for capture and transport of the animals, or collection of plants.

Describe any temporary holding(A) at the release site (i.e. delayed versus immediate planting/release).

5.3 Release / planting

200 words

Describe how(A) the translocated plants will be planted or animals will be released, and any additional site management(A) required upon release.

6. Post-release

6.1 Monitoring program

Refer to section 8.1 in the IUCN guidelines.

400 words

Outline the monitoring program(A) for both the source and release populations and sites. This should be divided into

Post collection source population monitoring

Initial post release monitoring (1-2 months)

Subsequent monitoring (within the 5 years of the plan)

Suggestions for long term monitoring

Include:

What will be monitored Methods

When/how often For how long

6.2 Indicators of Success

Refer to section 8.1 in the IUCN guidelines.

50 words

Key indicators of success, should be established for both short- (