Robert Spiers ‘Conservation of the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella at Googong’

Robert, Capital Ecology’s principal ecologist, will talk about this lizard that lives in ant galleries under small surface volcanic rocks in our region.  Much of the species’ habitat is being destroyed or modified by agriculture and urban development leading to its decline and its listing as ‘vulnerable’.

Abstract

The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella is a small legless lizard that lives in ant galleries under small surface volcanic rocks, feeding on ant eggs and larvae and benefitting from this microclimate.  Areas in the ACT and NSW, associated with the Molonglo, Murrumbidgee and Queanbeyan Rivers are regarded as the species’ stronghold.  Much of the species’ habitat has been destroyed or modified by agriculture and urban development, leading to its decline and listing as ‘vulnerable’ under Commonwealth, NSW, and ACT legislation.

Biography

Rob Spiers, is Capital Ecology's Principal Ecologist, with extensive experience in assessing habitat potential and quality for threatened species.  His knowledge regarding the threatened reptiles of the ACT region has led him to advise Commonwealth and ACT governments with strategic direction for species conservation and recovery plans.