Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Salvage & translocation of Striped Legless Liz ard in the urban growth area of Melbourne

Operational plan

I Salvage & Translocation of in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment

Melbourne, March 2011

© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2011 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 .

This document was prepared by the Department of Sustainability and Environment based on work prepared by Biosis Research Pty Ltd.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne.

ISBN 978-1-74287-022-9 (online)

For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186

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Cover Photo: Biosis Research Pty Ltd.

I Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Abbreviations

AVW Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (DSE) DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, the Environment, Water, Population and Communities DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) PV Parks Victoria SLL Striped Legless Lizard SLLNRT Striped Legless Lizard National Recovery Team SLLWG Striped Legless Lizard Working Group sp. (one species) spp. Species (more than one species)

II Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Objectives ...... 2 1.3 Plan refinements ...... 2 1.4 Summary of process...... 2 2.0 SALVAGE GUIDELINES...... 4 2.1 Resources...... 4 2.2 Timing ...... 5 2.3 Priority salvage areas ...... 5 2.4 Salvage technique...... 7 2.5 Process when SLL found ...... 9 2.6 Occupational health and safety...... 10 2.7 Contingency for Grassland Earless Dragon...... 10 2.8 Non-target species...... 11 2.9 Responsibilities...... 11 3.0 TRANSLOCATION AND RELEASE ...... 13 3.1 Responsibilities...... 13 4.0 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING ...... 14 APPENDICES...... 15

III Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background

The Striped Legless Lizard (SLL) is listed vulnerable in on Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Endangered in Victoria (DSE 2007) and is listed as threatened under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act).

The Prescription for Striped Legless Lizard (DSE 2010) (the Prescription ), pursuant to Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities Program (the Program) for Melbourne’s Urban Growth Area (DPCD 2009) outlines circumstances in which removal of SLL habitat is permitted for development within the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne.

The Prescription calls for salvage and translocation where clearing of SLL habitat is permitted. The SLL is a cryptic species and difficult to detect as it spends time within soil cracks and under surface rocks. For this reason salvage will entail mechanical soil disturbance using applications based on previous DSE approved salvage projects. In accord with the Prescription a fully costed plan for salvage and translocation must be prepared to the satisfaction of DSE and must comply with DSE protocol developed for the purpose.

A Salvage and Translocation for Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Strategic Approach (DSE 2011) (the Strategic Approach ) provides the background, rationale and framework for application of the salvage and translocation aspects of the Prescription .

This Salvage and Translocation for Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan (the Operational Plan ) provides detailed requirements and methodologies to be used for salvage and translocation of the species. It also outlines responsibilities of all parties and has been prepared to enable developers to plan appropriate salvage and translocation of the species.

The Operational Plan has been developed in consultation with the Victorian Striped Legless Lizard Working Group. Other key documents which provide reference for conservation and management of the species in Victoria are:

• National recovery plan for the Striped Legless Lizard ( impar) 1999-2003 (Smith & Robertson 1999) • Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement #17 Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar (DSE 2003)

1 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

1.2 Objectives

The broader objectives of salvage and translocation of SLL are to contribute to the conservation and recovery of the species by meeting the requirements set out in the Program Prescription for Striped Legless Lizard , the National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard and the FFG Act Action Statement for the species.

This Operational Plan has been developed with a view to meeting requirements of DSE with the following objectives: 1. Defining the process to be followed by developers when undertaking works in areas that may include habitat for SLL and where habitat removal is permitted. 2. Describing the procedure to determine priority areas for SLL salvage within a given site or land parcel. 3. Outlining a protocol for SLL salvage. 4. Defining roles and responsibilities.

Note that salvage and translocation is considered to be a last resort and is not a substitute for any of the other mitigation steps described in the Prescription .

1.3 Plan refinements

The present issue of the Operational Plan provides a framework for immediate salvage and translocation of the species. However, as a number of uncertainties presently exist about aspects of the biology and proposed management for SLL, the present document will be regularly reviewed and updated. If significant issues arise in the first year of operation, or important new information becomes available on the ecology of the species and its management, the Operational Plan will be updated as required. If this occurs all relevant parties will be consulted and the latest version will be made available on the DSE website. If significant issues do not arise in the first year of operation the Operational Plan will operate in its current form until 30 June 2012, and will be reviewed together with the Strategic Approach by that date. It will then be reviewed together with the Strategic Approach on an annual basis.

1.4 Summary of process

This Operational Plan applies when a permit granted for subdivision, buildings and/or works on a site stipulates that a fully costed Striped Legless Lizard translocation / salvage plan must be prepared to the satisfaction of the DSE prior to the commencement of any works.

2 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

The following flow chart outlines the process described in this Operational Plan .

Developer engages a suitably qualified and experienced herpetological consultant approved by DSE.

Herpetologist applies to DSE for Management Authorisation under the Wildlife Act 1975 (section 28A) for salvage of SLL

Once authorised, the herpetologist evaluates potential presence of SLL habitat on the basis of existing data/reports and on-site visit if required.

Is SLL Herpetologist advises DSE & habitat present Developer and prepares brief onsite? No report. On DSE’s confirmation, no further action required. Yes

Herpetologist prepares site-specific salvage plan and submits for approval by DSE

Site-specific DSE provides salvage plan recommendations for revising approved by DSE? No site-specific salvage plan

Yes

Conduct salvage following approved site-specific salvage plan

Herpetologist transfers to zoo Translocation (for use in translocation research recipient site available, as and/or for holding until translocation advised by DSE? No site becomes available).

Yes

Herpetologist transfers healthy animals to translocation site and releases in accord with DSE directives

3 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

2.0 Salvage Guidelines

2.1 Resources

When a permit that is granted for subdivision, buildings and/or works on a site stipulates that a fully costed SLL translocation / salvage plan must be prepared, the Developer/proponent must engage a suitably qualified herpetological consultant with demonstrated expertise and experience with SLL salvage. The herpetological consultant must be approved by DSE as suitable to prepare and implement a site- specific SLL salvage plan.

The herpetological consultant in consultation with DSE and the Developer must devise a site-specific SLL salvage plan indicating areas of SLL habitat and, with advice from an experienced machine operator/s, the most appropriate plant to be deployed according to variable conditions of the site. A template for preparation of a site-specific plan is provided in Appendix 1.

When the salvage is conducted the consultant must hold a current Management Authorisation for the work issued pursuant to the Wildlife Act 1975 .

If applicable, the Developer will be responsible to install fences (minimum three wire strand and star picket design) around any areas to be retained within a given parcel. Salvage cannot proceed without retained areas being clearly defined on- ground.

Conditions on-site, principally the size and density of rocks, will determine the applicability of excavators or graders to undertake the work at a given site. A grader should be used at all sites unless such conditions preclude its use. In many instances suitable habitat exists due to presence of rocks and the consequent lack of historical soil disturbance. In such places graders are ineffective and excavators will be required.

Vegetative biomass may also render graders largely ineffective. Reduction of vegetation by burning or slashing prior to excavation or grading is generally not appropriate due to their potential to harm SLL. Where there are significant issues with vegetative biomass a suitable management approach will need to be developed in consultation with DSE, which may include slashing prior to ripping. Pre-existing grazing regimes may be maintained prior to salvage.

4 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

2.2 Timing

Sufficient time must be allowed for preparation of a site-specific salvage plan and for its approval by DSE prior to commencement of on-ground works. Experience indicates that it is advisable for a Developer to engage the services of a herpetological consultant with a minimum of four weeks lead time prior to the planned commencement of on-ground salvage.

It is preferable for salvage to occur between October and March (inclusive), the period of the year when SLL are routinely active and salvage operations can be conducted with lower effort and cost compared with other times throughout the year. During the warmer months it may also be possible to transfer animals directly to translocation sites (if available), eliminating the additional costs of housing animals at the zoo.

During the cooler months when the species is inactive, salvage will require a more intensive regime as animals are more difficult to detect and are more likely to be injured thereby incurring additional costs for veterinary treatment. Further costs will also be incurred due to the need to house animals at the zoo until release at a more appropriate time of year (i.e. spring).

No construction earthworks may commence until the herpetological consultant provides written confirmation to DSE and the developer that salvage is complete.

2.3 Priority salvage areas

SLL occur in a variety of grassland and grassy woodland environments within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Area. Relatively undisturbed native grassland with good ground cover is the highest value habitat but SLL can also occur in substantially altered and degraded grassy environments so long as the area retains a suitable tussock grass structure and the soil is of appropriate type and structure and has not had major disturbances such as ploughing (Coulson 1990, Hadden 1995, Dorrough & Ash 1999). As many as half of the known locations of SLL are within areas that are grazed by introduced herbivores, although the intensity of grazing they can withstand is unknown.

The presence of SLL habitat will be identified from the results of vegetation assessments of each parcel within the Program areas. Where clearing of SLL habitat is permitted, priority areas for SLL salvage will be defined in a site-specific salvage plan by the herpetological consultant.

5 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

SLL habitat will be prioritised for salvage as follows:

Priority Area Area Definition Salvage intensity

Priority 1 Areas of vegetation that have more than Higher intensity salvage 25% understorey plant cover that is regime indigenous

Priority 2 Areas of vegetation that have less than Lower intensity salvage 25% understorey plant cover that is regime for at least a radius of indigenous, that is suitable habitat for 200m from nearby Priority 1 SLL areas in consultation with DSE

This approach to defining priority areas for salvage uses the clear benchmark of “25% understorey plant cover that is indigenous” to distinguish between the two levels of priority.

Priority 1 areas are the optimal SLL habitats in which it is assumed there is a higher likelihood of SLL being present. These areas may consist of vegetation that is either remnant "unimproved pasture" grassland (often characterised by Kangaroo Grass or other native tussock spp. with situ surface rock) or secondary grassland having more than 25% understorey plant cover that is indigenous. These areas may also include sites considered Degraded Treeless Vegetation (DTV) based on degree of modification, including such situations as former grasslands that have had a history of cropping, and now have an extremely modified cover consisting of a few opportunistic, primary colonising native grass species generally amongst exotic species, with little other indigenous diversity.

Priority 2 areas are less optimal SLL habitats in which the presence of SLL is still considered likely, particularly within a 200m radius of Priority 1 areas. If no SLL are salvaged within 200m of Priority 1 areas then salvage may cease upon approval from DSE. These areas may include sites that have less than 25% indigenous understorey that are considered as secondary grassland (i.e. historically cultivated).

No SLL salvage is required for areas of any vegetation type with a recent history of soil cultivation.

This approach to defining priority areas for salvage may be reviewed by DSE subject to information gathered about habitat preferences of SLL obtained during research into the biology of the species and/or salvage processes.

6 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

2.4 Salvage technique

Salvage will entail the use of an excavator and/or grader, depending on the site conditions (e.g. vegetative biomass and rock cover).

Earthmoving plant must be provided/hired by the Developer. The types of machines to be used are as follows:

• Hydraulic excavator with the largest toothed bucket that can be practically used (usually 900-950mm). Note: mini excavators/backhoes can also be used if an excavator is not available, but the smaller bucket capacity of such machines can be expected to reduce efficiency of the salvage regime. • Rubber wheeled grader (note tracked machines are not acceptable) equipped with rippers fitted with five large shanks to rip the soil to a maximum depth of 300 mm. Note: a ripper with a greater number of smaller scarifier shanks is not effective.

Earthmoving machinery must be operated by qualified personnel acting in accordance with advice from the herpetological consultant (safety permitting).

At least one qualified herpetologist and field assistants (a total of four observers unless this number is deemed unsafe) are to be in attendance with each earthmoving machine.

For sites where the biomass and rock cover is low:

• A grader equipped with rear rippers will rip the soil to a minimum depth of 300 mm. Two observers, at least one of whom will be a herpetologist, will follow on foot at a safe working distance behind the grader and search for SLL dislodged as the surface material is disturbed. If a SLL is observed, the is to be collected and the location marked for more intensive salvage using an excavator (see below). The grader may continue ripping and the process will be repeated for each SLL found.

• At the location where any SLL is found using a grader an excavator will be used to intensively search a plot of 20 x 20m surface area according to the technique detailed below. If additional SLL are found while using the excavator, the excavator will continue until no further SLL are found in a surface area of at least 20 x 20m. In all salvage using an excavator the operator will dig the surface layer to a depth of approximately 300 mm into the bucket while two observers watch for SLL within the excavated plot. The operator will then slowly empty the bucket to the side of the salvage plot using a jerky motion. A second two observers will search for SLLs at the drop site. The excavator bucket will also be used to carefully dislodge and pick up surface and ‘floater’ rocks in a manner that permits the observers the best opportunity to locate and

7 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

capture any SLL that may have been beneath the rock. Note: it is important that the excavator does not drive over or place excavated soil on an area selected for salvage before salvage has been completed there.

Wherever a grader can be used, all habitat for SLL (Priority 1 or 2 habitat types) will be searched for SLL using that technique. An excavator is to be available for immediate (within 24 hours if an excavator is not already onsite to salvage rocky areas) deployment to any location where use of a grader locates any SLL.

For sites where rock cover is high and conditions preclude effective use of a grader, excavator/s only will be used and will follow the method detailed above.

Cessation of SLL salvage will be determined by satisfactory fulfilment of the salvage regime as defined in Section 2.5 or at the discretion of DSE especially in instances where large numbers of SLL are found. Salvage may also cease at the discretion of DSE in instances where no SLL have been found and sufficient salvage has been completed to determine there is no likelihood of finding SLL within the rest of the salvage area.

At sites where SLL are detected using a grader or at sites where use of a grader is precluded the extent and intensity of salvage in a given area will be determined according to the two priority habitat types and the season within which salvage is undertaken. Areas of greatest potential as habitat for SLL (Priority 1 areas) will be salvaged more intensively than areas with lower potential for the species to occur (Priority 2 areas). Areas salvaged during October to March (inclusive), when SLL are active, will require lower intensity salvage than areas salvaged during April to September (inclusive).

The appropriate salvage regime with an excavator will be as follows:

Within optimal salvage season (October to March (inclusive)) • Priority 1 areas: minimum of 20 x 5x5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area. • Priority 2 areas: minimum of 10 x 5x 5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

Sub-optimal salvage season (April to September (inclusive)) Salvage effort must be doubled for SLL salvage work undertaken during sub- optimal conditions, which are most likely to be encountered between April and September (inclusive). • Priority 1 areas: minimum of 40 x 5x5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area. • Priority 2 areas: minimum of 20 x 5x 5 m excavation plots per hectare

8 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

2.5 Process when SLL found

When SLL are found during salvage, the herpetological consultant will:

• Transfer any SLL caught during salvage to securely tied cloth bags (1 animal only per bag). Bags containing must be kept in a secure and cool, shaded location where there is no risk of animals being crushed. Cloth bags are to be used inside out to avoid entanglement of SLL in loose threads.

• Transfer uninjured SLL to the designated recipient site or to Melbourne Zoo, as pre-determined by DSE.

• Expeditiously deliver any obviously injured SLL to Melbourne Zoo with notification that the animal requires veterinary attention. On-site euthanasia may be appropriate on welfare grounds in circumstances where animals have sustained obviously severe abdominal or head injuries that are preventing normal movement and righting reflex, or organs are exposed and there is obvious bleeding. In-field euthanasia should be carried out by a sudden crushing blow to the head and decapitation. Note that tail loss (autotomy) as a natural anti-predator mechanism may occur and does not constitute injury

• Retain preserved specimen of whole or any part of SLL recovered dead, including autotomised tails, and offer to Museum of Victoria along with all data for the individual.

• Document exact location of each salvage operation using hand-held GPS.

• Document numbers, sexes, age-classes (adults, juveniles), morphometrics, for all SLL captured.

• Record key micro-habitat characters for all SLL captured (see Appendix 2). This will include data for soil, vegetation and other micro-habitat parameters to a pre-determined set of measurable variables.

• Document salvage effort, including time spent, number of zoologists, salvage method and surface area of habitat disturbed.

DSE will provide pro-forma data sheets for documentation of all requisite data (Appendix 2). All required data must be recorded for each SLL captured and all data must be forwarded to DSE within 10 working days.

9 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

2.6 Occupational health and safety

Note that compliance with legal requirements for safe operation must be met, but stipulation of such legal requirements is beyond the scope of this Operational Plan .

Salvage teams will adopt adequate safety measures applicable to the location. The team will: • Prepare a Job Safety Analysis for the proposed salvage operation. • Undergo a site induction and adhere to all site OH&S requirements, as required. • Wear protective clothing, the minimum being high visibility safety vest, safety helmet and safety boots, but could also include such items as gaiters, ear plugs and safety glasses or other equipment to meet the specific site OH&S requirements. • Stand back from the point of excavation at a safe working distance from the machine, but sufficiently close to adequately detect any SLL disturbed. • Move to catch animals only after the machine operator has stopped movement of the machine. • Use only herpetologists proficient in rapid field identification of pygopodids and elapid snakes. • Be inducted to these safety procedures by the relevant Developer/site manager in consultation with the lead herpetological consultant.

The herpetological consultant must have all the necessary insurance cover for its staff members: Professional Indemnity Insurance, Public Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance and Workcover employment number.

2.7 Contingency for Grassland Earless Dragon

This Plan focuses primarily on the SLL. However, there is a slight possibility of the continued existence of the nationally endangered Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne. The species is extremely rare in Victoria and may be extinct in the State. Habitat from which it has been recorded both in Victoria, and the ACT where it is still known to exist, often coincides with that of the SLL.

If a Grassland Earless Dragon is found, DSE must be notified immediately and all salvage and any other works on-site must cease immediately. Specimens should be captured and retained alive for verification of the species’ identity. Information about the species at the site must be provided to DSE immediately. DSE will then determine the appropriate course of action to be taken.

10 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

2.8 Non-target species

Fauna other than SLL and Grassland Earless Dragon are likely to be encountered during salvage operations. If threatened fauna listed under relevant legislation (EPBC Act, FFG Act) or Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (or as updated) is encountered immediate notification must be made to DSE to determine what should be done with these animals, but no cessation of salvage and any other works on-site is required. Only threatened fauna should be captured if possible. Records of all fauna species detected must be kept and forwarded to DSE.

2.9 Responsibilities

Following is a list of responsibilities for the various parties of relevance to salvage of SLL in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne. While this list has been compiled on the basis of the guidelines above, it must be read in conjunction with further information contained in the Strategic Approach .

Department of Sustainability and Environment • Issue of Management Authorisations to appropriately qualified herpetologists to undertake salvage and translocation. • Assess and provide approval of compliant site-specific salvage plans. Plans should be assessed within 10 working days of receipt. • Measure compliance with authorisations and this Operational Plan . • Identify suitable recipient sites. • Advise the Herpetological Consultant when sufficient SLL have been salvaged (if there are significant numbers at a particular site). • Determine mechanisms for Developer to provide funding for activities post- salvage.

Herpetological Consultant • Liaise with DSE to ensure salvage of SLL is planned to comply with this Operational Plan . • Prepare a site-specific salvage plan showing which habitat will be salvaged and the method to be used in each area. • Supervise on-ground salvage works to ensure compliance with this Operational Plan. • Hold a current Management Authorisation under the Wildlife Act 1975 to undertake salvage of SLL. • Hold all relevant insurances for its personnel. • Provide safety equipment and clothing to its personnel. • Provide team/s comprised of the appropriate number and expertise as outlined above to work with each earthmoving machine. • Provide induction to machine operators on what is involved in SLL salvage. • Relocate SLL if a recipient site has been identified by DSE prior to salvage and

11 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

conditions are suitable. • Notify DSE immediately in the event that Grassland Earless Dragon or any other threatened species is encountered during salvage operations. • Provide written confirmation of completion of salvage to the Developer and DSE. • Document numbers and locations of SLL and collecting and compiling data as per DSE datasheet (Appendix 2). • Compile a report on the results of salvage to DSE and the Developer.

Developer • Ensure that all pre-salvage requirements are met (e.g. vegetation/habitat mapping, fencing). • Engage a herpetological consultant, earthmoving equipment and operator/s as required. • Fence or otherwise clearly mark on-ground any area to be retained. • Provide site induction/s to all relevant personnel as required. • Liaise with the herpetological consultant to notify of impending salvage (no less than four weeks prior) and of any changes to salvage schedule. • Cover all costs associated with pre-salvage requirements and SLL salvage operations as conducted in accordance with this Operational Plan . • Cover all costs associated with housing and care of salvaged SLL held at Zoos Victoria facilities (for indicative cost estimates see Appendix 4). Developers will be required to enter into an agreement with Zoos Victoria to commit to covering these costs. • Contribute to the costs of the DSE SLL translocation research program by contributing a fixed cost per hectare of SLL habitat cleared that is native vegetation. This charge will be in the form of a cost premium on the price of native vegetation offsets, as stipulated in the Prescription . This charge will initially be set at $350 per hectare, to be indexed by CPI annually and subject to annual review

Zoos Victoria • Housing and care of salvaged SLL held at Zoos Victoria facilities, including the hiring of keeping staff, construction of enclosures, maintenance of animals and the provision of veterinary care. • Enter into an agreement with the Developer regarding obligations, responsibilities and cost structure for the housing and care of salvaged SLL. • Invoice the Developer directly for the costs of housing and care of salvaged SLL held at Zoos Victoria facilities.

12 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

3.0 Translocation and Release

Translocation and release of SLL will be undertaken in accordance with protocols to be developed beyond this Operational Plan . During 2011 DSE will provide protocols for assignment of recipient sites and of post-release monitoring requirements. Following that and prior to commencement of salvage, DSE will allocate the particular recipient site for a given salvage operation. Under those circumstances, SLL may be directly translocated and released provided seasonal and other conditions are suitable as advised by DSE.

3.1 Responsibilities

The Developer is responsible for certain costs involved in management of SLL individuals once they leave the site, as specified in section 2.9 above. These costs include veterinary expenses and captive husbandry charges, and a fixed cost of $350 per hectare of SLL habitat cleared that is native vegetation to contribute to the DSE SLL translocation research program to cover costs of translocation and release and post-release monitoring. This charge will be indexed by CPI annually and is subject to annual review.

DSE is responsible for determining appropriate recipient sites in the short and long- term, devising a post-release monitoring program and undertaking the translocation and release for any individuals not able to be directly relocated at the time of salvage by the herpetological consultant.

Zoos Victoria is responsible for husbandry of any SLL that are not able to be directly translocated and released.

The herpetological consultant is responsible for immediate delivery of salvaged SLL to their pre-determined destination: 1) Melbourne Zoo or 2) recipient site.

13 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

4.0 References & Further Reading

Coulson, G. 1990. Conservation Biology of the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) An initial Investigation . Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 106. Dept. Conservation, forests and Lands, Victoria. DPCD 2009. Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities. Program Report . Victorian Government, Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. DSE 2003. F lora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement #17 Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar. DSE 2007. Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007 , Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. DSE 2009. Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities – Strategic Impact Assessment Report for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. DSE 2010. Prescription for Striped Legless Lizard. Approved on 16 April 2010 by the Australian Government Minister for the Environment pursuant to the endorsed Program Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities (December 2009) as per Delivering Melbourne's Newest Sustainable Communities Program Report. Dorrough, J. & Ash J. E. 1999. Using past and present habitat to predict the current distribution and abundance of a rare cryptic lizard, Delma impar () . Aust. Journal of Ecology 24, 614 – 624. Hadden, S. 1995. Distribution, status and habitat requirements of the Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar (Fischer) . Flora and Fauna Branch Dept. Conservation, forests and Lands, Victoria. Report to Australian Nature Conservation Agency Smith, W. J. S. & Robertson, P. 1999. National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) 1999 – 2003. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.

14 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

APPENDICES

15 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

APPENDIX 1 Plan for salvage of Striped Legless Lizard from [ NAME OF SITE / PROJECT ]

[DATE OF THIS PLAN]

This plan has been prepared on behalf of [DEVELOPER/PROPONENT ] by [HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ]. It provides details of the planned salvage of Striped Legless Lizard from [SITE DESCRIPTION INCLUDING PROPERTY NAME / C/A NUMBER/S ].

This document has been prepared to address the requirements for a site-specific plan as outlined in the Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan (DSE 2011).

Summary project details are as follows:

Project/Development name: ______

Location: ______

Developer

Company name: ______

Contact name: ______

Contact no: ______

Herpetological Consultant

Company name: ______

Contact name: ______

Contact no: ______

A checklist for the proposed salvage has been completed and is included as Attachment 1.

A map indicating the location of the site is attached as Figure 1.

A map indicating areas of relevant vegetation on site is attached as Figure 2.

Approved by: ______Date: ______

Name of DSE Officer: ______

16 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Requirement for SLL salvage

The requirement for salvage of Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar ) at the site has been determined on the basis of information in the Prescription for Striped Legless Lizard (DSE 2010), pursuant to Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities Program (DPCD 2009).

Salvage of SLL is required at the site because

1. The permit granted for subdivision, buildings and/or works on a site stipulates that a fully costed Striped Legless Lizard translocation / salvage plan must be prepared. 2. The site location ( Figure 1 ) is within the area subject to Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities Program (DPCD 2009). 3. The site does not meet criteria for habitat to be retained and clearing is thus permitted. 4. Vegetation mapping of the site shows that it supports suitable SLL habitat.

A vegetation assessment of the site was undertaken by [ HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] on [ DATE ]. A map of the site, showing areas of the relevant vegetation is attached to this plan ( Figure 2 ). The assessment shows that the site contains the following areas of SLL habitat:

Priority 1 (higher intensity salvage): areas of vegetation that have more than 25% understorey plant cover that is indigenous ______# ha

Priority 2 (lower intensity salvage regime): – areas of vegetation that have less than 25% understorey plant cover that is indigenous that is suitable habitat for SLL ______# ha

Area/s that will not be developed but are to be retained as reserve/s for SLL or for other purposes [ INSERT AS REQUIRED ] are shown on Figure 2

Salvage timing

Salvage of SLL is proposed to be undertaken at the site between [ DATE ] and [DATE ]. This is during the optimal / suboptimal [DELETE AS APPLICABLE] period of the year for salvage. 1

Salvage method/s

The site has been inspected by [ HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] with [QUALIFIED EARTHMOVING PLANT OPERATOR ] on [ DATE ]. The

1 The optimal period is October to March (inclusive) when the animals are active and can be easily salvaged. The suboptimal period is April to September (inclusive) when the animals are inactive and difficult to detect.

17 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan inspection evaluated the on-ground site conditions including extent of surface rock and vegetative cover to determine the most appropriate salvage method/s to be used. The results of that inspection are as follows:

• Surface rock cover is present in approximately [ XX ] % of Priority 1 area/s.

• Surface rock cover is present in approximately [ XX ] % of Priority 2 area/s.

On the basis of that inspection the areas suitable for initial use of a grader and where primary use of an excavator for SLL salvage are shown in Figure 2. [OR SEPARATE MAP AS REQUIRED].

It is anticipated that a grader will be deployed to initially rip the soil in the entire areas of approximately [ XX ] ha of Priority 1 area/s and [ XX ] ha of Priority 2 area/s within the site. It is noted that at any location where an SLL is found while using a grader, an excavator will be deployed to intensively salvage a minimum plot of 20 x 20 m surface area, until a minimum of 20 x 20 m surface area has been searched without locating any additional SLL.

The extent and density of surface rock and/or of dense vegetative cover precludes effective use of a grader in approximately [ XX ] ha of Priority 1 area/s and [ XX ] ha of Priority 2 area/s within the site. In these areas an excavator/s will be used for salvage of SLL. The salvage regime has been calculated according to the following intensities prescribed for use of an excavator as the primary salvage method: [DELETE FROM BELOW AS APPLICABLE]

Within optimal salvage season (October to March inclusive)

• Priority 1 areas: minimum of 20 x 5x5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

• Priority 2 areas: minimum of 10 x 5x 5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

Sub-optimal salvage season (April to September inclusive)

• Priority 1 areas: minimum of 40 x 5x5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

• Priority 2 areas: minimum of 20 x 5x 5 m excavation plots per hectare evenly spread over the entire salvage area.

On the basis that there are [ XX ] ha of Priority 1 habitat to be salvaged; that salvage is to occur during the optimal/suboptimal [DELETE AS APPLICABLE] period of the year for salvage; and the required number of salvage plots per hectare, a total of [XX ] plots in Priority 1 habitat will be searched using an excavator.

On the basis that there are [ XX ] ha of Priority 2 habitat to be salvaged; that salvage is to occur during the optimal/suboptimal [DELETE AS APPLICABLE] period of the year for salvage; and the required number of salvage plots per hectare, a total of

18 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

[XX ] plots in Priority 2 habitat will be searched using an excavator.

The following team leader/s with relevant herpetological expertise will supervise team/s deployed to work with individual earthmoving machines/s: [ NAMES OF TEAM LEADERS]

The herpetologist/s and assistants will work along with each earthmoving machine to observe for, and collect, SLL detected. The methods for actual salvage operations will be undertaken using methods detailed in the Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan .

Area/s that will not be developed but are to be retained as reserve/s for SLL or for other purposes [ INSERT AS REQUIRED ] will be fenced &/or clearly marked on- site to ensure that area/s is not disturbed by salvage operations. The following methods will be used for this purpose and will be maintained in serviceable condition throughout the salvage operation: [ DESCRIBE E.G. TYPE OF FENCE ETC. ]

Responsibilities

Overall supervision of the salvage operation will be the responsibility of [HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] who will ensure that salvage complies with the Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan .

[NAME OF HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] holds a current Management Authorisation [NUMBER & EXPIRY DATE ] under the Wildlife Act 1975 to undertake salvage of SLL.

[NAME OF HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] will provide the following for management of the salvage operation:

• Obtain DSE approval of Salvage Plan prior to commencement • Notify DSE and Melbourne Zoo Department of the impending SLL salvage operation at least four weeks prior to commencement of salvage operations. • Provide team/s comprised of four personnel to work as observers with each excavator and/or two personnel to work as observers with each grader (safety permitting). Each team will include an ecologist with herpetological expertise appropriate to the salvage operation who will supervise the team members. • Complete a Job Safety Analysis for aspects of the salvage operation involving herpetologists and assistants. • Provide induction to machine operators on what is involved in SLL salvage. • Notify DSE immediately in the event that Grassland Earless Dragon (capture for confirmation) or any other threatened species is encountered during salvage operations.

19 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

• Provide written confirmation of completion of salvage to the Developer and DSE. • Obtain DSE sign-off that Salvage works is complete. • Document habitat parameters for each excavator plot (whether 5 x5 m or 20x20 m plot) and/or for a minimum of each 1000 m 2 surface area of soil ripped by a grader on the DSE habitat record data sheet (Appendix 2). • Compile a report on the results of salvage and submit it to DSE and the Developer within one month of completion of the salvage operation. The report will document salvage effort, including time spent, number of zoologists, salvage method and surface area/s of habitat disturbed during salvage.

When SLL are found during salvage, [HERPETOLOGICAL CONSULTANT ] will:

• Document location of collection, using hand-held GPS, and other data for each SLL salvaged on the DSE SLL record data sheet (Appendix 2). • Transfer any SLL caught during salvage to securely tied cloth bags (one animal only per bag). Bags containing lizards will be kept in a rigid insulated container (‘Esky’) in a secure and cool, shaded location where there is no risk of animals being crushed. Cloth bags will be used with seams on the outside to avoid entanglement of SLL in loose threads. • Expeditiously deliver any obviously injured SLL to Melbourne Zoo with notification that the animal requires veterinary attention. On-site euthanasia may be appropriate on welfare grounds in circumstances where animals have sustained obviously severe abdominal or head injuries that are preventing normal movement and righting reflex, or organs are exposed and there is obvious bleeding. In-field euthanasia should be carried out by a sudden crushing blow to the head and decapitation. Note that tail loss (autotomy) as a natural anti-predator mechanism may occur and does not constitute injury. • Transfer uninjured SLL to [ DESIGNATED RECIPIENT SITE ] / MELBOURNE ZOO [AS PRE-DETERMINED BY DSE] on the same day that they are salvaged. • Retain preserved specimen of whole or any part of SLL recovered dead, including autotomised tails, and offer them to Museum of Victoria along with all data for the individual.

20 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Attachment 1 Site-specific salvage and translocation checklist for SLL

Project/Development name: ______Location: ______Developer: Herpetological Consultant: Company name: ______Company name: ______Contact name: ______Contact name: ______Contact no: ______Contact no: ______

Vegetation assessment: Priority 1 - areas with >25% indigenous understorey plant cover ______# ha Priority 2 – suitable SLL habitat with <25% indigenous understorey plant cover ______# ha

SLL habitat confirmed by herpetological consultant? Y / N Date assessed:______On-ground site conditions (determined by (who & how):______Rocky (approx # ha): ______of Priority 1 area ______of Priority 2 area Not rocky (approx. # ha):______of Priority 1 area ______of Priority 2 area

Timing proposed for salvage: Optimal season: October to March (inclusive) Sub-optimal season: April to September (inclusive)

Are retained areas clearly identified? Y / N By what means? ______Note: retained areas must be clearly identified before salvage can commence.

Earthmoving equipment appropriate for site: Motor Grader (rubber tires, 5 shanks on ripper) Hydraulic Excavator (900-950mm toothed bucket) Salvage regime applicable to site based on ground conditions and season:

Optimal season √√√ Suboptimal season √√√ Priority 1 areas: Grader All suitable habitat All suitable habitat Excavator 20 5x5m plots/ha 40 5x5m plots/ha Priority 2 areas: Grader All suitable habitat All suitable habitat Excavator 10 5x5m plots/ha 20 5x5m plots/ha Note: it is not possible to predict total area to be covered by excavator as this will be determined by how many SLL are found by the grader and the resulting 20x20m excavator plots that ensue.

Attach a plan indicating vegetation mapping & approx. areas for grader/excavator to salvage, and any areas marked for retention.

Notification to DSE and Melbourne Zoo Reptile Department of the impending SLL salvage operation has been made on (date): ______Recipient site (not applicable during 2011): ______Access information / other notes:______

DSE Approval: …………..Signature Block of DSE Officer

21 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

APPENDIX 2 HABITAT DATA

To be completed for each excavator plot (whether 5x5 m or 20x20 m plot) & for a minimum of each 1000 m2 surface area of soil ripped by grader. Multiple plots with the same vegetation characteristics/quality can be included in a single data sheet, but sites with SLL must be completed individually.

Site / property name / description:

Salvage plot number(s):

Size (m 2) of salvage plot/area:

Salvage using: Tyning approach with grader/excavator OR excavator only

Date: Observer/s:

Site location co-ordinates: E N

Area of overall site (ha): Area of available habitat:

VEGETATION

(a) What is the dominant tussock-forming species?

Kangaroo Grass Wallaby-grass Serrated Tussock Other: e.g. Needle-grass

Native Spear grass

both

1) Foliage projective cover: <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% (b) % cover of tussocks <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% (c) % cover of other vegetation <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% (d) % of bare ground <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% (e) % cover of thatch/litter <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% 2) % cover of native species <5% 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% 3) Mean tussock height <5cm 5-10cm 10-20cm 20-40cm >40cm 4) Mean inter-tussock spaces <5cm 5-10cm 10-20cm 20-40cm >40cm SOIL

1) Type

Basalt derived Other

2) Structure

(a) Cracks? Yes No

(b) Crack size (mean crack width at surface)

(c) Density of cracks (mean distance between adjacent cracks)

(d) Presence/frequency of invertebrate/other burrows

22 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

Other Soil Notes?

ROCKS

Ground covered by rocks:

<5 % 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

Proportion of embedded versus surface rock:

Embedded <5 % 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

Surface <5 % 6-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

Notes on distribution of rocks across the site:

TOPOGRAPHY

Approx slope of plot Flat <5 % 6-25%

Slope aspect N/A E N W S

Proximity to waterway/s:

LAND MANAGEMENT Has the site been subject to:

Grazing Slashing Burning Ploughing/cultivation Fertilizer Herbicide Insecticide

Currently?

Regularly?

Historically?

Have SLL been recorded from the site? Yes / No

How many?

23 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

APPENDIX 3 STRIPED LEGLESS LIZARD DATA

To be completed for each Striped Legless Lizard found.

Site / property name or description:

Salvage plot co-ordinates (easting & northing):

Animal collected alive / dead / autotomised tail only / euthanized on site

Specimen field number:

Snout – vent length (mm):

Weight (g):

Age class: adult / juvenile

Sex: male / female (difficult to determine in field – to be done at ZOO)

Dorsal head photograph taken? (not mandatory) Yes / No Photograph number:

Photograph copy is attached below. Yes / No

Notes:

24 Salvage & Translocation of Striped Legless Lizard in the Urban Growth Areas of Melbourne: Operational Plan

APPENDIX 4 Indicative cost estimates for captive housing of Striped Legless Lizards at Melbourne Zoo

Outlined below are current indicative cost estimates for the housing and care of salvaged Striped Legless Lizards (SLL) held at Melbourne Zoo. Zoos Victoria will directly invoice the Developer for these costs when animals from a salvage operation are held in captive housing.

Housing Parameters at Melbourne Zoo

The housing options are based on the following requirements:

1. SLLs will be held in groups, not individually, but the Zoo will be required to identify the groups. 2. SLLs will be held in captivity for the minimum period needed, ie. likely to be a maximum of seven months, or as advised by DSE. 3. The Zoo will not be required to track individual SLLs during holding, although individual animals will be photographed prior to release. 4. Lizards will only be held at Melbourne Zoo in the first instance. Holding at Werribee Open Range Zoo may be considered in the future, noting that this property presents potential opportunities as a recipient release site and for broader community engagement and interpretation. 5. Captive management of SLLs differs between the summer/active period and the winter/inactive period. The costs set out apply to 2011-12 and may be adjusted in future years via the Operational Plan ’s annual review process. NOTE that the enclosure material costs will be adequate for one year and are not a monthly cost. Similarly, the cost of building additional enclosures is a one-off cost.

Number of SLLs Estimated fixed costs: Estimated food & staff Estimated food & staff veterinary expenses & costs per active month costs per inactive month cost of enclosures (September-March) (April-August) Each group of up to $480 $160 $56 10 SLL

In addition to these costs, two further issues will need to be determined and costed more fully as the project develops:

1. Additional holding area in the Zoo. The current off-display area immediately behind the Reptile House can accommodate up to 12 enclosures, which allows for 250-300 SLLs. If more lizards are needed to held, then another area in the Zoo will need to be allocated. This has not been identified, nor the costs determined for allocating an area for this purpose. However, it is reasonable to estimate a cost of approximately $8,000 to prepare and secure such a space. 2. Additional staff If the Zoo is required to hold more than 100 SLLs, the consideration will have to be given to employing an additional keeper. The degree to which full-time or part-time is necessary will depend on the number of SLLs and, hence, the impact on staff time. The full annual cost of one mid-level keeper is $56,300 (including on-costs).

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