In a collaborative effort, Wheatbelt NRM, WWF Australia, Department of Environment and Conservation Central Wheatbelt District staff and members of the community relocated the family to a safe location nearby.
The skinks were living in a wood pile which was destined for destruction, until a local farmer noticed them living there.
With the help of Wheatbelt NRM's Noongar Budjar Trainee's Judd Davis and Brandon Colbung, Phil Lewis and the rest of the Healthy Bushland team helped dismantle the woodpile and capture the skinks.
'They were pretty lively' said Brandon, who uncovered the first skink 'but we got them all eventually.'
While the skinks' house was being re-located, the reptiles were measured by Natasha Moore from Department of Environment and Conservation Central Wheatbelt District and Dr James Haberfield from Balcatta Vet Hospital, then fitted with microchips to enable the family to be identified in the future.
Monitoring will continue at the new residence to confirm the family are happy in their new location.
'Although the threat to these unique animals is reduced, they still have to contend with cats, foxes and harsh conditions - so ongoing monitoring after the translocation is important' says Mick Davis, Wheatbelt NRM's Regional Landcare Facilitator.
'However, given the fighting spirit (shown in the image below) and stewardship by the local landholder, it is expected the skinks will do well in their new home.'
Find out more about projects to protect and manage western spiny-tailed skinks (funded by Wheatbelt NRM and the Australian Governments Caring For Our Country program) on the WWF-Australia BLOG.
Learn more about Wheatbelt NRM's Biodiversity Program at www.wheatbeltnrm.org.au
