Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 15 Lizard surveys were undertaken in 2011 and from 2017 to 2020. Early assessments undertaken in 2011 were revisited and expanded in surveys over 2017 to 2020. See Figure 4 and Table 7 for Lizard survey coverage and effort. 3.3.2.2 Pitfall trap surveys Pitfall trap surveys were undertaken under canopy cover within SNA 166 at TSF3 (n = 20) and at the edge of the Favona wetland (n = 10) (Figure 4). Survey of Favona wetland was undertaken as part of ecological value assessments of the surrounding environment and is not within the Zone of Influence (ZOI). Pitfall traps are a suitable method for surveying lizards in forest floor habitats where they do not rely on heat retention to attract lizards to them. Pitfall traps were furnished with grass or native leaf litter, baited with a small piece of banana to maximise chances of capture, and covered with a sheet of Onduline to provide shelter for any lizards confined during capture. A total of 20 traps were installed within SNA 166 from the forest edge and through the forest interior on 22 January 2018. Following a two-month settling period, the traps were opened on 19th March 2018 and checked on four consecutive days during fine and settled weather. A total of 10 traps were installed at the Favona wetland from the forest edge and through the forest interior on 22 January 2018. Following a two-month settling period, the traps were opened on 19th March 2018 and checked on four consecutive days during fine and settled weather. 3.3.2.3 Funnel trap surveys A funnel trap survey was undertaken at Ngatikoi Domain / SNA 165 (March 2018, n = 12). This survey was undertaken as part of ecological value assessments of the surrounding environment and Ngatikoi Domain is not within the ZOI. Funnel traps are suitable for capturing terrestrial lizards where the traps can be embedded in very dense ground cover vegetation. All funnel traps were furnished with grass and leaf litter and baited with a small piece of banana to maximise capture chance. Where set, funnel traps were checked on four consecutive days during fine and settled weather. 3.3.2.4 Nocturnal Visual Encounter Surveys Powerful headlamps, (LED LenserTM H7), aided by Nikon MonarchTM 8 x 42 binoculars, were used to search for geckos on the ground, on tree branches and in foliage. Arboreal geckos are generally easier to detect at night by slowly scanning potential habitat with a focused light beam, while searching for the lizards’ distinctive body shapes and reflective eye-shine (Whitaker, 1994). Searches began after dusk, during settled and dry weather and targeted the edges of SNA 166 within the proposed NRS and TSF3 footprints on 9 and 10 February, 2012 and again in March 2017.
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