OUR VISION: that our most vulnerable skinks are protected for future generations, their vital role in biodiversity conserved

OUR GOAL: to survey local populations of Swamp Skink and Glossy Grass Skink and increase habitat through revegetation and enhancement

ABOUT THE SOS PROJECT

In Melbourne's East, the Swamp Skink (Lissolepis coventryi) and the Glossy Grass Skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni) are under significant threat due to the impacts on their habitat through rapid urbanisation, the draining of wetlands and polluting of waterways and changes in climate.  Over the last few decades, survey efforts have recorded declining numbers of these skinks. 

With your support, bushland reserves along the Dandenong Creek from Bayswater to Vermont will be surveyed by our dedicated citizen scientists to ascertain current populations of these skinks. The SOS Survey will involve grid arrangements of concrete roof tiles throughout various bushland reserves, surveyed regularly throughout Spring and early Summer by community volunteers and under the guidance of an authorised faunal survey expert. The SOS Survey data will inform the project's next stage of revegetation and habitat enhancement.

The SOS Campaign is the effort of First Friends of Dandenong Creek (FFDC) to enlist community support for these vulnerable and valuable species and those dependent on them.

Swamp Skink.  Photo: Craig Boase

Glossy Grass Skink. Photo: Nick Gale

Being cold-blooded, skinks draw their heat and energy by basking in the sun. Consequently, great skink habitat requires open areas of low vegetation where the warmth of the sun can penetrate to heat the surface areas. Ground covers provide necessary protection from prey and cosy homes for skinks to nest and reproduce.

The SOS Survey data will help inform strategic revegatative works and habitat enhancement in consultation with Knox City Council, Maroondah Council and Melbourne Water.

This project can provide a template for conservation efforts in other areas and for other species too!

Swamp Skink. Photo: Andrej Hohmann

Volunteers conducting survey work and inspecting a concrete roof tile. Photo: Lee Denis

WHO ARE WE?

First Friends of Dandenong Creek (FFDC) was formed in May 1999 by a group of residents concerned about the state and development of the middle reaches of Dandenong Creek and surrounds between Bayswater Rd in Bayswater and Boronia Rd in Wantirna/Vermont in Melbourne's outer east.

Working with Melbourne Water, Knox and Maroondah Councils, the EPA and the Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Knox Environmental Society (KES), EastLink, Vic Roads, Landcare Victoria, the Victorian Government's 'Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning' (DELWP), and the list goes on! Our overall aim is to return our section of the Dandenong Creek to its original condition as far as possible. Maybe one day we will see the return of the platypus.  

Specifically FFDC's aims are to:

• Improve the quality of the water

• Reduce litter

• Control weeds

• Re-establish indigenous flora and fauna in appropriate areas

• Improve recreational facilities and safety along the corridor

• Encourage local community participation in our activities

• Foster an appreciation of the corridor’s history and environmental significance

Our Website

Our Facebook

FFDC's SOS Survey will be conducted under the careful instruction of an authorised faunal survey expert, with the appropriate DELWP survey licenses.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT & HELP US TODAY

The SOS Campaign is being matched dollar for dollar by the Victorian Government. By pledging to SOS, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), have pledged their commitment by matching your contribution upon the success of this SOS Campaign ($4000).

This is an all-or-nothing platform, so unless we reach our target, we receive none of the pledged funds or the Victorian Government's co-contribution. Together we can maximise the funding for these vulnerable creatures!

Volunteers undertaking surveys. Photo: David De Angelis

Everyone who donates will be invited to attend an information evening with Zoologist, David De Angelis hosted by FFDC. Date TBC

So dig deep and watch the changes your support can make for our threatened species and the precious remaining areas of habitat for biodiversity. Let's together ensure that Australia remains the Skink and Lizard Capital of the World!

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE SKINKS?

Photo: Nick Gale & Craig Boase

For further information on the Swamp Skinks

SWIFFT - State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams

Rare Swamp Skink re-discovered in Peninsula Park

For further information on the Glossy Grass Skink:

Grasslands - Biodiversity of South-Eastern Australia

Museum Victoria

Acknowledgements

• Creative team: Lex Edmond, Siobhan Singleton, Jude Dwight, Anthony Bigelow, Craig Boase, Artful Web Print Design, Jayden Reiher
• Images: Cameron Brown, Craig Boase, David De Angelis, Penny Richards, Nick Gale, Jules Farquhar, Andrej Hohmann, Lee Denis
• Tile donation: Eaves Up Roof Restoration
• With thanks to Matt Campbell, Angela Steffensen, Knox Environment Society, Knox Bushland Biodiversity team, Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee and Bec Nichols, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

$1500   Zoologist fieldwork (15hrs+)

   $200   Survey Costs (safety gear, training & packs for volunteers)

$1200   Revegetation (600 tubestock from Knox Environment Society).

   $400   Habitat enhancement (additional logs and rocks, machinery costs)

   $700   Promotional rewards (capped at $700. If less are claimed remaining funds will go to additional tubestock and habitat)

$4000   Further revegetation, water quality and wetland enhancement.    

$8000 TOTAL

Photo: Jules Farquhar