❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the conservation status of the lined skink and other lizards in Perth's urban bushland, raising concerns about habitat loss and the potential impact of climate change on lizard populations. The Minister acknowledges the concerns and highlights existing monitoring systems.
AnsweredQoN 2487Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the lined skink identified in the Beeliar Reserve and listed by the Department of Environment and Conservation as a priority three species, at risk by loss of habitat?
(2) Which other lizards identified in Perth’s urban bushland, are listed as endangered or threatened or as a priority species and where is their habitat?
(3) Is the Minister aware of the journal Science collaborative study, which states, -
(a) 20 percent of all lizard species will be extinct by 2080, unless action is taken, to slow the rate of global warming; and
(b) in Australia, the number of lizards could decline from around 800 species, to less than 650 species, in the next 70 years?
(2) Which other lizards identified in Perth’s urban bushland, are listed as endangered or threatened or as a priority species and where is their habitat?
(3) Is the Minister aware of the journal Science collaborative study, which states, -
(a) 20 percent of all lizard species will be extinct by 2080, unless action is taken, to slow the rate of global warming; and
(b) in Australia, the number of lizards could decline from around 800 species, to less than 650 species, in the next 70 years?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 August 2010
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
56 days
(1) The lined skink is listed on the Department's priority species list as a Priority 3 species, and is found in the Beeliar Regional Park. Priority 3 listing means that the species requires further survey before its conservation status can be definitively determined and so it is not possible to state that this species is at risk by loss of habitat.
(2) There are no species of lizard recorded in the Perth metropolitan area that are specially protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950
as threatened species with a ranking of vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.
(3) (a) - (b) I was not aware of this specific study, which I believe was entitled "Erosion of Lizard Diversity by Climate Change and Altered Thermal Niches". I understand that this study has 26 authors and is based largely on work in Mexico with some comparisons internationally. I understand the paper involves speculative modelling and may be subject to challenge. I can assure the Member that the Department of Environment and Conservation has systems in place to detect lizard species declines in Western Australia. I thank the Hon Member for bringing this study to my attention.
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(2) There are no species of lizard recorded in the Perth metropolitan area that are specially protected under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950
as threatened species with a ranking of vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.
(3) (a) - (b) I was not aware of this specific study, which I believe was entitled "Erosion of Lizard Diversity by Climate Change and Altered Thermal Niches". I understand that this study has 26 authors and is based largely on work in Mexico with some comparisons internationally. I understand the paper involves speculative modelling and may be subject to challenge. I can assure the Member that the Department of Environment and Conservation has systems in place to detect lizard species declines in Western Australia. I thank the Hon Member for bringing this study to my attention.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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