GRASSLAND EARLESS DRAGON TYMPANOCRYPTIS PINGUICOLLA ACTION PLAN

210 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan

PREAMBLE The Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla Mitchell, 1948) was declared an endangered species on 15 April 1996 (Instrument No. DI1996-29 Nature Conservation Act 1980, under the former name Eastern Lined Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis lineata pinguicolla). Under section 101 of the Nature Conservation Act 2014, the Conservator of Flora and Fauna is responsible for preparing a draft action plan for listed species. The first action plan for this species was prepared in 1997 (ACT Government 1997). This revised edition supersedes the earlier edition. This action plan includes the ACT Native Grassland Conservation Strategy set out in schedule 1 to the ‘Nature Conservation (Native Grassland) Action Plans 2017’, to the extent it is relevant. Measures proposed in this action plan complement those proposed in the action plans for Natural Temperate Grassland, Yellow Box/Red Gum Grassy Woodland, and component threatened species such as the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) and the Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana).

CONSERVATION STATUS populations of T. pinguicolla as a component of the indigenous biological resources of the ACT Tympanocryptis pinguicolla is recognised as a and as a contribution to regional and national threatened species in the following sources: conservation of the species. This includes the need to maintain natural evolutionary International processes. Vulnerable – IUCN (2015). Specific objectives of the action plan are to: National • Conserve all ACT populations. Endangered – Environment Protection and • Manage the species and its habitat to Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 maintain the potential for evolutionary (Commonwealth). development in the wild. • Enhance the long-term viability of Australian Capital Territory populations through management of Endangered – Nature Conservation Act 2014. adjacent grassland to increase habitat area Special Protection Status Species - Nature and connect populations. Conservation Act 2014.

New South Wales SPECIES DESCRIPTION AND Endangered – Threatened Species Conservation ECOLOGY Act 1995. DESCRIPTION Victoria The Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis Threatened – Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act pinguicolla is a small lizard in the family 1988. Agamidae. It was originally described as a subspecies of the more widespread and variable Tympanocryptis lineata (Mitchell 1948) and CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES later recognised as a distinct species (Smith et al. 1999). Nelson (2004) noted morphological The overall conservation objective of this action differences between animals from the Cooma plan is to maintain in the long term, viable, wild district and the Canberra area.

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 211 Further genetic research, including studies of Northbourne Avenue in the 1950s (Young 1992). nuclear DNA microsatellites and mitochondrial NSW records show the species occurred in DNA, has shown a clear genetic division grasslands near Cooma in the Southern between the extant populations in the NSW Tablelands (Mitchell 1948) and at Bathurst Cooma–Monaro and ACT–Queanbeyan areas, (Osborne et al. 1993a). and that the ACT–Queanbeyan populations are Most former records of T. pinguicolla in Victoria also highly genetically structured (Melville et al. are from the basalt plains in the south of the 2007; Scott and Keogh 2000; Carlson 2013; state (Brereton and Backhouse 1993). The Hoehn et al. 2013). Tympanocryptis pinguicolla species was not uncommon at Essendon and the is found at higher altitudes and in cooler regions plains near Sunbury to the north of Melbourne than any other earless dragon (Robertson and late last century (McCoy 1889). There are also Evans 2009). records from Maryborough and Rutherglen in Most members of the genus Tympanocryptis, central Victoria (Lucas and Frost 1894). including T. pinguicolla, lack an external ear Recent records indicate T. pinguicolla has opening and a functional tympanum (ear drum) experienced a severe decrease in its geographic (Greer 1989, Cogger 2014). Tympanocryptis range. There have been no confirmed Victorian pinguicolla is a small lizard with a stout body sightings since the 1960s, and no recent records and short robust limbs (Mitchell 1948), and is north of the ACT, but populations still occur diurnal and cryptic in its grassland habitat. Total between Cooma and Nimmitabel in the Monaro adult body length is usually less than 150 mm region of NSW and there are some small (Robertson and Evans 2009) with average snout- populations near Queanbeyan, NSW vent length of 55 mm (Smith 1994) and weight (Queanbeyan Nature Reserve, The Poplars) of five to nine grams (Robertson and Evans (Robertson and Evans 2009). 2009). In the ACT, T. pinguicolla was rediscovered in The dorsal markings are distinctive, with a pale 1991 after not being recorded in the area for 30 vertebral stripe flanked by alternating years (Osborne et al. 1993). It is now known to fawn/grey and dark brown irregular blocks occur in the eastern Majura Valley (Majura between two pale (or yellow) dorso-lateral Training Area, Canberra Airport), western stripes. The pattern of the dark blocks is unique Majura Valley (West Majura Grassland and to each individual and does not change with Campbell Park Defence land) and the age, and can therefore be used to identify Jerrabomberra Valley (Harman/Bonshaw, individual animals (Nelson et al. 1996; Dimond Cookanalla, Callum Brae, Jerrabomberra West 2010). There is usually a narrow pale bar on the Grassland Nature Reserve and Jerrabomberra head, between the anterior corners of the eyes, East Grasslands) (ACT Government 2005, Biosis and two pale lateral stripes and scattered dorsal 2012) (Table 1). spinous scales (Cogger 2014). Genetic analysis indicates the ACT populations The ventral surface is either intricately are highly genetically structured with little patterned with dark brown or grey markings, or interchange of individuals between sub- immaculate white or cream. During the populations. In particular the Majura Training breeding season subadults and adults often Area and Jerrabomberra West populations are have yellow-orange or reddish coloration on the apparently insular and unlikely to provide or throat, sides of the head and flanks, and this receive immigrants from the other populations, may be more common or prominent in males. having been separated from the other populations for some time by natural and artificial barriers such as a river, creek, arterial DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE road and/or developed land (Hoehn et al. 2013). Prior to European settlement, T. pinguicolla was Monitoring of two main T. pinguicolla most likely distributed broadly in south-eastern populations by Conservation Research (ACT Australia wherever suitable habitat (native Government) and the University of Canberra grassland) was present. Pryor (1938) described indicates that ACT populations declined T. pinguicolla as more common than the Eastern dramatically during the last decade (2005– Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) in the ACT, 2009), possibly as a result of lack of ground and animals were captured adjacent to cover caused by drought and exacerbated by

212 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan overgrazing (Dimond 2010; Dimond et al. 2012). Training Area in 1970 for a runway extension, The suggested mechanisms driving the decline and is now separated from it by an unsealed are: road with mown, relatively disturbed verges and two fences. This road is likely to form at least a • Low soil moisture, increased exposure and partial barrier to movement between the sites dry conditions causing low production of, (IAE 2013). and high mortality in, eggs. The airport grasslands are mown several times • Reduced plant growth during drought each year except during drought, in contrast to combined with increased grazing pressure the Majura Training Area which was overgrazed from kangaroos (Eastern Grey Kangaroos) or by kangaroos during the first part of the 2002– stock, reducing ground cover and increasing 2010 drought, then protected from kangaroo the exposure of lizards (particularly grazing from 2007. There have been no genetic hatchlings and juveniles) to predation. studies of the airport population, but it may be Other factors related to drought and lack of reliant on occasional immigration from Majura ground cover might also be involved in the Training Area for maintenance (IAE 2013). recent decline of T. pinguicolla, such as low Protection and enhancement of this potential availability of food (small invertebrates) or low movement corridor and appropriate availability of burrows for shelter (which would management of the airport grasslands is likely arise if the drought and ground cover conditions be important for the survival of this small semi- were also unfavourable for burrow-forming isolated population. arthropods such as Wolf Spiders (Lycosa spp.) and Canberra Raspy Crickets (Cooraboorama Monitoring of T. pinguicolla populations at the canberrae). Majura Training Area, Jerrabomberra West Nature Reserve and Jerrabomberra East The estimated density of the largest known grasslands suggests there is some post-drought population of T. pinguicolla (Jerrabomberra recovery occurring in these populations (Cook et West), collapsed from 19.8 animals per hectare al. 2015). (ha) in 2006 to 2.4 in 2008. A population viability analysis suggested the Jerrabomberra The most up to date distribution data for this population had a very high probability of species is publicly available on the ACT extinction within 10 years and the regional Government’s mapping portal (Visit the decline places the species at severe risk of ACTmapi website). extinction (Dimond 2010). Tympanocryptis pinguicolla has not been HABITAT AND ECOLOGY detected at two Symonston sites for several years and may no longer be present. These are In the ACT and nearby NSW, T. pinguicolla is north-west of the intersection of Hindmarsh found in Natural Temperate Grassland and Drive and Canberra Avenue in Symonston native pastures, usually on well-drained sites (Amtech East site: Osborne and Dimond 2008; dominated by Tall Speargrass (Austrostipa Biosis Research 2011), and south-west of the bigeniculata) and shorter Wallaby Grasses intersection of Jerrabomberra Avenue and (Rytidosperma spp.), with patches of tussocks Narrabundah Lane (Callum Brae north: Fletcher and open spaces between them (Osborne et al. et al. 1995; Rowell 2008; Dimond et al. 2010; 1993a; Robertson and Evans 2009). In the ACT Biosis Research 2012). The Amtech East site is these sites are frost-hollow grasslands and have relatively small and separated from the usually had little or no ploughing or pasture Cookanalla population by a major road. improvement (Osborne et al. 1993a). At one ACT site, T. pinguicolla has been shown to use a Tympanocryptis pinguicolla was found in broader range of grassland types, including moderate numbers in the northern part of denser and moderately degraded grassland Canberra Airport in the late 1990s (ACT (Langston 1996; Stevens et al. 2010). Government 2000), but numbers declined and it was not detected between 2005 and 2010. Recent studies have found higher trapping rates Numbers were still very low by 2015 (Rowell of T. pinguicolla at artificial burrows set in areas 2011 and unpublished data). The habitat at the where herbage biomass is naturally lower airport was excised from the adjacent Majura compared to adjacent grassland, or in patches

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 213 where biomass is lower due to recent burning or extremes is a management aim in order to grazing (Osborne et al. 2013; Cook et al. 2015; maximise the range of shelter and thermal Osborne 2015). While it is not yet known niches, and of prey types (Stevens et al. 2010; whether this is due to differences in Taylor 2014; M. Evans pers comm.). detectability or habitat preference of T. pinguicolla, maintaining a varied grassland structure and avoiding herbage biomass

Table 1. Sites supporting Tympanocryptis pinguicolla in the ACT

Habitat Site Name area (ha) Land Jurisdiction Land use policy Majura Training Area (north of Military training area, includes 139 Commonwealth Airport) Air-services Beacon paddock. Majura Training Area (former grazing 90 Commonwealth Military training area properties east of Airport) Airport, office accommodation Airport 22 Commonwealth and retail outlet Broadacre*, managed for West Majura Grassland 104 Territory conservation Land attached to Defence Campbell Park 35 Commonwealth offices Jerrabomberra West Grasslands 180 Territory Nature Reserve Reserve Callum Brae (west of Monaro 68 Territory Grazing lease highway) Amtech East 12 Territory Unleased land Bonshaw 158 Territory Grazing lease Jerrabomberra East Grasslands 71 Territory Conservation Area Cookanalla (east of Monaro highway) 164 Territory Grazing lease *Broadacre refers to agriculture and certain other ‘large area’ uses under Territory planning legislation.

Abandoned burrows of large arthropods appear Capture data is characterised by a dominance of to be an important feature of T. pinguicolla young animals and low recaptures of previous- habitat in the ACT region. The species is known year adults (Smith 1994; Langston 1996; Nelson to use arthropod burrows as diurnal and et al. 1996; Dimond 2010), suggesting a nocturnal shelter sites in this region (Jenkins predominantly annual turnover of adults with and Bartell 1980; Osborne et al. 1993b; Smith females able to breed in their first year. Some 1994; Langston 1996; Benson 1999; Rowell females survive into their second year, but most 2001; Stevens et al. 2010), and to shelter in apparently only survive long enough to produce tussocks (Langston 1996; Stevens et al. 2010). one clutch of eggs (Langston 1996; Nelson Tympanocryptis pinguicolla also shelters under 2004). None have been found to be gravid in rocks in NSW (Osborne et al. 1993b; McGrath et two consecutive years (Dimond 2010). As for al. 2015), but rocks do not appear to be an many species, longevity of T. pinguicolla in essential component of the habitat for this captivity appears to be greater than in the wild, species in the ACT (Langston 1996).

214 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan with one male held at Tidbinbilla Nature Tympanocryptis pinguicolla takes shelter in Reserve living for five years (Evans pers comm). burrows or tussocks when disturbed, so both of these features are likely to be important as The female lays a clutch of three to seven refuge from predators. (typically six) eggs in an arthropod burrow 10–13 cm deep in November–January, and The species relies on burrows as winter refuge backfills the burrow with soil and litter (Dimond sites, though animals can be active on cool 2010; Doucette unpublished data). sunny days and can move between burrows during winter (Benson 1996; Nelson 2004; The burrows are created by large arthropods Stevens et al. 2010). such as the Common Wolf Spider (Lycosa godeffroyi) and the Canberra Raspy Cricket Tympanocryptis pinguicolla is a sit-and-wait (Cooraboorama canberrae) (Osborne et al. predator and eats a variety of small 1993b, Benson 1999). Females have been invertebrates, especially ants, beetles, spiders observed to visit nest sites daily during and moths (including larvae) (Howe 1995; incubation (Doucette unpublished data). Benson 1999; Dimond 2010). Arthropod burrows are also used as mating sites Dimond (2010) found that although ants were (Nelson 2004) and appear to be important as frequently eaten, they were only taken in thermal refuges for the animals from high and low daily ambient temperatures and during winter (Benson 1999; Nelson 2004; Doucette unpublished data), and as refuge from Grassland Earless Dragon (photo M. Evans) predators. Hatching occurs in January–March (Langston 1996; Dimond 2010; Doucette unpublished data), and high abundance of invertebrate prey coincides with the juvenile recruitment period (Benson 1999; Nelson 2004). Juveniles grow rapidly and males mature earlier than females (Langston 1996; Nelson 2004). Nelson (2004) found seasonal and annual variability in population structure, and suggested that cool weather conditions in spring/summer may affect basking opportunities and food availability, and hence the rate of growth and maturation. The relatively low fecundity and short life span of T. pinguicolla makes local populations vulnerable to the effects of wildfire, drought and other environmental changes on their habitat. This vulnerability is increased where fragmentation of habitat prevents recolonisation from surrounding areas. A radio-tracking study of 10 adult lizards showed that they mostly occupied one or two natural burrows within a home range of 925– 4768 m², and that there was some overlap in home ranges (Stevens et al. 2010). Adults and juveniles frequently move from one natural or artificial burrow to another (Benson 1996; Langston 1996; Nelson 2004; Stevens et al. 2010; AECOM 2014; Doucette unpublished data), with some movements of at least 230 m over longer periods (ACT Government 2000).

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 215 proportion to their abundance (i.e. were not drought. Following the drought this area was selected for) and that beetles were preferred opened to allow grazing by kangaroos. food items at three sites in 2007. Captive T. Tympanocryptis pinguicolla also occurs in the pinguicolla have been reported to eat crickets in Airport Services Beacon paddock, a fenced area preference to ants when both were offered, of about 10 ha that is contiguous with habitat suggesting that the animals may have been on the MTA and has not been grazed for at least selecting prey with a higher caloric value (Taylor three decades. The species has been recorded 2014). intermittently in the northern section of Canberra Airport, which is subject to a slashing PREVIOUS AND CURRENT regime to maintain a moderately short grass MANAGEMENT sward. The grassland at Majura West is grazed by kangaroos and, in the past, has been grazed In the ACT T. pinguicolla occurs on land under a by sheep. range of tenures and land management regimes. During the 2002–09 drought, some T. pinguicolla sites in the ACT were overgrazed by The Jerrabomberra Valley, including sites where kangaroos and some by stock. Overgrazing was T. pinguicolla occurs, has a history of grazing by particularly severe in the Majura Valley at the stock (mostly sheep, less so cattle and horses) MTA (kangaroos), West Majura (kangaroos and and kangaroos. These areas include: sheep), Cookanalla and Jerrabomberra East • Land previously owned and managed by the Grasslands. Sheep were removed from Majura Commonwealth Government (Bonshaw West during the drought when overgrazing Defence areas), now owned and managed by became evident, and stock numbers were the ACT Government, which is generally reduced at Cookanalla. The height and biomass lightly grazed by sheep and kangaroos. of the grass sward has since largely recovered at overgrazed sites. • Broadacre Territory land (Amtech East Estate) with grazing agistment. Grasslands in the ACT, including T. pinguicolla habitat, are subject to planned and unplanned • Territory rural land leased for grazing (e.g. fire. An unplanned fire in the MTA in 1998 Cookanalla, North Callum Brae), which are (Nelson et al. 1998b) resulted in several grazed by stock (mostly sheep) and hectares of T. pinguicolla habitat being burnt. kangaroos. Tympanocryptis pinguicolla has been observed • Land formerly leased (sheep grazing), that is to use this and other burnt areas one year post- now in nature reserve (Jerrabomberra West fire and in subsequent years, suggesting the Grasslands), or set aside as a conservation species is capable of using grassland at least one area (Jerrabomberra East Grasslands), and year following fire if animals are able to disperse are grazed by kangaroos. Management of into the area from adjacent unburnt areas the Jerrabomberra West Grassland Reserve (Nelson et al. 1998b; Evans and Ormay 2002; and Jerrabomberra East Grassland Osborne et al. 2013; Cook et al. 2015). conservation area is aimed at maintaining a Planned fire is used in grassland for ecological heterogeneous grass sward mostly between purposes and for fuel reduction. Recently, small- 10 and 20 cm high, and includes grazing by scale patch burning has been trialled in kangaroos (with fencing to protect some Jerrabomberra West Grasslands by the ACT areas from overgrazing), slashing along Government with the aim of promoting tracks and fence lines and, more recently, heterogeneity of the grass sward to improve small-scale patchy burns to promote habitat for T. pinguicolla. Multiple burn patches heterogeneity in the height and density of (each several metres across) were used to the grass sward. create a mosaic of unburnt and recently burnt In the Majura Valley T. pinguicolla occurs on the areas that differ in the density and height of the Majura Training Area (MTA) (Department of grass sward. Defence land), where the species’ habitat is The small size of burnt areas means T. managed for conservation and is generally only pinguicolla should be able to move a few metres lightly grazed by kangaroos. A large area of to an unburnt area during the ‘cool’, slow burn. habitat was fenced to prevent continued After the burn T. pinguicolla can forage in burnt overgrazing by kangaroos in the 2002–2010

216 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan areas and seek shelter in the unburnt habitat. genetic diversity and increased inbreeding in Each burn patch was raked and closely isolated populations, which may compromise examined immediately after burning for signs of both short and long-term population viability by dead lizards, but none were detected, reducing individual fitness and limiting the gene suggesting no mortality of T. pinguicolla has pool on which selection can act in the future. resulted from this habitat management action. Recent genetic research suggests: • Majura and Jerrabomberra West populations are each genetically isolated from all other THREATS populations. Tympanocryptis pinguicolla is a grassland • There is limited gene flow between the specialist, being restricted to remaining Jerrabomberra East, Bonshaw and fragments of native grassland. Approximately Queanbeyan Nature Reserve populations 99.5% of Natural Temperate Grassland (a (Hoehn et al. 2013). nationally critically endangered ecological community, EPBC Act 1999) in Australia has • Animals from Cookanalla show a high degree been destroyed or drastically altered since of relatedness, and the population may be at European settlement (Kirkpatrick et al. 1995). risk of inbreeding depression (Carlson 2013). The major perceived threats to the continued • The Monaro and ACT/Queanbeyan survival of T. pinguicolla are: populations are genetically distinct and translocation and/or interbreeding should • Loss and fragmentation of habitat through not be undertaken between these clearing of native grasslands for urban, populations unless justified by rigorous industrial and infrastructure development research. and for agricultural purposes. Degradation of ACT habitat may occur due to: • Modification and degradation of native grassland habitat through incompatible and • Weed invasion: Weeds of most concern are inadequate land management practices and African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), weed invasion. Chilean Needlegrass (Nassella neesiana), Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), Saffron • Major ecological disturbances to grassland Thistle (Carthamus lanatus), Paterson’s habitat such as widespread (unplanned) fire, Curse (Echium plantagineum) and St John’s drought and climate change. Wort (Hypericum perforatum) (Walker and Proposed future developments that may cause Osborne 2010). These plants are aggressive further loss and fragmentation of habitat for colonisers and the grasses can form a T. pinguicolla include: monoculture by outcompeting native species for water, light and nutrients. The young • New roads through or adjoining habitat in forbs have rosettes that can fill inter-tussock the Majura and Jerrabomberra Valleys. spaces and obscure burrows, and the mature • Construction of a new taxiway at Canberra plants can shade the ground and release Airport. excess nutrients into the soil when they die at the end of the season. All may reduce the • Very Fast Train in the Majura Valley. density of prey species and some of these • Urban or commercial development in the plants can increase in abundance under Jerrabomberra Valley. grazing as they are avoided by kangaroos and/or stock (as they are unpalatable, toxic Habitat fragmentation and degradation will or spiny). exacerbate any effects on populations from climate change (Hoehn et al. 2013). • Cultivation and pasture improvement: Fragmentation increases the risk of extinction of Ploughing is likely to destroy the arthropods isolated populations which suffer declines due that T. pinguicolla relies on to form burrows to environmental disturbances such as wildfire (Nelson 2004), and pasture improvement and drought and can no longer be re-colonised leads to damage similar to that described for by immigration from other populations. weed invasion. Fragmentation also exacerbates the loss of

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 217 • Overgrazing by kangaroos, rabbits or stock, is a local record of T. pinguicolla both fleeing or close mowing leads to loss of tussock from and being killed by an unplanned fire structure and excessive bare ground. A local (Osborne et al. 2009). Individuals have been study of ground-dwelling reptiles in grassy recorded using an area in the year following habitats showed that no species was more a fire (Nelson et al. 1998b, Osborne et al. likely to occur at high grazing intensities 2013) and in subsequent years (Evans and (Howland et al. 2014), however, this study Ormay 2002, Cook et al. 2015). Small patch did not include T. pinguicolla. High soil burning is being trialled at Jerrabomberra surface temperatures in summer require T. West Nature Reserve to promote structural pinguicolla to retreat to burrows instead of heterogeneity in the sward. feeding, and may contribute to loss of eggs • Predation by cats, dogs and foxes: Foxes are and juveniles though overheating or likely to be more numerous on the rural desiccation (Nelson 2004; Dimond 2010; sites, and predation by domestic pets might Doucette unpublished data). Excessive cause increased predation rates where reduction in vegetation is also likely to lead housing is developed close to T. pinguicolla to a reduction in prey (food) density and sites. exposure of T. pinguicolla to increased predation. Overgrazing may reduce the • Increased predation by native animals due number of burrowing arthropods that can be to: an increase in artificial perches (posts, supported and burrow availability may then fences, buildings) for birds such as magpies, become a limiting factor for T. pinguicolla. ravens and raptors; exposure due to loss of Parts of three local T. pinguicolla populations groundcover; or enhanced shelter for snakes were fenced to protect them from (e.g. through dumped materials or added overgrazing by kangaroos late in the drought logs/woody debris near T. pinguicolla that ended in 2010. habitat). Eastern Brown Snakes have been found to be efficient predators of T. • Development of excessive vegetation pinguicolla (Doucette, unpublished data). biomass due to insufficient grazing leads to a reduction in inter-tussock spaces for hunting and basking, a reduction in soil surface CHANGING CLIMATE temperatures, and may increase the risk of wildfire. Recent analysis of kangaroo density In addition to the above threats, the severe and vegetation condition at many ACT grassy decline of T. pinguicolla during the 2002–10 sites showed increased floristic diversity in drought suggests the species may be sensitive moderately grazed grasslands due to the to the predicted effects of climate change. reduction in herbage biomass of more Recent modelling of the effect of climate change competitive plant species (Armstrong 2013). on reptiles predicts that by 2080 local reptile Moderate levels of kangaroo grazing are population extinctions could reach 39% therefore required to maintain structural worldwide, and reptile species extinctions may heterogeneity by preventing a few grass reach 20% (Sinervo et al. 2010). Warmer year- species from dominating the sward. round temperatures are predicted for south- Kangaroos have been allowed into the eastern Australia by the end of the century, with fenced Majura Training Area site since the fewer frosts, more hot days and warm spells, drought ended, part of the Jerrabomberra and declining rainfall (especially in winter). East site is grazed by kangaroos, and These changes have the potential to affect monitored light sheep grazing is being reproduction and survival of T. pinguicolla as the trialled on part of Jerrabomberra West to structure of their habitat is sensitive to drought, keep herbage biomass within desirable limits and sparser ground cover will lead to higher (Cook et al. 2015). ground temperatures. • Wildfire or inappropriate fire regimes: Fire Higher ground temperatures combined with can be used to rejuvenate native grasslands drier soil may increase mortality of eggs and and to maintain diversity in grassland hatchlings through desiccation (Dimond 2010), structure, but widespread fire can also kill T. thermal refuges may be less effective, and at pinguicolla, reduce or alter habitat and high temperatures the daily activity period of T. temporarily reduce their food supply. There pinguicolla is shorter, reducing foraging time

218 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan (Doucette, unpublished data). The predicted grassland is managed for conservation but is not temperature increase of 3–5 °C by 2080 could formally protected. restrict activity sufficiently to prevent T. The species has been recorded on the Majura pinguicolla from obtaining adequate food to Training Area to the east of the airport, which meet increased metabolic requirements during was a former property (Malcolm Vale) that was summer months (Doucette, unpublished data). grazed. The species also occurs (at least The temperatures experienced during intermittently) in grassland on Canberra Airport, embryonic development can determine the sex which is not formally protected. Habitat on the of some reptiles, but there is so far no evidence airport is contiguous with habitat on the Majura of this occurring when T. pinguicolla eggs are Training Area. It is possible that the high quality incubated at different temperatures in the grassland on the Majura Training Area north of laboratory (Doucette, unpublished data). There the airport forms the core of the species’ is a recent report of temperature-related sex habitat on the eastern side of the Majura Valley reversal in females of another Australian and individuals disperse onto the airport during Agamid (Bearded Dragon) in the wild, and favourable years. subsequent controlled mating of normal males with sex-reversed females produced fertile offspring whose phenotypic sex was determined solely by temperature rather than chromosomes (Holleley et al. 2015).

CONSERVATION ISSUES AND INTENDED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS PROTECTION The known extant T. pinguicolla populations occur on land under a variety of tenures including nature reserve (Territory Land), rural leasehold Territory Land, Commonwealth owned and managed land (National Land) and unleased Territory Land. These sites are separated from one another by unsuitable habitat, roads and urban development. Conservation effort for T. pinguicolla in the ACT is focused on protecting viable populations in functional native grassland habitat within two clusters of sites across its geographical range— the Majura Valley and the Jerrabomberra Valley. Both provide the opportunity to also protect the endangered Natural Temperate Grassland community and associated threatened species. Parts of a number of the ACT’s T. pinguicolla sites are the subject of development proposals including an airport taxiway extension, the Very High Speed Train route, roads, and urban development. In the Majura Valley T. pinguicolla occurs on a relatively large patch (around 100 ha) of native grassland north of Canberra Airport on the Majura Training Area, which is Defence (Commonwealth) land. This area of high quality

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 219 On the western side of the Majura Valley T. for stock grazing, providing the grazing regime is pinguicolla occurs in a large patch of native compatible with maintaining suitable habitat. grassland (West Majura grassland) that adjoins Where the species occurs on grazing land, an woodland in the Mt Majura Nature Reserve. appropriate legislative mechanism should be While not currently protected in reserve, this applied to prevent habitat from being area is managed for conservation by the ACT overgrazed or degraded. The ACT Government Government and has been proposed for future will liaise with the Department of Defence to formal protection. The species also occurs in encourage continued protection and adjacent grassland (Campbell Park) that is management of T. pinguicolla populations on Defence (Commonwealth) land, which is not their land. formally protected. Given T. pinguicolla recently declined to In the Jerrabomberra Valley some of the habitat extremely low or undetectable levels at some is protected in nature reserve (Jerrabomberra ACT sites, and that some recovery appears to be West Grassland Reserve) and in a conservation occurring, it should be assumed the species is area (Jerrabomberra East Grasslands). The present at any site where it has previously species also occurs on Territory rural lands occurred since 1991 unless this is disproved by leased for grazing (Cookanalla), and on Territory rigorous survey or the habitat has been land previously owned and managed by Defence destroyed. As a guide, Dimond (2010) (Bonshaw) that is not formally protected. The determined that where population density was species has apparently become locally extinct very low, 26 artificial burrows (Fletcher et al. from an area (about 20 ha) of unleased Territory 2009) would need to be checked for six weeks land (Amtech East Estate). (18 checks, February–March) to have 50% confidence of detecting the species, with 167 Protecting existing T. pinguicolla habitat in the burrows checked over the same time period for ACT and preventing further fragmentation is 99% confidence of detection. important due to the limited known habitat for the species in the ACT and NSW, the genetic The protection of T. pinguicolla habitat in the distinctness between the ACT/Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra West Grassland Nature Reserve Monaro populations, and the recent rapid and Jerrabomberra East Grasslands has given drought-associated decline in ACT and NSW protection to endangered Natural Temperate populations. Grasslands and other threatened species in this community (Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana, The highest level of protection is in nature Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar, Perunga reserve, though populations of the species have Grasshopper Perunga ochracea). Management been maintained on leased Territory land used

220 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan of all these species on the same site requires Methodology and the Significant Species monitoring of their populations and their Database. habitat, and integrated vegetation management Tympanocryptis pingiuicolla has been strategies taking their different habitat needs determined to have a high risk of local into account. extinction in the event of further habitat loss in While the Majura and Jerrabomberra the ACT so offsets are not appropriate. Habitat populations of T. pinguicolla have a long history for T. pingiuicolla has been mapped and must be of separation by natural barriers, populations avoided for development. The map provided on within each of the valleys have been fragmented the ACT Government website (ACTMAPi) should into subpopulations by more recent be used to determine whether the species anthropogenic land-use changes. Further occurs on the site. fragmentation of habitat/populations is likely to increase the risk of localised extinctions and so should be avoided. There may be opportunities SURVEY, MONITORING AND to promote expansion of T. pinguicolla RESEARCH populations into areas formerly occupied by the Over the past two decades there have been species. For example, appropriate management numerous, extensive surveys of potential of grasslands (with the aim of restoring habitat) habitat to determine the distribution of T. to the east of the airport, in north Callum Brae pinguicolla in the ACT. There is now a good and in parts of Cookanalla might enable understanding of the species’ distribution but adjacent populations of T. pinguicolla to expand the area of occupancy of all suitable habitat at into these areas. There are currently significant most sites has not been fully determined. technical and resource challenges to restoring native grasslands. Further surveys should be undertaken at ACT sites where the abundance of the species across Even restoring grasslands to low or marginal the site is not well understood. These areas quality habitat might enable T. pingiuicolla to include Majura West Grasslands, grassland on colonise and occupy such areas during years Defence land to the east of the airport (former when conditions are favourable for the species, Malcolm Vale property), North Callum Brae and and hence help maintain genetic diversity in the Bonshaw. longer term. Past surveys in potential habitat at a number of There may also be opportunities to reconnect sites in the ACT did not detect the species. sub-populations. For example, maintaining a link These sites should be revisited and the habitat between Jerrabomberra West Grassland assessed for quality and potential for presence Reserve and North Callum Brae, and linking of T. pinguicolla, and surveyed if appropriate populations on Cookanalla to Bonshaw. Habitat (i.e. the area appears to contain habitat suitable corridors linking sub-populations must be for the species). Sites where surveys in potential sufficiently large (wide) to enable movement habitat have not detected the species are: between sub-populations and to not act as population ‘sinks’. • Lawson Grasslands (former Belconnen Naval Salvage, involving removal of animals from the Transmission Station) (surveyed in summer wild, will be considered only as a last resort, and 1996, summer 2001) only in cases where the site is considered non- • “Avonley” (surveyed in summer 1998) viable and an approved research project with • identified facilities and appropriate research adjacent to Pialligo Avenue (surveyed in resources are available. summer 1998) • ENVIRONMENTAL OFFSET opposite airport on Majura Road (surveyed in summer 1998) REQUIREMENTS • RAAF Fairbairn (surveyed in summer 1998) Environmental offset requirements for species and ecological communities in the ACT are • “Dundee” (southern part of Majura Training outlined in the ACT Environmental Offsets Policy Area, east of Canberra Airport, surveyed in and associated documents including the ACT Summer 1998) Environmental Offsets Assessment

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 221 • southern part of HMAS Harman (surveyed in These studies have been undertaken in summer/autumn/spring 2004–2006) partnership with, or facilitated by, the ACT Government. Research projects have covered

morphology, taxonomy, habitat investigations, Regular abundance monitoring of the larger ACT population and species ecology (including T. pinguicolla populations has been undertaken thermal ecology), life history, population since 2001 using fixed grids of artificial burrows. viability analysis, microhabitat use, diet, home The Majura Training Area population has been ranges, genetic studies, captive breeding and monitored annually since 2001, the studies of behaviour of wild and captive Jerrabomberra West Grassland Nature Reserve animals. has been monitored since 2006 and the Research and adaptive management is required Jerrabomberra East grasslands since 2009. The to better understand the habitat requirements Canberra Airport population (adjoining Majura for the species and techniques to maintain the Training Area) has also been monitored by the species’ habitat. Specific research priorities airport since 2007 (Rowell 2011 and include: unpublished data) and four monitoring surveys have been undertaken since 2007 for the • Optimal habitat requirements, particularly Department of Defence at Bonshaw (former structure and biomass of the grass sward. Defence land adjoining Jerrabomberra • Land management practices compatible Grassland Nature Reserve east) (Osborne et al. with, or required for, maintaining suitable 2009, AECOM 2014). Monitoring has begun habitat (such as grazing, slashing, burning). more recently at Cookanalla in the Jerrabomberra Valley. • Breeding requirements, oviposition sites, reproductive rates, and their relationship to This monitoring program has been undertaken habitat structure, seasonal conditions and by ACT Government staff from the Conservation predicted effects of climate change. Research section and, since 2005, has often been jointly undertaken with staff from ACT • Importance of availability and density of Parks and Conservation Service and researchers natural burrows, relationship between T. from the Institute of Applied Ecology at the pinguicolla and burrowing arthropods, effect University of Canberra. Prior to establishment of of burrow supplementation on sparse T. the monitoring program in 2001, these and pinguicolla populations. other sites have been intermittently surveyed • Sensitivity of T. pinguicolla to weeds in its by ACT Government staff, and a number of habitat, the weeds of major concern, and university studies have been completed on the suitable control and revegetation methods. ecology of these populations. • Tympanocryptis pinguicolla populations can Techniques to maintain and breed the undergo major fluctuations in size, as evidenced species in captivity (this knowledge will be by the severe decline to very low numbers required should captive insurance towards the end of the 2002–10 drought, and populations be required). subsequent increase. A representative set of • Magnitude and significance of sites with T. pinguicolla will need to be seasonal/annual T. pinguicolla population monitored to determine long-term population fluctuations (may require annual or biennial trends and to evaluate the effects of monitoring at key sites) and relationship to management. Key sites for population seasonal/annual conditions and habitat monitoring are those with an established long- characteristics. term monitoring program (Majura Training Area, Jerrabomberra West Grassland Reserve, Jerrabomberra East Grasslands). MANAGEMENT University research projects conducted on ACT Based on current knowledge of the habitat T. pinguicolla populations and their habitat requirements of T. pinguicolla, management include undergraduate studies, honours actions should aim to maintain grassland that projects, two PhD theses and post-doctoral has a well-defined tussock structure (i.e. research. tussocks with inter-tussock spaces). Tussock heights (i.e. the height of the bulk of the tussock

222 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan leaves, not including the often few higher leaves analysis of kangaroo density and vegetation and seed bearing culms) of the grass sward condition at many ACT grassy sites has found should be mostly between 5 cm and 15 cm, with increased floristic diversity in moderately grazed well-defined inter-tussock spaces composed of grasslands due to the reduction in biomass of shorter grasses, forbs and bare ground. more competitive species (Armstrong 2013). This suggests that moderate kangaroo grazing is This structure can be achieved by maintaining likely to preserve structural heterogeneity in intermediate levels of herbage mass. grasslands by preventing a few vigorous species Management actions should avoid creating a from dominating the sward. grass sward that is uniformly very short (<5 cm) or uniformly very tall and dense (>15 cm high with very few inter-tussock spaces). IMPLEMENTATION A ‘patchy’ sward containing grass tussocks of Implementation of this action plan and the ACT mostly intermediate height interspersed with Native Grassland Conservation Strategy will patches of taller and shorter height tussocks require: with linked inter-tussock areas containing shorter grass and forbs (and which might • Land planning and land management areas include some bare ground), is likely to provide T. of the ACT Government to take into account pinguicolla with a greater range of sites for the conservation of threatened species. shelter and thermoregulation, and a wider • Allocation of adequate resources to range and/or density of prey (Melbourne 1993, undertake the actions specified in the Stevens et al. 2010, Barton et al. 2011, Taylor strategy and action plans. 2014). • The arthropods which form the burrows used by Liaison with other jurisdictions (particularly T. pinguicolla also prey on invertebrates and are NSW) and other land holders also likely to benefit from diversity in habitat (Commonwealth Government and Canberra structure. Airport) with responsibility for the conservation of a threatened species or From an ecological community perspective, a community. heterogeneous grass sward structure is likely to • provide a greater range of habitat niches and Collaboration with universities, CSIRO and hence support a greater diversity of grassland other research institutions to facilitate and flora and fauna. undertake required research. Maintaining a heterogeneous habitat is also an • Collaboration with non-government appropriate goal given imperfect knowledge of organisations such as Greening Australia to the long-term habitat requirements for T. undertake on-ground actions. pinguicolla. • Engagement with the community, where Extensive survey, monitoring and research has relevant, to assist with monitoring and other been carried out on ACT T. pinguicolla on-ground actions, and to help raise populations since 2005. An adaptive community awareness of conservation management approach is being implemented as issues. results of this work become available. Recent

Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 223 OBJECTIVES, ACTIONS AND INDICATORS Table 2 Objectives, actions and indicators

Objective Action Indicator

1. Conserve all ACT Apply formal measures to protect All populations are protected by populations. all populations on Territory- appropriate formal measures. owned land. Encourage formal protection of all populations on land owned by other jurisdictions.

2. Manage the species Monitor abundance of key Trends in abundance are known for and its habitat to populations and the effects of key populations. Management maintain the management actions. actions recorded. potential for evolutionary Manage habitat to maintain its Habitat is managed appropriately development in the suitability for the species, (indicated by maintenance of an wild. including implementing an appropriate sward structure and appropriate grazing and fire plant species composition). Potential regime (recognising current threats (e.g. weeds) are avoided or imperfect knowledge). managed. Populations are apparently stable or increasing (taking into account probable seasonal/annual effects on abundance fluctuations).

3. Enhance the long- Manage grassland adjacent to the Grassland adjacent to or linking term viability of species’ habitat to increase habitat is managed to improve populations through habitat area or habitat suitability for the species (indicated management of connectivity. If suitable habitat by an appropriate sward structure adjacent grassland exists, re-establish populations and plant species composition). If to increase habitat where they have become locally suitable habitat exists, research and area and connect extinct. trials have been undertaken to populations, or to establish new populations. establish new populations.

4. Improved Undertake or facilitate research Research undertaken and reported understanding of the on habitat requirements, and where appropriate applied to the species’ ecology, techniques to manage habitat, conservation management of the habitat and threats. and aspects of ecology directly species. relevant to conservation of the species.

5. Promote a greater Undertake or facilitate Engagement and awareness activities awareness of, and stakeholder and community undertaken and reported. strengthen engagement and awareness stakeholder and activities. community engagement in the conservation of the species.

224 Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Benson KA 1999. Resource Use and Habitat Alison Rowell contributed to the preparation of selection by the Grassland Earless Dragon, this action plan. The illustration of the species Tympanocryptis pinguicolla: Microhabitat was prepared for the ACT Government by Liz and Diet. Honours thesis (Applied Ecology Faul. Research Group, University of Canberra, Canberra).

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Grassland Earless Dragon Action Plan 227 Smith W 1994. The Ecology and Taxonomy of Taylor KA 2014. Behavioural ecology of captive the Southern Lined Earless Dragon grassland earless dragons (Tympanocryptis (Tympanocryptis lineata pinguicolla). pinguicolla). Honours Thesis (University of Honours thesis (Australian National Canberra, Canberra). University, Canberra). Walker S and Osborne W 2010. Weeds most Smith WJS, Osborne WS, Donnellan SC. and likely to be a threat to the habitat of Cooper PD 1999. The systematic status of Grassland Earless Dragons in Canberra earless dragon lizards, Tympanocryptis Nature Park: their characteristics and a link (Reptilia: Agamidae), in south-eastern to control procedures. Report to the ACT Australia, Australian Journal of Zoology 47: Government (Institute of Applied Ecology, 551–64. University of Canberra, Canberra). Stevens TA, Evans MC, Osborne WS and Sarre Young G 1992. Herpy days of youth, ACT SD 2010. Home ranges of, and habitat use Herpetological Association Newsletter June- by, the grassland earless dragon July: 4-6. (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla) in remnant native grasslands near Canberra, Australian Journal of Zoology 58(2): 76-84.

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