ANYONE with interest are invited to view the action plan for the threatened Pink-tailed Worm-lizard.  

Senior Ecologist Murray Evans says that the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard was declared vulnerable in 2008. On the rare occasion, when the lizard is seen, it is mostly found underground in the burrows of ant nests, where it feeds on their eggs and larvae.

“The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard was once much more widespread in south-eastern Australia, but is now confined to only a few sites scattered between the ACT and Victoria,” says Mr Evans.

“In the ACT the lizard can be found along the slopes of the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee River corridors and on adjacent outlying hills including Mount Taylor, Cooleman Ridge, Urambi Hills, the Pinnacle and Mount Stromlo.”

A removal of rocks, which leads to less ant nests, as well as bushfires, and predators, such as cats, are some factors resulting in the lizards vulnerability.

“This action plan was written to help ensure this fascinating little lizard, which is often mistaken for a worm or small snake, remains part of the fauna of the ACT long into the future,” Mr Evans says.

“The plan’s action items include formally protecting all key populations, monitoring abundance of key populations, undertaking community awareness activities as well as implementing appropriate management activities, such as grazing and slashing, to conserve the species and its habitat.

It is vital we do all we can to conserve our threatened native species so I encourage interested members of the public to view the action plan and put forward their views.”

Comment on the draft action plan via yoursay.act.gov.au