A preliminary evaluation of the use of fluorescent pigments to track the movements of the Striped Legless Lizard Delmar impar (Reptilia: Pygopodidae)

The Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar is a vulnerable endemic reptile restricted to the native grasslands of southeastern Australia. This study examined the effectiveness of fluorescent powders to track D. impar in its natural grassland habitat. A total of 15 lizards was tracked with a varying degree of success. A maximum trail length of 19.7 m was obtained and the average length was 5.14 m. These preliminary results indicate the potential of this technique as a non-interruptive tracking method for small reptiles over short distances (i.e., until the powder brushes off). Questions such as the influence of the powder on thermoregulation and predation on the lizard still need resolution.