Relative use of three types of artificial retreats by terrestrial lizards in grazed coastal shrubland, New Zealand

Lettink, Marieke; Cree, Alison

doi:10.1163/157075407781268336

Cited by 47 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Retreats were set out 3-4 weeks before trapping began and removed after it was completed each year. Artificial retreats were three-layer stacks of 40 × 28 cm sections of Onduline roofing material (distributed by Composite Insulation, Christchurch, NZ) with separators to create 1 cm gaps between the layers (Lettink & Cree 2007;Wilson et al 2007). In exposed locations, rocks were placed on the retreats to prevent displacement by wind.…”

Section: Counting Skinks In Artificial Retreatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To maximise repeatability between surveys, pitfall traps should be placed permanently or at marked positions. Artificial retreats used for monitoring should not be left in place long-term, as they may lead to patches of atypically high skink density (Souter et al 2004;Lettink & Cree 2007;Batson et al 2015) or competitive exclusion of small individuals (Batson et al 2015). Future investigations of artificial retreats for monitoring skinks should use consistent device layouts, and we suggest that both pitfall traps and artificial retreats be spaced 2 m apart in a 5 × 5 formation (Lettink et al 2011).…”

Section: Behavioural Responses Of Skinks To Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing and comparing population densities and indices of skinks under three predator management regimes

Wilson¹,

Mulvey²,

Clarke³

et al. 2017

NZ J Ecol

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Introduced mammalian predators threaten populations of endemic New Zealand skinks. Their effects on skink populations have been not often quantified on the mainland and are known primarily from skink population increases on islands from which mammals have been eradicated. Estimating skink population density with capture-recapture trapping is time-consuming and costly. Counting skinks in artificial retreats in specific weather conditions may be a useful and relatively quick way to index population density, but needs calibration for different habitats and species. In 2007 and 2009, we estimated the population density of small terrestrial skinks (McCann's skink Oligosoma maccanni, southern grass skink O. aff. polychroma clade 5 and cryptic skink O. inconspicuum), based on spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) in pitfall traps in three mammal-management treatments at Macraes Flat, Otago. The treatments were eradication of large predators and near-eradication of rodents inside a mammal-resistant fence, suppression of mammalian predator populations through continuous trapping (two locations within an extensive area), and no mammal management. We tested for relationships between the estimated population densities and dawn and late-morning counts of skinks in artificial retreats. Skink density (three species combined) ranged from c. 1200 per ha at the experimental control site to c. 4000 per ha at the fenced site. These treatment differences in skink density may be the combined effect of predator management and pre-existing differences due to habitat characteristics and farming practices. Skink counts done in late morning (2009) were related to estimated skink densities but did not differ significantly between treatments. Skink counts done at dawn (both years) were not related to densities. Counts, but not densities, were significantly higher at locations with a more northerly aspect. We recommend further investigation of the utility of skink counts in artificial retreats for monitoring skink density at this location, with careful control of ambient temperature during sampling, and of aspect, habitat and device placement.

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Section: Counting Skinks In Artificial Retreatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Behavioural Responses Of Skinks To Capturementioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing and comparing population densities and indices of skinks under three predator management regimes

Wilson¹,

Mulvey²,

Clarke³

et al. 2017

NZ J Ecol

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“…Initially random sampling points were generated and the householders at these points were asked if they would consent to have an artificial cover object (ACO) placed in their property. ACOs have previously been shown to be effective in detecting skinks and geckos (Lettink & Cree, 2007;Thierry, Lettink, Besson, & Cree, 2009;Wilson, Mulvey, & Clark, 2007). ACOs consisted of a 400 mm × 280 mm sheet of a lightweight corrugated roofing and cladding product made of organic fibres saturated with bitumen (Onduline), and weighted with a rock (Lettink & Cree, 2007).…”

Section: Detection Of Skinksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proximity to source populations and untidy gardens predict occurrence of a small lizard in an urban area

Heezik¹,

Ludwig²

2012

Landscape and Urban Planning

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“…We used artificial retreats (ARs) made of three layers of Onduline roofing material (400)280 mm), with 10-mm gaps between the layers (Lettink & Cree 2007). A small rock was placed on the top layer to prevent displacement by wind.…”

Section: Artificial Retreatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…ARs were checked twice, first after a minimum placement period of 4 weeks and then again after a minimum of 7 weeks, when the temperature was low and lizards inactive, usually in early morning beginning before sunrise (Lettink & Cree 2007;Wilson et al 2007). The suitable time span was usually short and only one site could be checked per day.…”

Section: Artificial Retreatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution, status and conservation measures for lizards in limestone areas of South Canterbury, New Zealand

Frank

Wilson

2011

New Zealand Journal of Zoology

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The limestone outcrops of South Canterbury are outstanding landscape features, and many contain remnant native flora and fauna. Three skink species and four gecko species have been found there in subfossil remains. In 2008 the limestone habitats were surveyed to find which lizard species were present and to index their abundance, based on visual observation, artificial cover objects, pitfall traps, and searches of retreat sites. Common skinks (Oligosoma polychroma), McCann's skinks (O. maccanni) and Southern Alps geckos (Hoplodactylus 'Southern Alps') were found. Though the jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) was not found in limestone areas, three small populations were located elsewhere in South Canterbury. The species with the widest distribution and the highest number of sightings was the Southern Alps gecko. The two skink species were not observed living sympatrically. Both were found in low numbers in isolated pockets of suitable habitat. Conservation measures that might benefit these native lizards include reduced grazing as well as retention or addition of rock piles.

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Relative use of three types of artificial retreats by terrestrial lizards in grazed coastal shrubland, New Zealand

Cited by 47 publications

References 29 publications

Assessing and comparing population densities and indices of skinks under three predator management regimes

Assessing and comparing population densities and indices of skinks under three predator management regimes

Proximity to source populations and untidy gardens predict occurrence of a small lizard in an urban area

Distribution, status and conservation measures for lizards in limestone areas of South Canterbury, New Zealand

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