Save Our Skinks

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. 

Thanks to local groups, businesses and individuals whose donations were matched dollar for dollar by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), $8,000 was raised for the project. Bushland reserves along the Dandenong Creek from Bayswater to Vermont are being 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.

For more information, please see the First Friends of Dandenong Creek Website. 

The SOS Campaign is the effort of First Friends of Dandenong Creek (FFDC)  with help from the Knox Environemnt Society. 

*All survey work conducted under permit. If you would like to volunteer you must become a member of either the First Friends of Dandenong Creek or the Knox Environment Society.