Survey of the reptiles and amphibians of Yarrigan National Park in the Pilliga forest of northern inland New South Wales

Abstract

A survey of the herpetofauna of Yarrigan National Park (NP), in the southern Pilliga forest in northern inland New South Wales, was done over the period 2011 to 2013. The total identified herpetofauna community comprised 11 frog species (three families) and 35 reptiles (10 families) and includes a mix of eastern (Bassian), western (Eyrean) and northern (Torresian) species. This study demonstrates the significant species diversity, biogeographical interest and conservation value of the Pilliga forest's herpetofauna. Noteworthy findings from this study included a number of declining woodland reptile species (Nobbi Diporiphora nobbi, Australian Coral Snake Brachyurophis australis and Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei), locally rare species (Excitable Delma Delma tincta and Southern Rainbow Skink Carlia tetradactyla) and edge of range species (Litter Skink Lygisaurus foliorum). The study provides a useful benchmark of the composition and status of the herpetofauna community of Yarrigan NP in the ...