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Distribution, Habitat Preferences and Conservation Status of Reptiles in the Albury-Wodonga Region

Distribution, Habitat Preferences and Conservation Status of Reptiles in the Albury-Wodonga Region

The Victorian Naturalist

Volume 121(5) October 2004

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria since 1884 Research Reports

Distribution, preferences and conservation status of in the -Wodonga region

Damian R Michael¹

Abstract Records of reptiles from scientific literature, wildlife atlas databases, unpublished reports, verbal accounts and extensive regional surveys were reviewed and collated to produce a comprehensive list of known to occur in the Albury-Wodonga region. In total, 52 species of (91 %), from a possible 57 expected species based on current literature, have been recorded within the region and 28 (49 %) occur within the Albury-Wo- donga Local Government Area (LGA). Considering zoogeographical distributions and habitat requirements an additional three species may occur within the LGA, and five within the region. Thirty-eight species (73 %) reach limits of their zoogeographical ranges in the region and 14 (27 %) occur ubiquitously in both Eyrean and Bassian regions. Twenty-eight species (54 %) are restricted in range, 17 (33 %) are localised in occurrence and 7 (14 %) are widely distributed across the region. Fifteen species (29 %) are commonly encountered, 20 (39 %) are uncommon and 17 (33 %) are considered rare. Five species recorded in the region are listed under State or National threatened species legislation: the Pink-tailed Worm- Aprasia parapulchella, Woodland Blind Ramphotyphlops proximus, Lace Monitor Varanus varius, Eastern Bandy Bandy Vermicella annulata and the Murray/Darling Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei. (The Victorian Naturalist 121 (5), 2004, 180-193)

Introduction South-eastern contains a rich and the conservation of reptiles in the region, many diverse assemblage of reptiles with representa- species may become increasingly pressured by tives from ten out of the twelve Australian threatening processes such as the incremental terrestrial families (Wilson and Swan 2003). loss of habitat and may continue to experience As the study of herpetology advances, phylo- contractions in range or suffer population de- genetic relationships will become clearer and clines. additional species will be recognised, whilst The south-west slopes of NSW represent an others will be recorded in new locations. Much area of zoogeographical transition from the of the continent has at some time been super- inland Eyrean region towards the mesic, Bas- ficially surveyed by herpetologists or collectors sian region in the east. The concept of dividing working for museums. However many parts of the Australian continent into subregions, such Australia remain poorly surveyed or studied as the northern Torresian, south-eastern Bas- (Brown and Bennett 1995). Although distribu- sian and an inland Eyrean region, is based on tion maps and accounts of general habitat pref- broad climate patterns and was first reported erences exist for most species (Cogger 2000, by Spencer (1896). These regions have been Wilson and Swan 2003), a vast amount of anec- found to accurately reflect major biogeographic dotal information and faunal sightings remain distributions in Australian fauna such as rep- unpublished (Greer 1989). Locating and iden- tiles (Cogger and Heatwole 1981, Keast 1962). tifying reptiles in the field can be difficult and A high frequency of species changeover can be time consuming to the inexperienced. This, expected to occur near these transitional zones coupled with the stigma that reptiles carry, can (Caughley and Gall 1985). Hence, a diverse as- be disadvantageous to the study of herpetology semblage of reptiles could be expected to oc- and may even prevent valuable observations cur in the Albury-Wodonga region. However, from being made, published or reported to the aside from a small number of unpublished lo- relevant departments. Not surprisingly, there cal fauna surveys (Bos and Lockwood 1996; is a dearth of information regarding the com- Davidson 2000; Klomp et al. 1995, 1996, 2001) position and status of reptiles inhabiting the few detailed herpetological studies have been Albury-Wodonga region. With little published conducted in the region. Four studies have fo- information available to land managers, devel- cused on the south-west slopes of NSW (Sass opers and environmental consultants regarding 2003, Annable 1995; Caughley and Gall 1985; Lemckert 1998) and one examined the Mur- ¹ School of Environmental and Information Sciences, ray River region (Brown 2002). Some species , PO Box 789 Albury, NSW 2640 180 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports can be considered widespread and common in Vegetation communities vary across the re- south-eastern Australia (e.g. Marbled gion in relation to moisture, aspect, elevation marmoratus and Boulenger's and soil type. These communities include: (1) Morethia boulengeri, Bennett et al. 1998) and plains open woodland dominated by Grey Box others may have increased in number (e.g. microcarpa and White Cypress Pine Garden Skink guichenoti and Callitris glaucophylla in the west; (2) riparian Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja texilis), or woodland dominated by River Red Gum E. adapted to urbanisation (e.g. Carnaby's Wall camuldulensis on the floodplain and creek sys- Skink Cryptoblepharus carnabyi and Common tems; (3) grassy woodlands dominated by White Blue-tongue Tiliqua scincoides). However, some Box E. albens, and the endangered community are rare and others are at risk of becoming lo- White Box, Yellow Box E. melliodora, Blakely's cally extinct. A complete inventory of reptiles Red Gum E. blakelyi woodland, throughout known to inhabit the Albury-Wodonga region the valleys and slopes; (4) wet and dry forest in has never been published. Therefore, this paper the south and east dominated by Peppermint aims to: (1) document all reptile species known species E. robertsonii, E. dives and Eurabbie E. to occur within the Albury-Wodonga Local bicostata; (5) shrubby woodland dominated by Government Area (LGA) and within a 50 km Long Leaf Box E. goniocalyx, Red Stringybark radius of the LGA boundary; (2) assess the like- E. macrorhyncha, Currawang Acacia doratoxy- lihood of rare, threatened or extra-limital spe- lon, Black Cypress Pine C. enderlicheri and cies occurring within the LGA and region; and Drooping Sheoak Allocasurina verticillata on (3) increase the understanding of reptile distri- the less fertile, elevated, rocky sites (Stelling butions, habitat requirements and conservation 1994, 1998). status within urban and rural environments in this region. Methods Records of reptiles occurring in the Albury- Study Area Wodonga LGA and surrounding region were The cities Albury and Wodonga, with a com- obtained from a number of sources which in- bined population of approximately 90 000, are cluded: (1) the wildlife atlas of positioned within the south-west slopes biore- National Parks and Wildlife Service, Museum gion of New South Wales and north-eastern Victoria and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (De- Victoria (Figure 1), at approximately 35º south, partment of Sustainability and Environment), 147º west and at an altitude of 180 m above sea (2) unpublished reports conducted by local level. They straddle the flood- environmental consultants and the author, (3) plain and are bordered by low foothills covered personal communications from local natural- in grassy and shrubby woodland and inter- ists and an extensive network of local landhold- grading foothill forest vegetation communi- ers and (4) personal observations from selected ties. Remnant vegetation across the landscape survey locations within the region since 1997. is highly fragmented in lowland areas and is Personal observations were made in NSW predominately confined to elevated ridges and and Victoria and covered a range of climatic hilltops. The climate for the region has been conditions and seasons and were conducted described as temperate, continental and sub- in areas deemed suitable for reptiles over a six- mesic (Annable 1995), and the area experiences year period. Survey sites were chosen to repre- an average annual rainfall of 765 mm. Winters sent the broad range of environments and veg- are usually mild with frequent frosts and sum- etation types reptiles were expected to inhabit mer is typically hot and dry with occasional in the region. Reptiles were actively searched thunderstorms. The average annual tempera- for beneath suitable cover such as logs, rocks, ture ranges from 12ºC - 30ºC in the summer corrugated iron, leaf litter, behind bark slabs or and 0ºC - 12ºC in the winter (Commonwealth within rock crevices. Bureau of Meteorology 2003). The geology of Survey sites include locations such as: (1) in the region is complex Ordovician and has un- Albury: Nail Can Hill, Black Range, Munga- dergone 450 million years of sedimentation bareena, Eastern Hill, One Tree Hill, Wonga and volcanic activity to produce high-grade Wetlands; (2) in Wodonga: Huon Hill, McFar- phyllite, conglomerates, slate, schist, gneiss and lanes Hill and Bear's Hill; (3) in NSW: granite outcrops (Joplin 1944). Range, Morgan's Ridge, Tabletop Mountain, Vol 121 (5) 2004 181 Research Reports

Fig. 1. Location of Albury-Wodonga study area in south-eastern Australia

Woomargama National Park and Benambra Na- Hill and Tabletop Mountain, were surveyed on tional Park and (4) in Victoria: Mount Granya, more than ten occasions and encompass more Mount Lawson, Chiltern-Mount Pilot National than 50 hours of active search time. Park and the Baranduda Ranges. Additionally, Within the selected survey locations records riparian areas, travelling stock reserves, road of reptiles were obtained from the relevant and rail reserves and remnant vegetation on wildlife atlas database or unpublished reports private property were surveyed in both states. and supplemented with personal observations. An area radiating 50 km from the LGA Species recorded from 5 or less locations (< 9 boundaries was chosen to define the region, % of sites) were termed 'restricted', between roughly bordered by the towns of , 6 and 27 sites (10 - 49 %) 'localised' and from Granya, Beechworth, Eldorado and more than 28 sites (> 50 %) species were con- (36° 35´ north, 147° 35´ east, 35° 35´ south, sidered 'widespread'. Rare species are known 146° 20´ west). This area was chosen to high- from less than 10 records, uncommon species light the diversity of species within a relatively from 11-50 records and common species from small area, and to assess the likelihood of par- more than 50 records across the region. In ad- ticular species occurring within the Albury- dition to variation in search area and survey ef- Wodonga LGA. fort, many species may be more common than An assessment of the local conservation sta- documented due to their fossorial, nocturnal tus of reptiles was based on species' presence or cryptozoic behaviour. In the future such and abundance at 55 representative survey lo- species may prove to be more common than cations in the study area. Survey sites varied in currently recognised. Specimens were identi- remnant patch size from 10 - 1000 ha within fied using Cogger (2000) and expected species the LGA to over 10 000 ha within the region. were included based on the locations in Cov- Therefore, the survey effort at each site varied entry and Robertson (1991), Swan et al. (2004) but reflected the size of the patch being- sur and the broad distribution maps provided by veyed. For example, most sites were relatively Cogger (2000) and Wilson and Swan (2003). small (< 1000 ha) and were surveyed on several An additional nine species not covered in these occasions for a minimum of two hours each guides have been included from other sources period. However, larger sites such as Nail Can (author's unpubl. data, Museum Victoria data-

182 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports base, NSW NPWS atlas database). the Murray River, adjacent ephemeral wetlands and nomenclature in this paper follow Cogger and farm dams and is frequently observed (2000) and zoogeographical preferences were crossing roads after heavy rain. The Macquarie based on Caughley and Gall (1985). Turtle Emydura macquarii is largely restricted to permanent water systems, including the Results Murray River and adjacent wetlands (e.g. Won- Based on the published literature a possible ga Wetland), and some large artificial dams, 57 species of reptile were expected to occur in (notably a dam on One Tree Hill, Albury) the Albury-Wodonga region. Of these, 52 spe- where it can achieve high densities. The Broad- cies (91 %) from 39 genera and nine families shelled Turtle is expected to occur in the region (plus one introduced family) have been re- based on the literature and has been recorded corded within the region. Twenty-eight species depositing near Yarrawonga (100 km west (49 %) from 25 genera and eight families have of the LGA, M Herring 2001 pers. comm.). It been recorded within the Albury-Wodonga has also been recorded in (An- LGA and 23 (40 %) inhabit the Nail Can Hill nable 1995) and may be a resident and even range in Albury (Appendix 1). Based on habitat nest in the Albury-Wodonga region. preferences and proximity to regional records it is likely that three undetected species occur (Three species) within the LGA: (1) Broad-shelled Turtle Che- The Jacky Lizard Amphibolurus muricatus lodina expansa, (2) Red-throated Skink Bas- and Eastern Bearded Dragon barbata siana platynota and (3) Bougainvilles's Skink are uncommonly encountered around fallen Lerista bougainvilli and five undetected species timber in open woodlands, farmland and oc- may occur within the region: (1) Broad-shelled casionally in urban gardens where logs and Turtle, (2) Thick-tailed Gecko Underwoodis- fence posts are favoured perch sites. The Nobbi aurus milii, (3) Striped Legless Lizard Delma Dragon Amphibolurus nobbi has been recorded impar, (4) Blotched Blue-tongue Tiliqua nigro- from Benambra National Park and Mt. Lawson lutea and (5) Little Whip Snake flagellum. National Park and was first recorded on Nail The study area contains predominantly Bas- Can Hill in Albury in September 2003 during sian species (46 %) followed by 14 Eyrean spe- a local community biodiversity survey. Twelve cies (27 %) and 14 ubiquitously distributed spe- individuals, including eleven adults and one cies (27 %, Table 1). At least 24 species (46 %) juvenile, were found basking on fallen timber approach zoogeographical limits in the region along a westerly-facing, well-vegetated, rocky and show a clear preference for either a west- ridgeline. Because of its excellent camouflage ern or eastern pattern of distribution. Due to and cryptic behavior, the Nobbi Dragon may the size of the study area a number of life-forms be relatively common in localised areas within are present. However, terrestrial species (54 %) the region and may be confused with the Jacky form the dominant group, followed by fosso- Lizard. rial species (13 %), terrestrial/arboreal species (10 %) and terrestrial/saxicolous species (8 %). (Three species) Only two species are aquatic and three species The Marbled Gecko is widespread and com- are arboreal in the region (Table 1). mon in woodlands, urban areas and farmlands The conservation status of reptiles in the re- across the region. Juvenile Marbled are gion is variable and includes: (1) six widespread- frequently encountered beneath ground debris, common species (12 %), (2) one widespread- whereas adults are particularly abundant on uncommon species, (3) nine localised-common large, mature eucalypts with exfoliating bark, species (17 %), (4) eight localised-uncommon such as River Red and Blakely's Red Gums, Apple species (15 %), (5) 10 restricted-uncommon Box E. bridgesiana and Yellow Box. The Eastern species (19 %) and (6) 18 restricted-rare species Stone Gecko vittatus is common (35 %, Appendix 1). in localised areas especially beneath ground debris in open woodland and dry forests and Species Composition is particularly abundant where large expanses Chelidae (Two species) of exposed bedrock and surface rock occur to- The Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina gether. The Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko D. in- longicollis is common in localised areas such as termedius, whilst not expected to occur, reaches

Vol 121 (5) 2004 183 Research Reports

Table 1. Zoogeographical distributions and life forms of reptiles in the Albury-Wodonga region. Eyrean Species Ubiquitous Species Bassian Species Emydura macquarii (AQ) Chelodina longicollis (AS) Amphibolurus muricatus (TA) Amphibolurus nobbi (TA) Pogona barbata (TA) Bassiana platynota (T) Christinus marmoratus (AS) Diplodactylus vittatus (TS) Bassiana duperreyi (T) Diplodactylus intermedius (A) Delma inornata (T) Carlia tetradactyla (T) Aprasia parapulchella (F) Lialis burtonis (T) Ctenotus taeniolatus (TS) Cryptoblepharus carnabyi (A) Ctenotus robustus (T) cunninghami (TS) Menetia greyii (T) Egernia striolata (AS) Egernia saxatilis (TS) Morethia boulengeri (T) Tiliqua scincoides (T) Egernia whitii (T) Tiliqua rugosa (T) Varanus varius (TA) Eulamprus heatwolei (T) Varanus gouldii (TA) Ramphotyphlops nigrescens (F) Eulamprus tympanum (T) Morelia spilota metcalfei (A) Demansia psammophis (T) Hemiergis decresiensis (F) Ramphotyphlops proximus (F) Notechis scutatus (T) Lampropholis delicata (T) Furina diadema (T) Pseudonaja textilis (T) Lampropholis guichenoti (T) Suta dwyeri (T) Vermicella annulata (F) Lerista bougainvilli (F) Nannoscincus maccoyi (F) Niveoscincus coventryi (T) Pseudomoia entrecasteauxii (T) Pseudomoia pagenstrecheri (T) Pseudomoia spenceri (TAS) Saproscincus mustelinus (T) Austrelaps ramsayi (T) Drysdalia coronoides (T) Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens (T) Pseudechis porphyriacus (T) TOTALS 14 14 24 (AQ = aquatic, S = saxicolous, A = arboreal, F = fossorial and T = terrestrial) it geographical limit in the region and has only woodland and was first recorded on Nail Can been recorded from Lonesome Pine State For- Hill in Albury in June 2002 (pers. obs.) and est (50 km north-west of the LGA, NSW NPWS again in September 2002 (G Datson 2002 pers. atlas database) and Galore Hill Nature Reserve comm.). It has also been recorded from McFar- (100 km north of the LGA, pers. obs.) where lanes Hill, and recently (March 2004) from a it is found behind the bark of exfoliating Cy- back garden adjacent to the Baranduda Ranges press Pine trees Callitris spp. It may also occur in Victoria (Museum). This species appears to in Kentucky State Forest and other areas in the be relatively abundant in the Victorian area (G region, which contain mature stands of Cypress Johnson 2001 pers. comm.). Although not ex- Pine. The Thick-tailed Gecko could be expected pected to occur in the region, the Pink-tailed to occur (Swan et al. 2004). However, there are Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella was first few records south of the recorded on Goombargana Hill in 2000 dur- in NSW (NSW NPWS atlas database) or in ing a NSW National Parks Association com- north-eastern Victoria, although it has been munity biodiversity survey and subsequently recorded approximately 80 km south-west of on Nail Can Hill in August 2002 (pers. obs.) Wodonga (Museum Victoria). and September 2003 (pers. obs.). The Albury population was found beneath slightly em- Pygopodidae (Three species) bedded small rhyodacitic rocks in open grassy The Olive Legless Lizard Delma inornata is woodland and is likely to occur in similar areas uncommonly found across the region in both within the LGA and region. grassy and shrubby woodland, grasslands dom- The Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar is inated by Canary Grass Phalaris aquatica and expected to occur in the region; however it is grazed pastures, providing adequate cover from a habitat specialist and has been recorded only rocks or logs is available. Burton's Snake-lizard from relatively undisturbed native grasslands Lialis burtonis is uncommon in rocky, shrubby 70 km south of the LGA (Museum Victoria at- 184 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports las database) and 110 km north-east of the LGA east of region and can be relatively abundant (NSW NPWS atlas database). Some relatively on granite outcrops in farmland, woodland small remnant native grassland areas occur in and dry forest. The Tree Skink E. striolata is lo- the study area (e.g. Bonegilla), which warrant cally common in open woodland and dry forest further investigation for the presence of this and is closely associated with rocky outcrops, species. exfoliating bark and crevices formed in mature or stressed eucalypt trees. Only a few arboreal Scincidae (Twenty-six species) populations persist in the region and it could The Red-throated Skink is restricted to grassy be considered predominantly saxicolous in woodland and dry forest in the south and east lowland parts of the study area. of the region and has not been recorded west The Yellow-bellied Water Skink Eulamprus of Mt. Granya or National Park heatwolei is relatively common in Wodonga (NSW NPWS atlas database). The Eastern (Museum Victoria), particularly along the Three-lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi, Black Murray River and House Creek (G Slade 2002 Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis, White's Skink E. pers. comm.). It favours the creek systems and whitii, Southern Water Skink Eulamprus tym- adjacent woodland and forest and pen- panum, Maccoy's Skink Nannoscincus maccoyi, etrates further west into Victoria via the Murray Southern Grass Skink Pseudomoia entrecas- River. Within the region the Three-toed Skink teauxii, Spencer's Skink P. spenceri and Weasel Hemiergis decresiensis is found predominantly Skink Saproscincus mustelinus are predomi- east of the in woodland, dry nantly restricted to Victoria in the south and forest and farmland where it can be extremely east of the region (Museum Victoria). However, abundant beneath fallen timber and surface the Eastern Three-lined Skink is known from rocks. The Delicate Skink Lampropholis deli- the region (Lemckert 1998) and cata occurs in the grassy, dry forest in the east may occur in and and has not been recorded west of Mt. Granya. Mt. Granya because of the similarity in habitat The Garden SkinkL. guichenoti also occurs pre- and climate. The Southern Rainbow SkinkCar - dominantly in the eastern half of the region but lia tetradactyla is widespread and common in has been recorded from the summit of Table- open grassy woodland, edge habitats, farmland top Mountain (pers. obs.). Bougainville's Skink and disturbed areas, especially where leaf litter is extremely localised within the region and has and fallen branches have accumulated beneath been recorded only from Woomargama Na- trees. Carnaby's Wall Skink is common in local- tional Park and Gerogery Hill in NSW, but is ised areas and can be found in both disturbed relatively common in the Victorian dry foothill and intact woodland, edge habitats, farmland forests in the south and east of the region. Be- and urban areas. It can reach high densities on cause it is fossorial and belonging to a special- dead trees and urban structures such as walls ized burrowing group of , its distribution and fences. in the region may reflect a preference for a spe- The Eastern Striped Skink Ctenotus robustus cific soil type. is widespread in most vegetation communities Grey's Skink Menetia greyii is restricted to the including disturbed areas and occasionally in open grassy woodlands west of Albury and the dry foothill forest where it is encountered in Old where it has been re- grassy areas near fallen timber and scattered corded from Hamilton Valley, , Wal- rock. The Copper-tailed Skink C. taeniolatus is bundrie and Walla Walla (pers. obs.). Because localised in shrubby woodland and dry forest of its small size it can be difficult to detect and predominantly east of Tabletop Mountain and may turn out to be relatively common along Nail Can Hill where it is locally common, espe- well-vegetated roadsides in the north and west cially where large expanses of exposed bedrock of the region. Boulenger's Skink Morethia bou- and scattered surface rock occur together. Cun- lengeri occurs widely across the region and in ningham's Skink Egernia cunninghami reaches most vegetation communities, including low its western geographical limit in the region on elevation dry forest where it can be extremely the Black Range in Albury, occurring as a small abundant around fallen timber. Coventry's isolated population along Bungambrawatha Skink Niveoscincus coventryi is known to occur Creek, but it penetrates further inland in Victo- in the region only from a survey conducted in ria. It is predominantly localised in the south- Vol 121 (5) 2004 185 Research Reports

Benambra National Park by NSW State For- Boidae (One species) ests in the late 1970's (B Plunket 2001 pers. The Murray/Darling Carpet Python Morelia comm.). It is unclear whether this species ac- spilota metcalfei is presumed to no longer oc- tually occurs within the region, as it typically cur within the LGA but is still uncommonly prefers wet forests east of the study area (Ben- encountered in the region near rocky outcrops, nett 1997). Similarly, the Tussock Skink Pseu- heavily timbered woodlands and occasionally domoia pagenstrecheri is known only from a in the rafters of rural buildings. Anecdotal evi- record near the township of Granya (Museum dence suggests pythons from Queensland (pos- Victoria) and is typically associated with na- sibly the subspecies M. s. macdowelii) have been tive grasslands (Bennett 1997). The Eastern introduced to some properties near Gerogery Blue-tongue is widespread across the region in during the early 1900s to control rodents (J. grassy woodlands and farmland and can reach Nagel 2001 pers. comm.) and specimens from high densities in urban areas. Although not ex- the NSW south-west slopes bioregion were pected in the region, the Shingleback Tiliqua taken and introduced to the Griffith irrigation rugosa is known from a specimen recorded on areas. However, there have been no confirmed private property near Morven in NSW (35 km records of subspecies other than M. s. metcalfei north of the LGA, P Herriot 2002 pers. comm.) in the region. and another specimen from Eldorado in Vic- toria (Museum Victoria) but is predominantly (Two species) absent in the region (Swan et al. 2004, Wilson The Woodland Blindsnake Ramphotyphlops and Swan 2003). The occasional vagrants that proximus is rare in the region and has only been appear in urban areas are undoubtedly escaped identified at two localities in Albury, (Hamilton captive specimens. Valley and Mount Budginigi). Both specimens No other scincids are expected; however, it is were found beneath deeply embedded, granite likely that Bougainville's Skink, recorded only rocks in open woodland and on relatively hu- 20 km north-west of Albury (pers. obs.) may mid days after heavy winter rain (pers. obs.). occur within the LGA, and the Blotched Blue- Another species of Blindsnake R. nigrescens is tongue, recorded 75 km east of Wodonga (pers. often unearthed during agricultural activities obs.) may occur within the region. in the region and can also be found beneath embedded rocks, particularly in the dry forests Varanidae (Two species) in the east and south of the region. It is yet to The Lace Monitor Varanus varius occurs as be recorded within the LGA (Museum Victoria two color morphs and is widely distributed but atlas database). uncommonly encountered across the region. It No other typhlopids are expected to occur in is usually observed along well-timbered road- the region, however, due to the fossorial and sides and large areas of remnant vegetation, cryptic nature of these reptiles. Additional spe- especially where mature, hollow bearing trees cies or undescribed forms may be detected in and fallen timber occur. Occasional individu- the future. als are seen on Nail Can Hill and one specimen was even retrieved from a shop door on the (Ten species) main street of Albury during 1997 (M Basler The Highlands Copperhead Austrelaps ram- 1997 pers. comm.). The Sand GoannaV. gouldii sayi, Eastern Small-eyed Snake Rhinoplocepha- is poorly documented in the region, but known lus nigrescens and White-lipped Snake Drys- to occur on a property 15 km west of the LGA dalia coronoides are restricted to the cooler (S Lucas 2002 pers. comm.). There are also his- dry forests in the east and south of the region, torical records from Tabletop Mountain, 25 where they have been recorded infrequently in km north of the LGA (R Patterson 2002 pers. the past and from few locations (Museum Vic- comm.) and from Talgarno in Victoria (Mu- toria atlas database). Although not expected, seum Victoria). However, the absence of recent the Yellow-faced Whip Snake Demansia psam- reliable records tends to indicate that the spe- mophis has been recorded once from Tabletop cies has declined dramatically in the region and Mountain (R Patterson 2002 pers. comm.) and now occurs at such low densities that a sustain- twice since 2001 near Talmalmo in the north- able population is unlikely. east of the region (S Hartvigson 2002 pers. comm.). It may also occur in similar habitats

186 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports in Victoria. Likewise, the Red-naped Snake is dividual was possibly accidentally introduced not expected to occur in the region but recently during transportation of fresh goods along the an individual was uncovered beneath debris Hume Highway or may have been an escaped or west of Tabletop Mountain near Mullengandra released captive specimen. (C Grabham 2004 pers. comm.) and another specimen was accidentally killed on a prop- Discussion erty adjoining Woomargama National Park in With 52 species of reptile, from 39 genera 2001 just outside the region (A Hicks 2003 pers. and nine families, recorded within the region, comm.). It is a cryptozoic species and has been reptile diversity reflects what is expected for recorded near (Swan et al. 2004) and the area according to the current literature. A Wagga Wagga (Sass 2003, Annable 1995), and total of 52 species has been suggested as occur- may occur in low densities in the north of the ring within the south-west slopes of New South region. Wales (Caughley and Gall 1985) and approxi- The Eastern Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus is mately 50 are expected, based on the broad dis- uncommonly encountered on the Murray River tribution maps and point locations provided by floodplain and adjacent wetlands and appears field guides (Cogger 2000, Coventry and Rob- to have suffered a dramatic decline because of ertson 1991, Swan et al. 2004, Wilson and Swan changes in hydrology, habitat loss and human 2003). Comparatively, 48 species have been persecution (Shine 1991). The Red-bellied documented for the Wagga Wagga LGA (Sass Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus is com- 2003) and 18 species for the highland region monly encountered in riparian environments, surrounding Tumbarumba (Lemckert 1998). woodlands and urban areas and The Eastern Nine species not mentioned for the study area Brown Snake is common in grassy woodlands, by field guides have been recorded either with- farmland and occasionally in urban areas. Dw- in the LGA (e.g. Pink-tailed Worm Lizard and yer's Snake has been recorded beneath surface Nobbi Dragon) or near the periphery of the rocks in grassy woodland on Nail Can Hill region (e.g. Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko, Deli- on several occasions (I Davidson 2003 pers. cate Skink and Yellow-faced Whip Snake), giv- comm.) and on Gerogery Hill in August 2003 ing 57 expected reptile species for the region. (pers. obs.). This species may be relatively com- The five species expected in the region but mon in the region, and is possibly mistaken for not yet recorded include the Broad-shelled juvenile Brown and consequently killed. Turtle, Thick-tailed Gecko, Striped Legless The Eastern Bandy Bandy Vermicella annulata Lizard, Blotched Blue-tongue and Little Whip is only known from Chiltern-Mount Pilot Na- Snake. It is possible that the paucity of records tional Park in the south-west of the region surrounding the study area for some of these (Museum Victoria atlas database and Atlas of species (Swan et al. 2004; Museum Victoria) Victorian Wildlife). A specimen found in a soil in part reflects their secretive behaviours and mixer at the old Albury-Wodonga Develop- specialised habitat requirements, and not a ment Corporation nursery (Wandoo) during genuine absence from the region. Species such the early 1990's (G Datson 2003 pers. comm.) as the Thick-tailed Gecko, Striped Legless Liz- may have been a local specimen. ard and Little Whip Snake can be cryptic and Although expected, the Little Whip Snake difficult to detect, but all three species have has not been recorded south of Batlow in NSW disjunct populations to the north and south of (Lemckert 1998) or north of Tatong in Victo- the region, suggesting that they may occur in ria (Museum Victoria), but may occur in low the study area in low densities. Likewise, even densities in the north-east of the region where though the Broad-shelled Turtle prefers deeper suitable habitat and climatic patterns exist. waters downstream from Albury, the numer- ous oxbow lakes and ponds created below the Colubridae are known as important nesting No species of colubrid are expected to occur in sites for the other chelid species (Thompson the region. However, a Green Tree Snake Den- 1993). However, the Blotched Blue-tongue, drelaphis punctulatus was recorded from open which prefers higher elevations and/or a cooler woodland near the Hume Highway close to the climate further to the east, may truly not occur township of Woomargama 50 km north-east of in the region. the LGA in 1995 (Klomp et al. 1995). This in- Vol 121 (5) 2004 187 Research Reports

Some species have undoubtedly declined or fallen timber, surface rocks and dead trees are become locally extinct within the LGA. For continuously being removed and destroyed, ex- example, the Carpet Python was once recorded acerbating the problem in rural areas (Brown from Pemberton Park near Monument Hill in 2001, Hadden and Westbrooke 1996). Therefore, Albury during the early 1970s (M. Miles pers. many species and populations will be viable in comm.) but has not been recorded since within the long-term only if structural complexity is the LGA. This is surprising considering this conserved, habitats are restored, and species are species has adapted fairly well to urbanization able to move freely through the landscape. For in other areas of Australia such as and example, many reptiles, including threatened Brisbane (Fearn et al. 2001). The reasons for species, are known to quickly utilise old fence decline are unclear but are probably due to a posts that are introduced to grazed landscapes combination of factors such as loss of habitat, devoid of ground debris (Michael et al. 2004). increased by exotic predators and With some alterations to the way the rural envi- even theft (pers. obs). Also, a distressing phe- ronment is managed and wildlife habitat is val- nomenon is that many offenders still shoot 'the ued, biodiversity conservation and agriculture odd monitor' on farmlands across the region (S can be strategically integrated (see Bennett et Lucas May 2004 pers. comm.). al. 1998, Lindenmayer et al. 2003) with positive Eighteen species are considered restricted and results to the human community, economy and rare in the present study. However, eleven of environment. these are cool-temperate, Bassian species that are at the extreme western limits of their distri- Conclusion butions within the region and prefer the cooler With over 50 species of reptile persisting in the environments further east (Bennett 1997, Cog- Albury-Wodonga region, the area is extremely ger 2000). Some of these species may not have important in terms of reptile diversity and experienced the same levels of environmental threatened species conservation. This study has stress, that many ubiquitous and Eyrean spe- identified a diverse reptile fauna inhabiting the cies in the region might have suffered, because region, with specific trends in distribution pat- of differing disturbance histories and current terns and habitat preferences. Some species are agricultural practices associated with each re- abundant and widely distributed, and have even gion. Indeed, the wheat and sheep belt is a huge coped with and adapted to urbanisation and productive agricultural belt that encompasses the persistent levels of disturbance in woodland many more Eyrean species than Bassian species and agricultural areas. However, many species in the region. Importantly, it is those species that currently occur in localised areas with suitable naturally occur in low densities, occupy large habitat and may be genetically isolated from home ranges, have restricted distributions or neighbouring populations. Remnant habitat specialise in particular habitats that are of most exists predominantly on ridges and hilltops, concern in the region. Such species, which in- whereas lowland areas are particularly depau- clude the Nobbi Dragon, Southern Spiny-tailed perate. This disparate distribution of remnant Gecko, Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Bougainville's habitats has implications for the distribution of Skink, Woodland Blindsnake, Lace Monitor, specialist species, dispersal patterns and gene Red-naped Snake, Eastern Small-eyed Snake flow. The long-term viability of many species and Murray/Darling Carpet Python, may re- in rural areas will largely depend on changing quire further investigation. attitudes to biodiversity conservation and sus- Incremental loss of habitat is a threaten- tainable land practices, and people's willing- ing process that has been linked to declines ness to become pro-active in pursuing habitat in approximately 30 Australia reptile species, restoration. of which approximately 10 are found within Acknowledgements open woodland habitats (Cameron 1993). This Thanks to the numerous landholders who allowed threatening process is regarded as being one of access to their properties and liberally shared their the most important issues in this region. Struc- local knowledge with me. Also to Glen Johnson (Department of Sustainability and Environment) for turally important microhabitats which take providing departmental records, Nick Klomp and Ian a long time to recover or be replaced, such as Davidson for access to unpublished reports. To my native ground cover, the soil surface substrate, partner Tracy for continuous encouragement and

188 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports support during the numerous field excursions and dock): two properties east of Holbrook in southern NSW, to colleagues Matthew Herring, Craig Grabham and Report No. 29. (Johnstone Centre of Parks, Recreation and Mason Crane for field assistance and many shared Heritage, Charles Sturt University: Albury) Klomp NI, Bester AJ and Marshall RD (1995) Fauna study discoveries. I would also like to thank Ian Lunt, Nick of the four Mile Creek and surrounding catchment area near Clemann and an anonymous referee who greatly im- Woomargama, NSW, Report No 38. (Johnstone Centre of proved an earlier version of this manuscript, and Si- Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Charles Sturt University: mon MacDonald for producing the location map. Albury) Klomp NI, Cosgriff KM and Wise PJ (1996) Reptile survey References of a property in the Parish of Barnawartha North, north- Annable TJ (1995) An annotated checklist of reptiles of Wag- eastern Victoria, Report No 78. (Johnstone Centre of ga Wagga and district, NSW. Herpetofauna 25, 22-27. Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Charles Sturt University: Bennett R (1997) Reptiles and of the Australian Capital Albury) Territory. (National Parks Association of the ACT: ACT) Klomp NI, Grabham C and Herring M (2001) Fauna study Bennett A, Brown G, Lumsden L, Hespe D, Krasna S and Sil- of Ettamogah Forest 1994-2000, Report No 154. (Johnstone ins J (1998) Fragments for the Future: Wildlife in the Victori- Centre of Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Charles Sturt an (the Northern Plains). (Department of Natural University: Albury) Resources and Environment: East ) Lemckert F (1998) A survey for threatened herpetofauna of Bos D and Lockwood M (1996) Flora, fauna and other fea- the south-west slopes of New South Wales. Australian Zo- tures of the SW slopes biogeographic region. (Johnstone ologist 30, 492-499. Centre of Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Report No. 59. Lindenmayer DB, Claridge A, Hazel D, Michael DR, Crane Charles Sturt University: Albury, NSW) M, MacGregor C and Cunningham R (2003) Farm Wild- Brown GW (2001) The influence of habitat disturbance on life: How to Conserve Native . (CSIRO Publishing: reptiles in a Box-Ironbark eucalypt forest of south-eastern Collingwood) Australia. Biodiversity and Conservation 10, 161-176. Michael DR, Lunt ID and Robinson WA (2004) Enhancing Brown GW (2002) The distribution and conservation status fauna habitat in grazed native grasslands and woodlands: of the reptile fauna of the Murray River region in Victoria. fauna usage of artificially-placed log refuges. Wildlife Re- The Victorian Naturalist 119, 133-143. search 31,65-71. Brown GW and Bennett AF (1995) Reptiles in rural environ- Museum Victoria (2003). Atlas of Victorian wildlife, http:// ments: The distribution, habitat requirements and conserva- mov.vic.gov.au. tion status of reptile fauna of the Murray-Darling Basin area New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) in Victoria. (Department of Natural Resources and Envi- Atlas of NSW wildlife, http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks. ronment: Heidelberg) nsw.gov.au Cameron E (1993) The development of "The action plan for Sass S (2003) A survey of the reptiles of Wagga Wagga, NSW. Australian reptiles" In Herpetology in Australia: a diverse Herpetofauna 33, 18-23. discipline, pp 109-119. Eds Lunney D and Ayers D. (Surrey Shine R (1991) Australian Snakes: A Natural History. (Reed Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton, NSW) New Holland: Sydney) Caughley J and Gall B (1985) Relevance of zoogeographical Spencer B (1896) Report on the work of the Horn Expedition transition to conservation of fauna: Amphibians and rep- to Central Australia Pt 1. (Dulau and Co: London) tiles in the south-west slopes of New South Wales. Austral- Stelling F (1994) Revegetation Guide for North-eastern Vic- ian Zoologist 21, 513-529. toria. (Department of Conservation and Environment: Cogger HG (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Wodonga) (Reed: Sydney) Stelling F (1998) South-west Slopes Revegetation Guide. (Mur- Cogger HG and Heatwole H (1981) The Australian reptiles: ray Catchment Management Committee and Department origins, biogeography, distribution patterns and island of Land and Water Conservation: Albury) evolution. In Ecological Biogeography of Australia. Ed Keast Swan G (1990) A Field Guide to the Snakes and Lizards of A. Monographiae 41, 1331-1373. NSW. (Three Sisters Productions: Winmalee) Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology (2003) Weather sta- Swan G, Shea G and Sadlier R (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles tistics: http://www.bom.gov.au of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland: Sydney) Coventry AJ and Robertson P (1991) The Snakes of Victoria: Thompson MB (1993) Hypothetical considerations of the a Guide to Their Identification. (Department of Conserva- biomass of chelid tortoises in the River Murray and the tion and Environment: Melbourne) possible influences of predation by introduced foxes In Davidson I (2000) Biodiversity values of the Hamilton Valley. Herpetology in Australia: a diverse discipline pp 219-224. (Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation and Albury Eds D Lunney and D Ayers. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chip- City Council) ping Norton,NSW) Fearn S, Robinson B, Sambono J and Shine R (2001) Pythons Wilson S and Swan G (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of in the pergola: the ecology of nuisance carpet pythons Australia. (Reed New Holland: Sydney) (Morelia spilota) from suburban habitats in south-eastern Queensland. Wildlife Research 28, 573-579. Greer AE (1989) The Biology and Evolution of Australian Liz- ards. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Chipping Norton, NSW) Hadden SA and Westbrooke ME (1996) Habitat relationships of the herpetofauna of remnant Buloke Woodlands of the Wimmera Plains, Victoria. Wildlife Research 23, 363-372. Joplin GA (1944) The Geology of the Albury District. (Albury Received 13 November 2003; Accepted 1 July 2004 City Library:Albury) Keast A (1962) Vertebrate speciation in Australia: some comparisons between birds, marsupials and reptiles. In The Evoloution of Living Organisms, Ed GW Leeper. (Mel- bourne University Press: Melbourne) Klomp NI and Marshall RD (1995) Fauna study and impact assessment of Horse Creek and Coppabella (Johnnies Pad-

Vol 121 (5) 2004 189 Research Reports

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella.

Eastern Stone Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus.

190 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports Sources 1 1, 2, 3 ,6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 2, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1 1, 2, 3, 6 8 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 3 1, 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1,2, 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 3, 7 1, 3 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 1, 2

1 Nearest record to LGA Yarrawonga Murray River Murray River Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Lonesome Pine Nail Can Hill Wagga Wagga Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Mt Big Ben Mt Granya Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Black Range Mt Stanley Nail Can Hill Mt Granya Murray River Yackandandah

C'wealth RI V V

NSW V V

Victoria V E E

Study area NA Lc Ru Lu Rr Lu Wc Rr Lc NA Ru NA Lu Ru Ru Ru Wc Lc Wc Lc Lc Ru Lc Rr Lc Rr

Scientific Name Chelodina expansa Chelodina longicollis Emydura macquarii Amphibolurus muricatus Amphibolurus nobbi Pogona barbata Christinus marmoratus Diplodactylus intermedius Diplodactylus vittatus Underwoodisaurus milii Aprasia parapulchella Delma impar Delma inornata Lialis burtonis Bassiana duperreyi Bassiana platynota Carlia tetradactyla Cryptoblepharus carnabyi Ctenotus robustus Ctenotus taeniolatus Egernia cunninghami Egernia saxatilis intermedia Egernia striolata Egernia whitii Eulamprus heatwolei Eulamprus tympanum

State, national and local conservation status of reptiles in the Albury-Wodonga region. Albury-Wodonga Appendix 1. State, national and local conservation status of reptiles in the Common Name CHELIDAE Turtle Broad-shelled Turtle Eastern Snake-necked Turtle Macquarie AGAMIDAE Jacky Lizard Nobbi Dragon # Eastern Bearded Dragon GEKKONIDAE Marbled Gecko Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko # Eastern Stone Gecko Thick-tailed Gecko PYGOPODIDAE # Worm-lizard Pink-tailed Striped Legless Lizard Olive Legless Lizard Burton's Snake-lizard SCINCIDAE Three-lined Skink Eastern Red-throated Skink Southern Rainbow Skink Skink Wall Carnaby's Eastern Striped Skink Skink Copper-tailed Cunningham's Skink Black Rock Skink Skink Tree White's Skink Skink Water Yellow-bellied Skink Water Southern

Vol 121 (5) 2004 191 Research Reports 1, 3, 6 1, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 6 1, 2, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 2 1, 6 1 1, 3 1 1, 6 1, 3, 6 1 3, 6 1, 2, 3, 6 6 1, 3, 6 1, 2, 3 , 6 1 6 1, 3 6 1, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 1, 3, 6 1, 3 1, 2, 3, 7

Nail Can Hill Mt Granya Nail Can Hill Gerogery Hills Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Mt Granya Benambra NP Mt Big Ben Granya area Mt Big Ben Tallangatta Cudgewa Nth Nail Can Hill Morven Nail Can Hill Mt Tabletop Nail Can Hill Mt Big Ben Woomargama Mt Lawson Mullengandra Murray River Nail Can Hill Nail Can Hill Mt Lawson Nail Can Hill RI

RI V

dd E V nt V

Lc Ru Lc Lu Ru Wc Rr Rr Ru Rr Rr Rr NA Wc Rr Rr Wu Ru Lu Rr Rr Rr Rr Rr Rr Lc Wc Lu Lu

us

Hemiergis decresiensis decresiensis Hemiergis delicata Lampropholis guichenoti Lampropholis Lerista bougainvilli Menetia greyii boulengeri Morethia Nannoscincus maccoyi Niveoscincus coventryi Pseudomoia entrecasteauxii Pseudomoia pagenstrecheri Pseudomoia spenceri mustelin Saproscincus nigrolutea Tiliqua scincoides Tiliqua rugosa asper Tiliqua gouldii Varanus varius Varanus spilota metcalfei Morelia Ramphotyphlops nigrescens Ramphotyphlops proximus ramsayi Austrelaps Demansia psammophis Drysdalia coronoides Furina diadema Notechis scutatus Pseudechis porphyriacus Pseudonaja textilis Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens Suta dwyeri

Appendix 1 cont. Three-toed Skink Delicate Skink # Garden Skink Bougainvilles's Skink Grey's Skink Boulenger's Skink Maccoy's Skink # Coventry's Skink Southern Grass Skink Skink # Tussock Spencer's Skink Skink Weasel Blotched Blue-tongue Common Blue-tongue Shingleback # VARANIDAE Lace Monitor BOIDAE Murray/Darling Carpet Python TYPHLOPIDAE Blind Snake Blind Snake Woodland ELAPIDAE Highlands Copperhead Whip Snake # Yellow-faced White-lipped Snake Red-naped Snake # Snake Tiger Eastern Red-bellied Black Snake Eastern Brown Snake Eastern Small-eyed Snake Dwyer's Snake Sand Goanna

192 The Victorian Naturalist

Research Reports

5

1, 3 1,

4

(LGA) 28

Woomargama

Pilot Mt

Tumbarumba

RI

V

nt

52

NA

Rr

NA

57

Dendrelaphis punctulatus Dendrelaphis

Vermicella annulata annulata Vermicella

Suta flagellum Suta

expected but not recorded, # = not represented in the region within current distribution maps in field guides, * = vagrant). vagrant). = * guides, field in maps distribution current within region the in represented not = # recorded, not but expected

deficient, deficient, nt = near threatened; NSW: TSC Act (1995) and Commonwealth: EPBC Act (2000) V = vulnerable, RI = rare insufficiently known. NA =

8 - Annable (1995). Annable - 8

7 - Davidson (2000), (2000), Davidson - 7

6 - DR Michael (unpubl. data 1997 - 2003), 2003), - 1997 data (unpubl. Michael DR - 6

. (1995), (1995), . al et Klomp - 5

4 - Lemckert (1998), (1998), Lemckert - 4

3 - DSE (2003) Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Wildlife, Victorian of Atlas (2003) DSE - 3

2 - NSW NPWS wildlife atlas database (2003), (2003), database atlas wildlife NPWS NSW - 2

1 - Museum Victoria wildlife atlas database (2003) Bioinformatics wildlife atlas, atlas, wildlife Bioinformatics (2003) database atlas wildlife Victoria Museum - 1

Sources: Sources:

(W (W = widespread, = L localised, R = restricted, c = common, u = Act uncommon, (1998) V = r FFG vulnerable, = E rare. Victoria: = endangered, dd = data

species of number Total

#* Snake Tree Green

COLUBRIDAE

Bandy Bandy Eastern

Snake Whip Little Appendix 1 cont. 1 Appendix

Vol 121 (5) 2004 193

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