How We’re Helping the Yakka Skink and Ornamental Snake

Posted on September 23rd, 2024

We have a new project!

FBA are so excited to have a new project that is focused on improving Brigalow Country to help native threatened species.

This project will manage fire regimes in collaboration with First Nations, conduct feral animal control, control stock access, and restore critical key habitat features across the landscape. This project provides an opportunity to fill key knowledge gaps by completing a basin-wide modeling study and testing methods for restoring critical habitat features in altered landscapes

For this program, two key reptile species have been identified due to their dependence on Brigalow.

The Ornamental Snake

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The Yakka Skink

APPROVED-Yakka-skinks-in-brigalow-country_FACT-SHEET-1Download

For land managers wanting to help these species, here are some things you can do:

  • Start rotating paddocks – if cattle are in the same paddock for too long it will not only run out of grass, but damage the habitat of creatures like the Yakka Skink and Ornamental snake.
  • Put in water troughs for cattle so they aren’t relying on creeks and other natural waterways that other animals rely on for habitat.
  • Let your paddocks rest – rested paddocks are healthier paddocks.
  • Fence off sensitive areas (like hollows where rainwater collects) – these areas are important habitat of the Yakka Skink and Ornamental snake.
  • Keep your wildfire risk under control by having a good fire management plan such as doing cool burns.
  • Leave or add woody debris or leaf litter to create micro-habitats

This project is funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and delivered by Fitzroy Basin Association, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

More?