Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 14 The Waihi Ecological District is within the potential distribution of at least nine lizard species (Hitchmough et al. 2021, Table 6). Table 6. Threat classification of native lizards from the mainland Waikato Region. Threat category as per Hitchmough et al (2021) Species Threat Category Threat Status Copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum) At-Risk Declining Ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum) At-Risk Declining Moko skink (Oligosoma moco) At-Risk Relict Striped skink (Oligosoma striatum) At-Risk Declining Shore skink (Oligosoma smithi) At-Risk Relict Common gecko (Woodworthia maculata) Not Threatened N/A Forest gecko (Mokopirirakau granulatus) At-Risk Declining Pacific gecko (Dactylocnemis pacificus) At-Risk Relict Auckland green gecko (Naultinus elegans) At-Risk Declining Northern Striped gecko (Toropuku “Coromandel”) Threatened Nationally Vulnerable Desktop investigations involved a review of the Department of Conservation’s Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS) database (accessed December 2018), as well as an analysis of aerial and topographic imagery for the presence of tracks and vegetation cover to plan survey design and spatial coverage. All vegetated areas or potential habitat features, such as boulder fields or rock outcrops, that were identified as potentially supporting habitat for indigenous lizards were visited to undertake a qualitative habitat description. Where potential habitats supported logs or other debris that could be lifted, searches of these habitats were undertaken and survey equipment (being artificial lizard retreats (ARs), funnel traps or pitfall traps) was installed. Systematic searches were undertaken through boulder fields and rock outcrops at the NRS and GOP sites. Potential habitat for arboreal geckos was searched by way of nocturnal Visual Encounter Surveys (VES). The survey coverage extended beyond the footprint of the WNP in some areas as a result of refinements to the project requirements and where opportunities to better understand lizard values in the surrounding landscape allowed. The survey methods are detailed below. 3.3.2.1 Artificial Retreat (AR) Surveys The AR surveys were undertaken in accordance with the Department of Conservation best practice (Lettink, 2012). ARs are suitable for surveying skinks and geckos that use ground habitats, particularly vegetated edges with sunlight exposure, where ARs can retain heat and enable lizards to maintain elevated body temperatures relative to their surrounding habitats during use (Batson et al. 2015). The locations where ARs were installed were considered to represent the most likely places for native lizard encounters. These areas supported dense leaf litter and edge vegetation that would be suitable potential habitat for terrestrial lizards, especially skinks. ARs were left in situ to acclimatise for a minimum four weeks to allow time for resident lizards to habituate to and use them. A minimum of four inspections were undertaken for all ARs between January and May during fine, settled weather.
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