Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 37 During baseline ecological surveys, areas of high-quality habitat were identified for lizards throughout the survey area. However, there was a notable presence of invasive predators including pigs, mice, rats and wasps and all of these species have been attributed to declines in native lizard populations across the country (Anderson et al., 2012). Species diversity and lack of ground litter in the understorey indicates a history of habitat degradation from wild pigs. The subsequent lack of ground litter and debris could impact on ground dwelling lizards being present, such as skinks and terrestrial geckos. Repeated surveys for lizards in suitable conditions will form part of the vent raise site selection process to fully assess the ecological values and avoid native lizards within proposed ventilation raise sites. Management to avoid impacts on native lizards is described in Section 7.2. 5.4.3 Ecological Value of Native Lizard Communities Expected lizard community characteristics are summarised in Table 8. The native lizard communities within the Project footprint at Willows Road farm and in Coromandel Forest Park have been categorised as having Negligible and High ecological value, respectively. Both species of lizard recorded in CFP are ‘At Risk – Declining’ but, based on survey effort lizard abundance and diversity is apparently low. Whilst potential habitat is present, it does not appear to be occupied by a diverse and abundant lizard fauna. Table 8: Ecological values of native lizard communities within the Project Areas. *indicates that surveys are required. Attribute Willows Road farm Coromandel Forest Park Representativeness Very Low* Vegetation communities within the farm property have been highly modified through livestock grazing. Habitat within the farm property was assessed as largely unsuitable for lizards although potential habitat for grassland species (e.g. copper skink) is present in ungrazed areas. Stands of intact native vegetation that provide higher quality lizard habitat are outside of the Project Area where vegetation clearance will occur. Moderate* Habitat for native lizards within CFP is abundant and high quality, and two species of lizard have been recorded in in Wharekirauponga to date. Lizard records from the surrounding area are sparse. Predator activity may have reduced habitat value for native lizards. Rarity / distinctiveness Very Low* Not applicable. High* Native lizards recorded from the Coromandel include one threatened species and five ‘At Risk’ species. However, this area has poor records, and BML surveys at Wharekirauponga have recorded a single lizard (forest gecko), and another recent observation of another species (elegant gecko).
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