Pink-tailed Worm-lizard - profile

Scientific name: Aprasia parapulchella
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
National conservation status: Vulnerable

Description

The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is worm-like, with a dark-brown head and nape, gradually merging with the pale grey or grey-brown body. The tail, nearly as long as its body, is pink or reddish-brown towards the tip. Its snout and tail are both rounded. There are no external ear openings. The broad, non-forked tongue, frequently used to wipe the eyes, and the presence of small hind-limb flaps, distinguishes it from a juvenile snake. Specimens grow to about 25 cm in length.

Location and habitat

Distribution
The Pink-tailed Worm Lizard is only known from the Central and Southern Tablelands, and the South Western Slopes. There is a concentration of populations in the Canberra/Queanbeyan Region. Other populations have been recorded near Cooma, Yass, Bathurst, Albury and West Wyalong. This species is also found in the Australian Capital Territory.

Habitat and ecology

Inhabits sloping, open woodland areas with predominantly native grassy groundlayers, particularly those dominated by Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).
Sites are typically well-drained, with rocky outcrops or scattered, partially-buried rocks.
Commonly found beneath small, partially-embedded rocks and appear to spend considerable time in burrows below these rocks; the burrows have been constructed by and are often still inhabited by small black ants and termites.
Feeds on the larvae and eggs of the ants with which it shares its burrows.
It is thought that this species lays 2 eggs inside the ant nests during summer; the young first appear in March.

Regional information
This species is found in the following catchment management authority regions. Click on a region name to see more details about the distribution, vegetation types and habitat preference of the species in that region.

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation as land is cleared for residential, agricultural and industrial developments.
Removal of rocks, which are a vital habitat element.
Heavy grazing and trampling by stock and rabbits, causing habitat degradation through root damage, prevention of seedling establishment and erosion.
Invasion of habitat by weeds or escaped pasture species that degrade habitat.
Habitat degradation through slashing for hazard reduction, ploughing and rock removal.
Modification of habitat through tree-planting in native grasslands.
Changed fire regimes that result in changes to vegetation structure and composition.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Department of Environment and Conservation has identified 17 priority actions to help recover the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in New South Wales.

What needs to be done to recover this species?

Keep domestic dogs and cats indoors at night.
Undertake feral animal control.
Apply fire regimes that maintain structure and floristic diversity (e.g. patch burning).
Search for the species in suitable habitat in areas that are proposed for development or management actions, and mark sites onto maps or plans.
Do not collect bush rock or remove rocks for pasture management purposes.
Do not destroy habitat and surrounding areas by ploughing.
Do not allow heavy, prolonged grazing on habitat.
Do not plant trees and shrubs into habitat.
Control invasions of weeds and pasture species (but be wary of the impact of herbicide use in habitat); where possible use methods that directly target weeds, such as spot spraying and hand removal.
Protect natural grassland remnants within the known distribution of the species.
Ensure remnant populations remain connected or linked to each other. In cases where remnants have lost connective links, re-establish links by revegetating sites to act as stepping stones for dispersal.
Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning hazard reduction burns.

References

Bennett, R. (1997) Reptiles and Frogs of the Australian Capital Territory. National Parks Association of the ACT, Canberra.
Cogger, H. G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th ed. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Eddy, D. (2002). Managing Native Grassland: a guide to management for conservation, production and landscape protection. World Wide Fund for Nature Australia. Sydney, NSW.
Eddy, D., Mallinson, D., Rehwinkel, R and Sharp. S. (1998) Grassland Flora: a field guide for the Southern Tablelands (NSW & ACT). Environment ACT, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Natural Heritage Trust. Canberra, ACT.
Osborne, W., Lintermans, M. and Williams, K. (1991) Distribution and Conservation Status of the Endangered Pink-tailed Legless Lizard (Aprasia pulchella) (Kluge). Research Report 5. ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Canberra.
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. Reed New Holland, Sydney.