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Science gave this rare lizard a name – and it may already be headed for extinction

<p>Bushfires are a threat to most animal species. But for one rare lizard living on a rocky island in the sky, a single blaze could wipe the species off the planet.</p> <p>The Kaputar rock skink (<em>Egernia roomi</em>) is thought to have have one of the smallest ranges of any reptile in New South Wales – at the summit of a single extinct volcano, Mount Kaputar.</p> <p>The existence of this mysterious skink was informally known for decades, and in August last year the species was finally <a href="https://journals.australianmuseum.net.au/sadlier-2019-rec-aust-mus-715-183197/">scientifically described</a>. But months later, it may already be headed for extinction.</p> <p>Late last year, bushfires are thought to have ripped through <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/bushfire-recovery/priority-animals">more than half</a> the Kaputar rock skink’s habitat. We don’t yet know what this means for its survival, but the outlook is not good.</p> <p><strong>A very special skink</strong></p> <p>The Kaputar rock skink is handsome lizard, typically around 10 centimetres in body length, with dark chocolate brown and grey scales and an orange belly.</p> <p>It’s found in the Nandewar Ranges near Narrabri. The ranges – weathered remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions between 21 and 17 million years ago – rise out of the surrounding plains in a series of breathtaking rock formations.</p> <p>The <a href="https://australianmuseum.net.au/blog/amri-news/kaputar-rock-skink/">Kaputar rock skink</a> lives on one of these outcrops, Mount Kaputar. It exists on a narrow band of rock at the summit, more than 1,300 metres above sea level.</p> <p>This high elevation areas is cooler than the surrounding plains, which suits this cool-adapted species perfectly. But the species’ tiny range means it’s highly vulnerable. When danger strikes, the Kaputar rock skink has nowhere to go.</p> <p><strong>When the fires hit</strong></p> <p>Bushfires tore through the Nandewar Ranges in October and November last year, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-29/giant-pink-slug-mount-kaputar-national-park-survived-bushfire/11911308">reportedly burning</a> more than 17,000 hectares of bush. More than half of Kaputar rock skink habitat is believed to have burned.</p> <p>The expert panel advising the federal government on bushfire recovery has named the skink as one of 119 severely-affected species needing urgent conservation intervention. But the species’ rugged, remote habitat, combined with COVID-19 restrictions, have delayed efforts to assess the extent of the damage.</p> <p>It’s likely that many Kaputar rock skinks died during the fires themselves, although we hope others survived by crawling deep into rock cracks.</p> <p>But after the fires, threats remain. Vegetation loss may make the skinks easy prey, and in a charred landscape, there may be little for the reptiles to eat.</p> <p>History tells us fires do affect high-elevation skinks. For example, fire is thought to have driven the rock-dwelling Guthega skink (<em>Liopholis guthega</em>) to become <a href="https://journalofherpetology.org/doi/abs/10.1670/13-194">locally extinct</a> at some sites on the Bogong High Plains in northeast Victoria.</p> <p><strong>A mountain of threats</strong></p> <p>Species restricted to a small area are vulnerable to any loss of habitat. And fire is not the only threat to the Kaputar rock skink.</p> <p>Climate change is a big concern. While many species respond to increasing temperatures by migrating uphill to cooler climes, that’s not possible for the skink, which is already precariously perched on a summit.</p> <p>Introduced goats may also be <a href="https://journals.australianmuseum.net.au/sadlier-2019-rec-aust-mus-715-183197/">taking a toll</a> as they trample through the rocky terrain.</p> <p><a href="https://media.australianmuseum.net.au/media/dd/documents/1716_complete.f27b407.pdf">Evidence</a> suggests humans are also a disturbance to the Kaputar rock skink’s habitat. The reptiles live close to the edge of cliff lines that are readily accessible by walking tracks. Trampling of low vegetation has been observed at many sites, as have disturbed rocks – the latter possibly from people wanting to find and photograph the species.</p> <p><strong>Where to now?</strong></p> <p>Scientists know relatively little about the Kaputar rock skink. One thing we’re sure of, though, is that the species’ existence is threatened.</p> <p>Surveys are needed at known skink locations, as well as surrounding areas where it might lie undiscovered. Understanding where the species occurs and how it responds to fires, drought and other disturbances is critical to conservation efforts.</p> <p>Of course it’s the middle of winter now, so the skinks may not be very active on their cold mountain top. But my colleagues and I hope to travel to Mount Kaputar soon to survey the skink’s habitat and find out how the species fared.</p> <p>It’s just months since science officially <a href="https://twitter.com/skinks_iucn/status/1168266798757662720">welcomed</a> the Kaputar rock skink to the world. It’s far too early to say goodbye.</p> <p><em>Dane Trembath, an Australian Museum biologist with a focus on reptiles, contributed to this article.</em></p> <p><em>Written by Jodi Rowley. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-few-months-ago-science-gave-this-rare-lizard-a-name-and-it-may-already-be-headed-for-extinction-140356">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

Family & Pets

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The pet combinations that are most likely to hate each other

<p>These animal behaviour experts know which animals won't pair up and how to help the ones that can live peacefully in your animal kingdom.</p> <p><strong>Predator-prey relationships</strong></p> <p>Caring for the goldfish your kid won at the school carnival is fairly easy unless you have a curious cat waiting with a jar of tarter sauce nearby. It's not the cat's fault.</p> <p>But you should definitely keep natural instincts in mind before pairing up different species of pets.</p> <p>“Typically, in pairing we commonly stress predator-prey relationships in multi-species pairings. However, this is not always a factor,” states Brian W. Ogle, assistant professor and program coordinator, Anthrozoology at Beacon College Leesburg, Florida.</p> <p>“Early exposure during an animal's critical development period can greatly impact their ability to socialize.”</p> <p>For example, Dr. Ogle has two cats that live harmoniously with a rabbit.</p> <p>“This is only successful because my cats were exposed to rabbits as kittens and have grown up with them. Reinforcement of positive behaviors were critical.”</p> <p><strong>Different breeds of fish</strong></p> <p>That cute goldfish prefers a specific habitat that may not jibe with another type of fish.</p> <p>An animals' habitat plays a huge role in determining if animals can co-exist, especially in the case of fish and reptiles.</p> <p>Habitats aren't just about who gets the bigger rock to hide under, but things like natural history, eating patterns, and food types.</p> <p>For example, the cichlid fish should only be housed in cichlid communities, and you must know where the little guy comes from before introducing him to another cichlid.</p> <p>“For example, Lake Tanganyika cichlids can only be housed with other cichlids of the same area of origin. The different varieties of these cichlids each have their own unique habitat requirement,” says Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>Look for fish labeled 'community' for your aquarium as they do well in groups.</p> <p>However, caution is advised when joining fish that are labeled 'aggressive' or 'semi-aggressive' labelled fish.</p> <p><strong>Different breeds of bird</strong></p> <p>Some animals have distinctions that aren't easily detectable at first glance.</p> <p>Birds, for example, seem very similar, with the exception of their colorful plumage.</p> <p>Yet, each species has different habitats and unless you're an experienced bird owner and have the space and capability, Dr. Ogle says don't mix birds of different feathers.</p> <p>Yes, Polly does want a cracker but he's not sharing it with a canary.</p> <p><strong>Farm animals</strong></p> <p>Farm living often renders bucolic images of foals frolicking and cows grazing peacefully in lush green meadows.</p> <p>That's because farmer Mc Donald knows that some species don't play nice in the barnyard.</p> <p>“A surprising combination that does not work well together for most pet owners are ducks and chickens,” says Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>“They require vastly different habitats and physical needs.” </p> <p>Another odd couple is the rooster and drake (male duck). They can be aggressive in a flock.</p> <p>“Turkeys and chickens also have to be managed carefully. The main concern here is a parasitic infection known as blackhead disease,” says Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>As far as livestock goes, donkeys aren't too keen on dogs and need to be introduced to each other carefully. </p> <p><strong>Reptiles and amphibians</strong></p> <p>Reptiles and amphibians are in the herps family but not all should share a table at the family reunion.</p> <p>Some reptiles carry bacterial diseases that are usually harmless to them but could be harmful to another species.</p> <p>“This is especially true for animals that come from very different areas of the world and live in very different climates,” says Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>“It is not recommended mixing animals that do not naturally exist in the wild or share similar requirements in regard to climate, space and nutrition.”</p> <p>Reptiles have a difficult time communicating with other animals that don't share their communication methods.</p> <p>This results in unnecessary stress for both animals trying to coexist.</p> <p>“For example, you could not easily house an iguana with a desert tortoise due to their vastly different environmental needs. The same would go for a bearded dragon and tree frogs.”</p> <p><strong>Toxic animals</strong></p> <p>Some popular amphibians like the fire-belly toad and fire salamander produce a toxin that can be harmful to other amphibians or reptiles.</p> <p>“Even if the other animal does not attempt to eat their roommates, the build-up of toxins in the habitat can impact the other animal,” warns Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>Toxins from other animals isn't your only worry. Your backyard could contain toxins harmful to dogs as well.</p> <p><strong>Choose wisely</strong></p> <p>“When choosing to pair pets together in the same home, or as I like to call it 'building your pack' it's important to develop a strong understanding of your pets' personality traits such as focus characteristics, social style and experience level,” says Jessica O'Neill, canine behavior specialist and inventor of the JWalker dog harness. </p> <p>O'Neil recommends starting with one pet and creating a clear profile of that pet.</p> <p>Of course, that will take a bit of time so you can observe how your pet lives in his or her environment. Is your pet focused on their environment, the pack, you, social interaction, or a combination of these things? What is their social style? Are they high-strung, rough, calm, nervous, distant, etc.? What is your pet's experiences with other animals been like? There's a lot of information to collect.</p> <p>Some animals just can't be roommates based on natural factors but if you are thinking of pairing a cat and a dog, for example, certain skills and styles will complement each other and some will be a bad match.</p> <p>“For instance, pairing an introvert, environment-focused cat with a social, rough playing dog will not likely be an easy combination. Whereas a pairing a tolerant, owner-focused dog with balanced social skills and a young social dog with a rough play style may help prove to be an excellent combination,” says O'Neill.</p> <p>Even if the two animals become best buds, they will still require their own 'safe' place to retreat from each other.</p> <p>“Treat each pet as an individual as well as a member of the pack,” advises O'Neill.</p> <p><strong>Introducing your pets</strong></p> <p>Introducing unfamiliar animals to each other isn't something that should be done hastily.</p> <p>In fact, the animals shouldn't even meet face-to-face until they accustomed to each other's scents.</p> <p>“Keep the animals in separate rooms where they can smell one another, but cannot make physical contact. Once they feel comfortable in the space for some time, switch the two animals,” says Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>Now, the animals can become more familiar with the other animals scent without making physical contact. Do this as many times as possible. The goal is for the animals to appear nonreactive to the other animal's presence. Next step, is to introduce them through a barrier. A closed bathroom door allows the animals to smell each other and interact with limitations. If that process goes well, use a gate or cage, depending on the size of the animal.</p> <p>“Once the two animals have successfully been introduced, it is important to redirect any negative or aggressive behaviors and continuously reward positive behaviors,” instructs Dr. Ogle.</p> <p>“Your home should also be designed in a way that each of the animals have their own space that is theirs alone. This will allow them to retreat when necessary, but engage with the others on their own terms.”</p> <p><em>Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. </em><em>This article first appeared in </em><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/pets/pet-combinations-are-most-likely-hate-each-other"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p>

Family & Pets

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Camping is the best way to experience Lizard Island

<p><em><strong>Jenni Ogden, 68, is the author of </strong></em><strong>Fractured Minds</strong><em><strong> and </strong></em><strong>Trouble In Mind</strong><em><strong> and her first novel, </strong></em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27037952-a-drop-in-the-ocean" target="_blank">A Drop In The Ocean</a></span></strong><em><strong>, was published in May. She lives on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand.</strong></em></p> <p>Lizard Island. I’d yearned to go there ever since my days as a volunteer turtle tagger on Heron Island on the southern end of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Lying 1,197 kms north of Heron, Lizard had almost mythical status amongst the laid-back turtle research team on Heron. Its remoteness, beauty and fascinating history made up for the fact that our favorite beasts, green turtles, didn’t nest there in great numbers.</p> <p>Over the years I checked it out on the internet; not only was it much harder to get to than Heron or the many other islands we’d stayed on, but the only accommodation Lizard offered was in the boutique hotel, rumoured to be one of the top ten in the world, with prices to match. There was a research station, but my husband and I had moved to New Zealand and had different research interests by then, so staying there wasn’t an option.</p> <p>A few years ago, after retirement from our university careers, we purchased a small apartment north of Cairns, in order to escape our New Zealand winter for a few months every year. To ensure we didn’t become too boring we added camping trips in remote places to our winter activities, and I became an expert online booker of Queensland Parks and Wildlife campsites. And there it was; Lizard Island, a campsite for $10.60 a night for two, ten nights’ maximum stay. How come I’d never heard of this before? Looking at the August 2012 bookings online, there were not a lot of takers for the five sites. Even better.</p> <p>Getting there with our camping equipment and all food for ten days was the first challenge, but for a retired couple who that same winter intended to spend seven weeks driving our 4WD to the tip of Cape York and sleeping in a tent on the ground (“Geez mate, don’t wanna do that. Crocs. Get a roof-top tent.”) it was easy-peasy: Stick the camping stuff and boxes of food and wine on the resort barge a few days in advance, and then fly over in the hotel resort plane, direct from Cairns, making sure to arrive after our supplies. The resort plane cost what 8-seater planes do, but when divided by ten blissful nights costing only $106 for the entire time, it was a done deal.</p> <p>Aha. Second challenge. Getting our 100kgs of camping gear and food from the airstrip to the campground. No help from the boutique hotel. Each return trip of 2.4kms took an hour in the hot sun, much of it through deep soft sand. Eight return trips between us, staunchly ignoring the beckoning turquoise sea. But it was a delightful campsite and just us. Out on the bay ten or more catamarans were anchored; later we discovered these were the Grotty Yachties, the sea-faring versions of the 4WD camping Grey Nomads, babyboomers from the colder southern parts of Australia who took off for the tropics every winter.</p> <p>Challenge number three: We hadn’t brought a stove (weight considerations) because we’d read there was a gas barbeque and had stupidly assumed that it would be functional. Or that if it wasn’t there would be someone around to fix it. Nope. Fires strictly forbidden. Could John build a sneaky fireplace and leave no sign of it should any ranger ever come here again? I couldn’t possibly comment. We did note ample signs that past campers had chosen eating over the no-fire rule.</p> <p>Challenge number four: The pump. Salt-free water on an island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef can be hard to come by. We had been reliably informed on the Parks’ website that there was a historic pump near the campsite which would supply fresh water. The pump may have been installed by Captain Cook back in 1770 when ‘altogether at a loss, which way to steer’ he stopped by to climb to the highest point, naming the island for the monitor lizards that still roam here like prehistoric beasts. The pump first had to be primed. No instructions of course. We worked out that this could be accomplished by one person pouring water from the large container of salt water beneath it into the top of the pump, while the other pumped for dear life. Pity if you were a sole survivor. It was definitely a two-person operation. After five long minutes and much sweat, a spurt of water shot out of the spout, flushing with it the ghostly white belly and long back legs of a large frog. It clung tenaciously to the spout, its head and front legs still in the pump. After a few more vigorous pumps it plopped into the container below, its back vivid green cut through with a yellow line. It leapt superfrog-like back into the spout of the pump, but I was ready for it. We identified it as a tree frog and I carried it as far away from the pump as I had the energy to walk, depositing it in a tree by the brackish creek. Next day it was back in the pump, this time with a friend. Three days later the pump’s seal completely distintegrated, giving John a new way to exercise – trudging to the resort’s bar set up for the yachties, and trudging back again with two now-full 20 litre water containers in his backpack.</p> <p>But then there was the snorkeling, climbing in Captain Cook’s footsteps to Cook’s Look, drinking G &amp; Ts with the Grotty Yachties every evening when they rowed to the beach for their sundowners, and a highlight for me; explaining to a group of resort guests as they gazed in envy at our pretty camp on the very beach they had to walk to should they wish to snorkel: “It’s $10.60 a night if you desire a more challenging holiday next time!”</p> <p><em>Find more information about camping on Lizard Island <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lizard-island/about.html" target="_blank">here</a></strong></span>.</em></p> <p><em>To read more of Jenni’s writing, please visit her <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.jenniogden.com/" target="_blank">website here.</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><strong><em>If you have a story to share please get in touch at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:melody@oversixty.com.au" target="_blank">melody@oversixty.com.au</a></span>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/07/10-of-the-best-art-galleries-in-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 of the best art galleries in Australia</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/07/life-in-the-clouds-a-dream-in-yarra-valley/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Life in the clouds a dream in Yarra Valley</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/mcg-melbourne-greatest-stadium-in-world/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Is the MCG the world’s greatest stadium?</span></em></strong></a></p>

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