57 EMROP: Waihi North Project WAI-985-000-PLN-LC-0001_Rev0 clean Table 20. Assessment criteria as applied to the proposed SNA 166 lizard relocation site Criterion SNA 166 Meets criterion 1. Habitat size & complexity Ensure the relocation habitat is representative or of better quality than the original capture site(s) • The total current area available to receive salvaged lizards is 1.3 ha, comprising naturally regenerating native scrub beneath a pine block (Figure 5). This block of vegetation supports moko skink at low density, and is inclusive of 4.04 ha of restoration and enhancement as per • Figure 13 and Table 15. The entire area will receive long-term pest predator control and revegetation will provide connectivity with SNA 166, where another moko skink record occurs. • Enhancement of SNA (i.e. planting, provision of supplementary refuges, fencing, weed management, and pest control) will significantly increase the quantity and quality of habitat for lizards. Yes, where habitat enhancement is implemented 2. Vicinity to original population Limit the distance that lizards are relocated from their original capture site(s) (i.e. preferably < 500 m) • Considering the area extent over which the WNP covers, some salvaged lizards will need to be relocated more than 500 m (up to 5 km) from their original capture site. However, all lizards will remain within the wider WNP area, preserving the local diversity of lizards. • It is considered, under the current plan, that a single area to protect and enhance habitat for a significant lizard community in perpetuity, and with connectivity to SNA 166, would have greater overall benefits than several smaller areas of management. No 3. Security of estate Ensure protection and maintenance of habitats at relocation sites over the long-term, preferably in perpetuity. • SNA 166 is a scheduled protected area under the Hauraki District Plan. • Mitigation measures, including revegetation and enhancement, will be protected in perpetuity, including protection of pest mammal control and fencing from livestock. Yes, where habitat enhancement is implemented and maintained long-term. 4. Resident species composition & density Reduce as far as practicable the potential adverse effects of intra- and inter-specific competition at the relocation site. • SNA 166 is known to support one species of indigenous lizard (moko skink). It is likely that at least one other species (copper skink) also occurs given the presence of suitable habitat for this species and its occurrence in the wider landscape. • Survey effort to date suggests that moko skink is localised and occurs at relatively low abundance within SNA 166. It is unclear why this might be though it could be inferred that pest mammal pressure are influencing the conspicuousness and/ or abundance of this species and currently, moko skink probably exist either below natural carrying capacity or at carrying capacity relative to the habitat quality within the SNA. • With habitat enhancement measures, the quantity and quality of existing lizard habitat within SNA 166 could be improved, leading to an increase in overall lizard carrying capacity to a level that will allow salvaged-relocated lizards to persist and thrive. Yes, where habitat enhancement is provided.
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