Fitzroy tortoise
Rheodytes leukops
Summary information
Distribution: The Fitzroy tortoise is only found in the Fitzroy basin, Queensland, including the Fitzroy, Mackenzie, Dawson, Connors and Isaac Rivers (Queensland Conservation Council 2004).
Habit and habitat: the mid-reaches of the drainage is characterised by large deep pools with rocky, gravelly, or sandy substrates, connected by shallow riffles, with high water quality (Cogger et al. 1993). The Fitzroy tortoise has a preference for fast water (Legler & Cann 1980). In the area where the types were collected, river width ranges from 30 metres in narrow incised channels and riffles to 190 metres between the riverbanks. Base flow depths vary from 0.2–0.5 metres in the riffles to 2–6 metres in pools. By late dry season, flow is reduced and the pools are connected by trickles of water through the riffle zones (Tucker et al. 2001).
The species is relatively sedentary, and site fidelity (at least to a given pool) is maintained despite seasonal fluctuations. The overall distribution of turtles (Tucker et al. 2001) tends to not be far from riffle zones (mean distance to closest riffle 310 metres). During a recent study by Tucker and colleagues (2001) most observations were made in shallow water over rocky (52 per cent) or sandy (10 per cent) substrates, while associations with submerged logs (38 per cent) were in deeper sections of pools.
Legler and Cann (1980) record insects and freshwater sponge in the diet of the Fitzroy tortoise collected in October, but Cann (1998) records that it also feeds extensively on ribbon weed.
Activity period: unknown; presumably late spring and through summer. Active morning and afternoon.
Survey methods
The Fitzroy tortoise is readily observed in the riffle zones by diving with a face mask and snorkel (Legler & Cann 1980), or collected by seine netting. However, the presence of saltwater crocodiles Crocodylus porosus in the mid to lower reaches of the river presents a hazard to survey work.
The effectiveness of drum traps to sample this species is unknown; neither Legler and Cann (1980) nor Cann (1998) make reference to having used this technique. The partly carnivorous diet of the Fitzroy tortoise reported indicates it might be attracted to meat baits and this methodology should be trialled to determine its suitability for detecting the presence of the species.
Similar species in range: Other short-necked freshwater turtles recorded in the Fitzroy River drainage by Legler and Cann (1980) include Krefft's river turtle Emydura kreffti, Victoria River snapping turtle Elseya dentata, and the saw-shelled turtle Elseya latisternum. Cogger (2000) illustrates diagnostic features to distinguish Rheodytes from the species of Elseya and Emydura.
Potential records of the Fitzroy tortoise should be supported by a good quality colour photograph. Photo vouchers should be forwarded to the state fauna authority and appropriate state museum (Queensland Museum) for positive identification and databasing of the record.
Key references for Rheodytes leukops
Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Beumont Publishing Pty Ltd, Singapore.
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. & Eggler, P. 1993. The action plan for Australian reptiles. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. 254 pp.
Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Legler J.M. & Cann, J. 1980. A new genus and species of chelid turtle from Queensland, Australia. Contributions in Science, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 324: 1-18.
Queensland Conservation Council 2004. Available from: pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/40013/20050123-0000/www.qccqld.org.au/rivers_alive/Turtle.htm. Accessed 2010-01-20.
Tucker A. D., Limpus C. J., Priest T. E., Cay J., Glen C. & Guarino E. 2001. Home ranges of Fitzroy River Turtles (Rheodytes leukops) overlap riffle zones: potential concerns related to river regulation. Biological Conservation 102: 171-81.
Flinders Ranges worm lizard
Aprasia pseudopulchella
Summary information
Distribution: Found in South Australia: Flinders Ranges and Mt Lofty Ranges to Adelaide. See Cogger and colleagues (1993) for a more detailed summary of distribution to that time.
Habit and habitat: terrestrial and fossorial. Occurs in open woodland, native tussock grassland, riparian habitats, and rocky isolates. Found under stones on clay soils (Cogger et al. 1993).
Activity period: not active on the ground surface by day, and would only be active between sheltering sites at night. Peak activity is likely to be late spring and early summer under warm, but not overly dry, conditions. The Flinders Ranges worm lizard is more likely to be difficult to detect during hot dry periods.
Survey methods
The following methodology adopted by Osborne and colleagues (1991) to survey for the pink-tailed worm lizard, is likely to be the most appropriate for the Flinders Ranges worm lizard:
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searches restricted to an area of relatively homogeneous habitat within each site and a search beneath all rocks that can be turned is made.
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stone cover density rather than fixed area size determines a plot, and 150–200 stones need to be turned to be reasonably confident of determining the species presence.
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search success appears would be highest in spring and early summer on warm but not hot days, preferably after a period of rainfall extending over several days.
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during summer months surveys are conducted in the mornings or on cloudy days when soil temperatures beneath the rocks are not too high.
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during late autumn and winter surveys are conducted on clear sunny days as warming of the rocks appears to attract individuals to the soil surface beneath the rocks.
Similar species in range: See the account for the pink-tailed worm lizard regarding taxonomy of the pink-tailed worm lizard and the Flinders Ranges worm lizard.
Key References for Aprasia pseudopulchella
Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. & Eggler, P. 1993. The action plan for Australian reptiles. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. 254 pp.
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