Year 7I Iramoo Grasslands Excursion

Last chance to see …the fate of the striped legless lizard

On Friday 11 December, our 7I science students ventured to the wilds of the Iramoo grasslands, adjacent to Victoria University accompanied by intrepid adventurers, Ms Mortimer and Ms Donaldson. The Cairnlea Conservation and Iramoo grassland reserves provide remnant habitat for many endemic flora and fauna, including the striped legless lizard (Delmar impar).

Grassland ecologist, Dr Megan O’Shea, a striped legless lizard (“stripey”) expert, shared her fascinating research with the students, including many interesting facts about grassland species. For example, did you know that the striped legless lizard is closely related to the gecko and has small ears, a long tail, squeaks when disturbed and washes its’ eyes with its’ tongue? That is, it is not to be confused with a snake! Sadly, we learnt that only 0.1% of the native grasslands remain and that many species, including “stripey” are threatened by urban development, weed invasion, feral species and habitat destruction.

The challenge for the St Albans Community is to recognise the value of the Cairnlea Conservation grassland reserves to ensure that it is not "the last chance to see" stripey.

Check out: Saving Six Grasslands Species Project at http://www.pozible.com/project/201362

Ms Mortimer

Science Teacher