Shrubland Morethia Skink

Natural Shelter

Shrubland Morethia Skinks rely on camouflage to survive and are adaptable to home gardens planted with shrubs, ground covers and a good layer of leaf litter or mulch. As their name suggests, a garden with dense shrubs and clumping grasses will provide additional protection. They are a coastal species and will enjoy open sandy areas around the garden to bask. Plenty hiding areas will help lizards escape and shelter from cats and dogs.

Novel Shelter

Below is a habitat box template for lizards. Ideally, install the box under some shrubs and surrounded by leaf litter. Before you build:

• Nest-boxes are a long-term commitment and need maintenance and repair over time.
• Chipboard is okay, but degrade after a year of use.
• Hardier and untreated timber (i.e. Jarrah) will last longer and are less prone to attack by fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms.
• Keep away from treated timber as this can emit fumes toxic to wildlife and their young.
• Avoid using metal wire inside a box. A wooden ladder on the inside of the nest-box is much more suitable or grooved timber will work well.
• Maintenance is critical to ensure wildlife remain safe.

Alternatives to a habitat box include large terracotta pipes or up turned pots partially buried under the ground and under shrubs. These mimic hollow logs or crevices under large rocks and provide excellent shelter.

Providing natural sources of food

Shrubland Morethia Skinks prey on invertebrates. Planting a variety of native plants in the garden will attract potential prey for lizards. These include flowering shrubs, ground covers, and clumping grasses. Mulch and leaf litter in the garden will provide additional foraging habitat.

Providing sources of water

A shallow water dish with pebbles or small stones will provide a safe place to drink. They are at risk of falling into frog ponds and drowning. Partly submerge a large rock with a gradual incline at the edge of a pond. This will provide lizards with an easy escape if they fall in.