Rare reptile sighting near Adelaide Hills reservoir

A rare goanna, which may have fewer than 500 individuals left on mainland South Australia, has been spotted at the Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve, for the first time in decades.

The Heath Goanna – which can be identified by dark curved bands on the neck and small pale spots – is endangered due to habitat loss, predation by cats, foxes and dogs and a high road mortality rate.

During a recent routine inspection of the Mount Bold site, SA Water’s Land and Fire Management Officer Damian Stam came across a lone goanna and said it was wonderful to see it living in this environment.

“I wasn’t aware this type of lizard was at Mount Bold, and our District Leader who has worked at the reservoir reserve for 37 years has never seen one,” Damian said.

“Heath Goannas have specific environmental needs for survival, including requiring a large area of native vegetation to help them find enough food and maintain sustainable populations.

“The Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve provides plenty of space, with a 5500 hectare area of bushland, a water source, termite mounds where they can incubate their eggs and fallen tree branches to shelter from predators.

“The recent sighting is also good news for other local native wildlife, as the goannas assist in pest control, with rabbits, mice and rats some of their common prey.”

SA Water’s lizard sighting provides a timely reminder to the community to watch out for extra activity from other reptiles while visiting any of South Australia’s reservoir reserves.

“Despite the recent wetter than normal conditions, snakes will soon begin to emerge from hibernation,” Damian said.

“Spring has started and the weather will eventually warm up, which means snakes are becoming more active.

“We encourage people to be mindful – particularly near the water at reservoir reserves, where people enjoy walking, running and cycling – of snakes that are slithering out from a winter sleep.

“It’s important to note that snakes will normally try to avoid humans, but it’s still best to be aware and take precautions such as wearing long pants and enclosed shoes while walking along bush trails.”

Contact:

Phone:

Email: