The reptile fauna of Nombinnie Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area, western New South Wales Steven Sass nghenvironmental, P.O.Box 470, Bega, NSW 2550. email : [email protected] T C Nombinnie Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area form a large reserve system of 116,000 A hectares in central western New South Wales. Systematic surveys for reptile fauna in 2003 revealed R 204 individuals from 33 species from within five different vegetation communities. A review of literature from previous research in the area combined with this study reveal a total of 50 species of T reptile fauna. The presence of two reptile species that are listed under the NSW Threatened Species S Conservation Act, 1995 is discussed. This study provides an updated inventory of reptile fauna for B the largest area of continuous mallee shrubland remaining in NSW and identifies key differences in A reptile diversity within vegetation communities. Key words: lizard, snake, threatened species, Nombinnie, western NSW. Introduction Australia supports an extremely diverse range of reptiles component to develop a comprehensive inventory of the with a plethora of information available to scientists reptile fauna and to gain an understanding how reptile and natural resource managers documenting species communities are distributed across different vegetation distribution (Cogger 2000; Wilson and Swan 2003). communities. However, in western NSW, we are continuing to gain an This paper reports on a reptile survey in Nombinnie understanding of the reptile fauna of the arid and semi NR and SCA and highlights differences between reptile arid rangelands with a review documenting species status diversity and a number of vegetation communities. In (Sadlier and Pressey 1994) and a field guide documenting addition, this paper summarises previous reptile studies locations of museum specimens (Swan et al. 2004). More in the area. specifically, information collected on the distribution of reptiles in the study area has focussed predominantly on Methods mallee vegetation communities (Cogger 1984; Caughley 1985; Henle 1987; Halliger 1993; Schlesinger et al. 1997; Study Area Driscoll 2004; Olsson et al. 2005). Nombinnie NR and SCA are located in central western NSW, Nombinnie Nature Reserve (NR) and State Conservation 130km south of Cobar and 200km north of Griffith (Figure Area (SCA) were gazetted in 1988 and 2005 respectively 1). The area is characterised by level to gently undulating under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 and are plains of siliceous and sandy red earths. The dominant managed by the Department of Environment and vegetation communities are mallee shrublands (93,290 Conservation (DEC). These reserves are located on hectares, Eucalyptus socialis, E.dumosa with many areas of the boundaries of the Cobar Peneplain and Darling Depression Bioregions of central western New South Wales (NSW) (NPWS 2000). The two reserves are considered large enough to withstand stochastic events such as drought and fire, with Nombinnie NR being 70,000 hectares and Nombinnie SCA 46,000 hectares (NPWS 2003; DEC 2005). The reserves are of high conservation significance as they contain the largest continuous stand of mallee remaining in NSW (NPWS 2003). Yathong and Round Hill Nature Reserves, which form part of this continuous stand of mallee, are situated on the western and eastern boundaries, respectively. This reserve system is also known to contain populations of threatened species and provides examples of other vegetation communities that are vulnerable in the Western Division of NSW such as Belah and Bimble box (NPWS 2003). If natural resource managers are Figure 1. Nombinnie NR and SCA are located in central to manage a large reserve system, it is an important western New South Wales. Australian Australian 510 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 511 Sass Spinifex grass, Triodia scariosa), grassland and scattered trees Results (12,300 hectares, Austrostipa sp. and Eucalyptus intertexta), Systematic surveys recorded a total of 204 individuals Bimble Box/Pine woodland (1,820 hectares, Eucalyptus from 33 species of reptiles during this study (Table 2). In populnea spp. Bimbili– Callitris glaucophylla), Broombush this study, Mallee shrubland had the highest number of (4,360 hectares, Melaleuca uncinata) and Belah/Wilga/Box reptiles with 18 species, whilst 15 species of reptile were woodland (4,230 hectares, Casuarina cristata, Geijera in Bimble box-pine woodland. parviflora, E.intertexta) (NPWS 2003). Nineteen species of reptile appeared to show some Survey methods vegetation specificity being found within only one Surveys were conducted between September and vegetation community. Examples of these include Smooth December 2003. Although the SCA had not yet been Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis (mallee), Western Blue gazetted, it was being managed by DEC under the tongue lizard Tiliqua occipitalis (mallee), Marble-headed management protocols of a SCA, and as such, is treated Snake-lizard Delma australis (mallee), Eastern Stone as managed land for the purpose of this paper. The Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus (mallee) and Thick-tailed location of the survey sites was stratified by vegetation Gecko Underwoodisaurus milii (grassland). Conversely, community. Surveys were based around a 2ha (100m Beaked Gecko Rynchoedura ornata and Shingleback Lizard x 200m) quadrat within each of the five different Tiliqua rugosa could be regarded as habitat generalists, vegetation types. An additional site was sampled in being recorded in all vegetation types. the mallee due to the large expanse of this vegetation Previous studies in the area community across the reserves (giving a total of 6 sites – MAL1, MAL2, GRS1, BIM1, BRM1, BEL1) (Table A review of scientific literature found a number of 1). Reptiles were surveyed using the hand searching previous studies of reptile fauna in Nombinnie and the technique (Blomberg and Shine 1996) with each of adjoining reserves of Yathong and Round Hill (Cogger the six sites having a search effort of 20 person hours, 1984; Caughley 1985; Henle 1987; Schlesinger et al. 1997; giving a total search effort of 120 person hours. Hand Driscoll 2004; Olsson et al. 2005). As Yathong and Round searches were conducted between 0700 and 2200 Hill NR’s share adjacent boundaries, form part of the eastern standard summer time at temperatures between largest area of continuous mallee in NSW with Nombinnie 15-43°C to cover a wide range of conditions. Reptiles and the all reserves are managed as a single landscape were located by walking randomly across the quadrat system (NPWS 1995; Hugh McNee, DEC, pers.com), it and searching through different microhabitats known is expected that reptile fauna in these reserves are also likely to be found at Nombinnie. A summary of previous to be inhabited by reptiles (Blomberg and Shine 1996). studies and this study are presented revealing a total of 50 Microhabitat searches included raking through leaf litter species of reptile fauna for the area (Table 3). and other ground debris, lifting and dividing clumps of spinifex grass, lifting logs, rocks and anthropogenic debris such as corrugated iron, viewing hollow logs and Discussion tree crevices. An important part of natural resource management is Nomenclature in this paper follows Swan, Shea and improving our understanding of biodiversity in managed Sadlier (2004). lands. Reptile fauna is one of the most poorly studied Table 1. Coordinates of sampling locations within Nombinnie Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area. (UTM, AGD66). Sampling ID Easting Northing Brief Site Description Broombush community dominated by Melaleuca uncinata. Bare ground with BRM1 410138 6346571 sparse herbage. No fallen timber present Open grassland community with scattered Eucalyptus intertexta. Minor GRS1 389259 6371363 amounts of fallen timber around trees. Scattered rocks also present. Mallee shrubland community dominated by Eucalyptus socialis and E. dumosa. Severe wildfire recently burnt 7,000 hectares of reserve. Sparse herbage MAL1 375048 6363906 appearing after recent rain, Mostly bare ground, but Spinifex starting to regenerate (but less than 150mm tall, less than 15% cover). Mallee shrubland community dominated by E.socialis and E.dumosa. Approx. 18 MAL2 382534 6330538 years since last fire. Mature Spinifex grass very common, around 300mm tall and 60% cover. Bimble box/pine community dominated by E.populnea and Callitris glaucophylla. Large, mature eucalyptus with many hollows. Lots of fallen timber and leaf litter. BIM1 393762 6329011 Diverse ground covers and grasses. Numerous amounts of corrugated iron and other metal scrap. Belah community intermixed with Wilga and Red Box. Large quantities of fallen BEL1 382365 6347021 timber, diverse ground cover, loose bark common, ground cover sparse in the community. Australian Australian 512 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 513 Reptile fauna Table 2. Reptile species and number of individuals observed within each vegetation community at Nombinnie NR and SCA. MAL= Mallee shrubland, BIM= Bimble box-pine woodland, BEL= Belah woodland, BRM= Broombush, GRS= Grassland with scattered trees. Scientific name Common name MAL1 MAL2 BIM BEL BRM GRS REPTILIA Gekkonidae Diplodactylus damaeus Beaded gecko 2 1 Diplodactylus steindachneri Box-patterned gecko 1 Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern stone gecko 3 Gehyra variegata Common dtella 6 Heteronotia binoei Prickly gecko 6 3 3 Nephrurus levis Smooth knob-tailed gecko 1 Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked gecko 3 1 6 3 2 7 Strophurus intermedius Southern spiny-tailed gecko 1 2 2 Underwoodisaurus milii Thick-tailed gecko 6 Pygopodidae Delma australis Marble-headed snake-lizard 1 Delma butleri Spinifex snake-lizard 2 Varanidae Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna 2 1 1 2 Varanus varius Lace Monitor 1 2 Agamidae Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri Nobbi dragon 3 Ctenophorus fordii Mallee dragon 10 1 Ctenophorus pictus Painted dragon 3 4 Pogona vitticeps Central bearded dragon 2 3 1 Scincidae Cryptoblepharus carnabyi 8 6 Ctenotus allotropis 2 1 Ctenotus atlas 4 Ctenotus robustus Robust ctenotus 2 1 3 Ctenotus schomburgkii 6 1 2 Egernia inornata Desert skink 2 1 1 Egernia striolata Tree skink 11 Lerista muelleri Three-toed lerista 2 Menetia greyii 5 Morethia boulengeri Boulenger’s morethia 12 Tiliqua occipitalis Western Blue-tongue 1 Tiliqua rugosa Shingleback lizard 2 1 8 7 2 6 Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue 2 Elapidae Pseudechis australis Mulga snake 1 1 Pseudonaja textilis Eastern brown snake 1 Suta dyweri Dywers black-headed snake 1 2 Total individuals 7 42 58 41 15 40 Total species 3 18 15 8 9 13 taxa of vertebrate across the vast majority of Australian This study provides additional information to natural ecosystems when compared with birds and mammals resource managers on the distribution of reptiles in (Mac Nally and Brown 2001). The paucity of knowledge Nombinnie NR and SCA with a total of 33 species of on reptile distribution across Australia is reflected in a reptile being recorded (Table 2). In addition, a review number of published range extensions in recent times of previous studies increases the total number of reptile (Fearn 1998; Gaikhurst 2002; Sass et al. 2005). species for the area to 50 (Table 3). Three species had Australian Australian 512 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 513 Sass Table 3. Reptiles recorded at Nombinnie NR & SCA, Yathong NR and Round Hill NR, based on this study (SAS), Cogger (COG) (1984), Caughley (CAU) (1986), Henle (HEN) (1987), Schlesinger et al (SCH) (1997), Driscoll (DRI) (2004) and Olsson et al (OLS) (2005). R= Recorded. Scientific name Common name SAS COG CAU HEN SCH DRI OLS REPTILIA Gekkonidae Diplodactylus byrnei Gibber gecko R Diplodactylus damaeus Beaded gecko R R R R R R Diplodactylus steindachneri Box-patterned gecko R R Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern stone gecko R R R R Gehyra dubia Dubious dtella R Gehyra variegata Common dtella R R R Heteronotia binoei Prickly gecko R R Nephrurus levis Smooth knob-tailed gecko R R R Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked gecko R R R R R R R Strophurus intermedius Southern spiny-tailed gecko R R R R R R Underwoodisaurus milii Thick-tailed gecko R R R R Pygopodidae Delma australis Marble-headed snake-lizard R Delma inornata Plain snake-lizard R Delma butleri Spinifex snake-lizard R R Lialis burtonis Burtons legless lizard R R Pygopus lepidopodus Common scaly-foot R R Pygopus schraderi R Varanidae Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna R R R R R Varanus varius Lace Monitor R R R R Agamidae Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri Nobbi dragon R R R R R Ctenophorus fordii Mallee dragon R R R R R Ctenophorus pictus Painted dragon R R R R R R Pogona vitticeps Central bearded dragon R R R R R R R Scincidae Cryptoblepharus carnabyi R R R R R Ctenotus allotropis R R R R R Ctenotus atlas R R R R R R Ctenotus regius Royal ctenotus R R Ctenotus robustus Robust ctenotus R R R R R Ctenotus schomburgkii R R R R R R R Egernia inornata Desert skink R R R R R Egernia striolata Tree skink R R R Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad banded sand-swimmer R Lerista muelleri Three-toed lerista R R R R R Lerista punctovittata Spotted lerista R R R R R R Menetia greyii R R R R Morethia boulengeri Boulenger’s morethia R R R R Morethia obscura Dull morethia R R R Tiliqua occipitalis Western Blue-tongue R R Tiliqua rugosa Shingleback lizard R R R Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue R R Australian Australian 514 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 515 Reptile fauna Typhlopididae Ramphotyphlops australis Southern blind snake R R Ramphotyphlops Prong-snouted blind snake R R R bituberculatus Elapidae Brachyurophis australis Australian coral snake R R R R Pseudechis australis Mulga snake R Pseudonaja nuchalis Western brown snake R R R Pseudonaja textilis Eastern brown snake R Suta dyweri Dywers black-headed snake R R R Suta nigriceps Short-tailed snake R Suta suta Curl snake R Vermicella annulata Bandy bandy R NO. OF SPECIES 33 36 21 23 20 12 23 not been recorded in the previous studies (Marble- major component of its diet. Both the Beaked Gecko and headed Snake-lizard, Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja Desert Skink form a major part of reptile communities in textilis, Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis). The larger a post-fire mallee environment (Caughley 1985, Sass and species are more likely to be found during active hand Wilson, unpubl. data) This may be due to their ability to searches rather than being captured using conventional use burrows and soil cracks (Swan et al. 2004) (pers.obs.), methods such as pitfall traps. The records for these three which may lead to an increased chance of survival both species highlights the importance of using a method during a fire event and from predators in a post-fire other than pitfall trapping (Blomberg and Shine 1996; environment. Swan and Foster 2005). It is likely that by using only Bimble box-pine woodland also had high reptile species random transects and hand searches and not other diversity with 15 species recorded. Previous studies in this methods such as pitfall trapping, species such as blind vegetation community have also yielded high diversity snakes and sand-swimmers could have been missed, (Wassens et al. 2005). As with the mallee, some species demonstrating a limitation to this study. of reptiles were only recorded in Bimble box-pine. These Eighteen species of reptile were recorded in mallee, included the Eastern Blue tongue Lizard Tiliqua scincoides, representing the highest species diversity of the vegetation Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri and Nobbi Dragon types sampled. Further, eight species of reptile were found Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri. The Eastern Blue tongue lizard only in mallee and no other vegetation community. This has long been considered to be an opportunist, having habitat specificity has been previously recorded for species become quite common in metropolitan areas across such as the Western Blue Tongue Lizard and Marble- Australia (Koenig et al. 2001). However, during this study headed Snake Lizard (Swan et al. 2004), and Ctenotus at Nombinnie, it would appear that this species is rarely atlas (Henle 1987), however, other species such as the found in other vegetation communities. Box-patterned Gecko Diplodactylus steindachneri, have Within the Belah woodlands eight species of reptile were been found throughout a variety of semi-arid habitats recorded. Two species of reptile appeared restricted to (Swan et al. 2004; Swan and Foster 2005). This result this vegetation community. Both Common Dtella Gehyra may be a reflection of the limited number of search hours variegata and Tree Skink Egernia striolata were found only during this study and it is likely that this species may in Belah woodlands. Tree Skinks have shown similar inhabit other vegetation communities. habitat specificity elsewhere (Sass et al. 2004). Almost 25% of all individuals observed in Belah comprised Tree Mallee supported the highest number of habitat Skinks suggesting that this species is prolific within these specialists. Many species of reptile are also known to woodlands. rely on the dense, protective spines of spinifex grass to provide refuge, feeding and breeding areas (Cogger Eight species were also recorded in Broombush, however, 1969; Fyfe 1980; Caughley 1985; Sadlier and Shea the abundance of reptiles was significantly lower with 1989). The results of this study clearly suggest that areas only 15 individuals observed. This vegetation community of mallee with spinifex grass support a greater diversity provides little habitat heterogeneity with important and abundance of reptiles compared to areas of mallee microhabitat features such as fallen timber, hollow logs, without spinifex grass. leaf litter and fallen and loose bark, absent. Further, no species of reptile appeared restricted to this vegetation Only seven individuals from three species (Shingleback community. Lizard, Beaked Gecko and Desert Skink) were recorded at the MAL1 site. This site had a scarcity of spinifex Thirteen species of reptile fauna were found in the grass and other habitat attributes such as fallen timber grassland communities of Nombinnie. Four species of because of a large wildfire (>7,000 hectares) in 2002 reptile were only recorded at the grassland site (Eastern (NPWS 2003). The presence of the Shingleback Lizard is Brown Snake, Thick-tailed Gecko, Three-toed Lerista probably explained by a flush of fresh herbage that forms a Lerista muelleri and Menetia greyii). The numerous Australian Australian 514 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 515 Sass scattered trees throughout the grasslands provide unburnt mature spinifex were located within 50 m. Thus the important habitat components for reptiles, such as fallen mix of records from mallee with and without spinifex grass timber and loose bark. understorey indicates that further study of this threatened species is necessary to refine its habitat requirements and Two species recorded during this study, the Western Blue develop conservation strategies. tongue Lizard and the Marble-headed Snake Lizard, are listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation This study has shown that although there are a number Act, 1995. The Western Blue Tongue Lizard is listed as of common reptile species found across a variety of Vulnerable while the Marble-headed Snake-lizard is listed vegetation communities at Nombinnie, there are as Endangered. Both species were found at only one mallee also a number of habitat specialists. Mallee with an site (MAL2). The Western Blue Tongue Lizard has been understorey of spinifex grass provides high value habitat opportunistically recorded in Yathong NR (G. Swan, for a number of reptile species, including two threatened pers.com), Round Hill NR (Cogger 1984), Nombinnie reptile species. The records for the Western Blue NR in 2005 (C. Coombes, CSU, pers.com), and nearby Tongue Lizard and Marble-headed Snake-Lizard, both at Matakana in 2000 (D. Egan, DEC, pers.com). The of which are listed under the NSW Threatened Species observations of Swan, Egan and Coombes were made in Conservation Act, 1995, are significant. The study has mallee with a spinifex understorey, however, Cogger found presented additional information for natural resource this species in areas of mallee without spinifex. The sighting managers on the reptile diversity across a variety of by Coombes in 2005 was in close proximity to the MAL1 vegetation communities found throughout western site (< 1km), which was also regenerating from the 2002 NSW. Nombinnie NR and SCA host a high diversity of fire. The spinifex grass cover was quite short (<150mm) reptiles and the reserves should be considered of high and sparse (15% cover) (pers.obs), however, vast areas of value in terms of regional conservation. Acknowledgements This study was performed under scientific licence issued by thank nghenvironmental for supporting my ‘herpetological’ the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW interests and Charles Sturt University for providing limited Agriculture Animal Ethics authority. The Cobar and Griffith support in the writing of this manuscript. Gerry Swan, district offices of the Department of Environment and Christopher Coombes and David Egan provided additional Conservation allowed access into Nombinnie and provided records for the Western Blue tongue Lizard for which I am vegetation data in a geographic information system. Gerry grateful. Mark Wilson of Charles Sturt University provided Swan, Daniel Lunney and Brad Law provided valuable excellent spatial support and produced the map in this paper. comments on this manuscript and I thank the two other Finally, thank you to my wife Linda and my four children for referees for their comments and suggestions. I especially “putting up” with my long absences in the field. References Blomberg, S. and Shine, R. 1996. Reptiles. Pp 218-226 in Fyfe, G. 1980. The effect of fire on lizard communities in central Ecological Census Techniques: a handbook. Ed. by J. Sutherland, Australia. Herpetofauna 12: 1-9. Cambridge University Press. Gaikhurst, G. 2002. Comments on range extension, Caughley, J. 1985. Effect of fire on the reptile fauna of mallee. conservation issues and the identity of Lerista axillaris (Lacertilia: Pp 31-34 in Biology of Australasian frogs and reptiles. Ed. by G. Scincidae). Herpetofauna 32: 6-10. Grigg, R. Shine and H. Ehmann, Royal Zoological Society of Halliger, M. 1993. Reptiles on regenerating mine sites in New South Wales. Sydney. western New South Wales. Pp 327-332 in Herpetology in Australia Cogger, H. 1969. A study of the ecology and biology of : A Diverse Discipline. Ed. by D. Lunney D and D. Ayers D. Royal the Mallee Dragon (Amphibolurus fordi) and its adaptations Zoological Society of New South Wales. Sydney. to survival in an arid environment. PhD thesis, Macquarie Henle, K. 1987. A survey of the herpetofauna of the Yathong University. Nature Reserve, New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 24: 94-99. Cogger, H.G. 1984. Reptiles in the Australian arid zone. Koenig, J., Shine, R., and Shea, G. 2001. The ecology of an Pp 235-252 in Arid Australia. Ed. by H.G. Cogger and E.E. Australian reptile icon: how do blue-tongued lizards (Tiliqua Cameron, The Australian Museum, Sydney. scincoides) survive in suburbia? Wildlife Research 28: 215-227. Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Mac Nally, R and Brown, GW. 2001. Reptiles and habitat New Holland, Sydney. fragmentation in box-ironbark forests of central Victoria, Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) 2005 Australia : predictions, compositional change and faunal www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. nestedness. Oecologia 128: 116-125. Driscoll, D.A. 2004. Extinction and outbreaks accompany NPWS. 1995. Yathong Nature Reserve, Nombinnie Nature Reserve fragmentation of a reptile community. Ecological Applications and Round Hill Nature Reserve: Plan of Management. NSW 14: 220-240. National Parks & Wildlife Service, Griffith and Cobar. Fearn, S. 1998. A range extension for the Scrub python Morelia NPWS. 2000. Land Systems of the Cargelligo and Narrandera amethistina (Serpentes: Biodae): a record from Magnetic Island, Map Sheets within the Cobar Peneplain Biogeographic Region. NSW north Queensland. Herpetofauna 28: 39-40. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Sydney. Australian Australian 516 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 517 Reptile fauna NPWS. 2003. Fire Management Plan : Yathong, Nombinnie Sass, S., Wassens, S., Swan, G., and Thompson, L. 2005. and Round Hill Nature Reserves. NSW National Parks and A range extension for the spinifex snake-lizard Delma butleri Wildlife Service, Griffith. (PYGOPODIDAE) : A record from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, New South Wales. Herpetofauna 35: 48-50. Olsson, M., Wapstra, E., Swan, G., Snaith, E., Clarke, R., and Madsen, T. 2005. Effects of long-term fox baiting Schlesinger, C.A., Noble, J.C., and Weir, T. 1997. Fire studies on species composition and abundance in an Australian in mallee (Eucalyptus spp.) communities of western New South lizard community. Austral Ecology 30: 899-905. Wales : reptile and beetle populations in sites of differing fire history. Rangeland Journal 19: 190-205. Sadlier, R.A. and Pressey, R.L. 1994. Reptiles and amphibians of particular conservation concern in the Swan, G. and Foster, R. 2005. The reptiles and amphibians western division of New South Wales : a preliminary review. of Mutawintji National Park, western NSW. Australian Zoologist Biological Conservation 69: 41-54. 33: 39-48. Sadlier, R.A. and Shea, G.M. 1989. The reptiles of Swan, G., Shea, G., and Sadlier, R. 2004. Field guide to the reptiles of New South Wales. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes region. Herpetofauna 19: 9-27. Wassens, S., Sass, S., and Swan, G. 2005. Reptile communities in the vegetation remnants of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Sass, S., Wassens, S., Swan, G., and Thompson, L. Area, New South Wales. Herpetofauna 35: 66-71. 2004. Reptile diversity in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area : a baseline survey. Charles Sturt University, Johnstone Centre. Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2003. A complete guide to the reptiles of Wagga Wagga. Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. 1 MAL2 site with mature spinifex understorey amongst Eucalyptus socialis X and E.dumosa. I Photo: S. Sass D N E P P A Desert Skink, Egernia inornata. Photo: S. Sass Australian Australian 516 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 517 Sass 1 Prickly Geckos, Heteronotia binoei, were more common around bimble box/ X pine woodland. I Photo: S. Sass D N E P P A Central Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps. Photo: S. Sass Beaked Geckos, Rhynchoedura ornata, were common across all vegetation communities. Photo: S. Sass Australian Australian 518 Zoologist volume 33 (4) December 2006 December 2006 Zoologist volume 33 (4) 519