The Suburban Shingleback

Line Drawing - Scale 1:1 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback

1. Line Drawing 2. Jirdarup Bushland - Derbarl Yerrigan Walk 3. Shingleback Life Cycle Diagram 4. Shingleback Daily Activities Diagram 5. Shingleback Information and Habitats 6. Site Analysis - General Information 7. Site Analysis - Shingleback Specific Information 8. Site Analysis - Constraints 9. Site Analysis - Strengths 10. Site Analysis - Habitat Quality and Movement 11. The Problems 12. Design Principles and Solutions 13. Overall, Shingleback Educational Trail and Backyard Trail Strategy 14. Strategy 1 (Small) - Recommended Backyard Enhancements 15. Strategy 2 (Medium) - The Shingleback-Yard Trail 16. Strategy 3 (Large) - A Tale of 2 Shinglebacks 17. Masterplan 18. Focus Area 1 - Shingleback-Yard 19. Focus Area 2 - Kensington Secondary School Shingleback Garden 20. Roadside Verge and Bobtrail Details 21. Planting Strategy - Bassendean Vegetation System 22. Planting Strategy - Spearwood Vegetation System 23. Planting Strategy - Vasse Vegetation System

The Suburban Shingleback Contents

Degraded Jirdarup Bushland

The Suburban Shingleback Jirdarup Bushland - Derbarl Yerrigan Walk

Dangerous Suburban Transition

Low Biodiveristy Lawn at the Derbarl Yerrigan

The Suburban Shingleback Tiliqua rugosa - Life Cycle

The Suburban Shingleback Tiliqua rugosa - Daily Activities and Needs

Information

Distribution

Food

Common Name: Singleback Lizard, Bobtail, Shingleback Noongar Name: Yoorn Length: 35-40cm Height: 3-5cm Weight: 600-900g Life Span: 15-30 years Diet: Omnivore Population Status: Least Concern

Natural Predators

Introduced Threats

Domestic and Wild Dogs Snails and Insects

Flowers (Special liking to yellow)

Brown Falcon

Suburban Backyards and Off-Leash Dog Areas

Jirdarup Bushland and Shoreline

Domestic and Wild Cats Suburban Backyards

Vegetation

Kookaburras

Vehicles

Jirdarup Bushland, Suburban Area and Shoreline

Vehicular Roads Bicycles

Carrion (Dead Animals)

Sir James Mitchell Park

Suburban Backyard

Vehicular Roads and Pedestrian Walkways

Suburban Park

Roads and Pavements

Jirdarup Bushland

Common Bobtail Habitat areas and their threats in Town of Victoria Park

Derbarl Yerrigan

Sir James Mitchell Park

Morris Mundy Reserve

Suburb

Suburb

Kensington/Jirdarup Bushland

Suburb

Groundwater Depth

Vasse Mid-Dark Gray Clay

Spearwood Pale Grey-White Sand

Cross-Site Section - 1:7500 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback

Tiliqua rugosa / Bobtail / Shingleback / Yoorn - Information and Habitat Typologies

Bassendean Pale Olive Yellow Sand

Very Light Grey Sand

Scale 1:7500

Soil Types

Vegetation Types

Mid to Dark Grey Clay, Saturated

Pale Grey to White Sand, Medium Grain

Pale Olive Yellow Sand, Medium-Coarse

Very Light Grey Sand, Fine-Medium Grained

Vasse System

The site is 35% Jarrah, Banksia and Casuarina and 65% Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo.

Land Use High Points

The site is hilly with the lowest point being the Swan River and the highest points are scattered around the suburb.

Site Analysis - General Information

Jarrah, Banksia and Casuarina Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo

The site is 10% Vasse, 40% Spearwood and 50% Bassendean systems.

1m Groundwater Contours

The Suburban Shingleback

Spearwood System

Bassendean System

Topography and Groundwater 5m Contour Lines

Pre-European Vegetation

Green Spaces

Educational

Suburban Areas

Commercial

The site is dominated by suburbs with several green spaces and educational institutions.

Canopy Coverage

Low Biodiversity Lawn

Remnant Vegetation

Suburban Backyards

Verges

Off-leash Dog Areas

Water Sources

Tiliqua rugosa Natural Predator Sightings

Small Roads

Medium Roads

Large Roads

Tiliqua rugosa Sightings

The Suburban Shingleback

Site Analysis - Tiliqua rugosa Specific Information

The site has numerous large off-leash dog areas and surburban backyards.

These areas are hostile places for the Bobtails as they host dogs and cats that are non-native threats to them.

The barren roadside verges provide no food and shelter for Bobtails exposing them to predators while providing little value.

The sources of water scattered around the site are deep and pose a threat to the Bobtails as they are unable to swim and may drown in them while looking for water.

Natural predators such as the Kookaburra and Falcons have been sighted in the bushland and along the Swan River’s shore.

One of the biggest issues Bobtails face is the risk of getting roadkilled by vehicles while basking on roads. The site is full of roads, limiting the Bobtails’ movements around the area.

Legend Off-Leash Dog Areas Suburban Backyards Water Sources Verges Predator Sightings Tiliqua rugosa Sightings Large Roads Medium Roads

The Suburban Shingleback Site Analysis - Constraints

Small Roads

The site has a large area of vegetation that provide habitats for the Bobtail.

Sources of water include private swimming pools, Derbal Yerrigan and a couple of lakes along the shore. These are abundant sources of water and fairly accessible for the Bobtails.

There are also numerous lots of unimproved land and backyards that could be improved as an ecological corridor to provide habitats and food for the Bobtails.

Bobtails have been sighted at Jirdarup bushland, several surburban backyards and roadside verges.

Legend Low Biodiversity Lawn Area Canopy Coverage Remnant Vegetation Water Sources Verges Unimproved Land Suburban Backyards

The Suburban Shingleback Site Analysis - Strengths

Tiliqua rugosa Sightings

The Bobtails movement range is around 250 meters. They tend to stay around the same area and move around to forage or meet their mates.

There are multiple high quality habitats that support the Bobtail entirely are around the site but none of them are connected. Most of the low quality habitats which include lawn and verges are devoid of shelter and resources.

These habitats are seperated by roads and suburban houses.

Legend Low Quality Habitats High Quality Habitats Water Sources Verges Unimproved Land Suburban Backyards Tiliqua rugosa Sightings Predator Sightings

The Suburban Shingleback Site Analysis - Habitat Quality and Movement

Tiliqua rugosa Movement Range

Predation

Introduced Threats

Lack of Resources

-Kookaburras -Brown Falcons -Snakes

-Vehicles -Bicycles -Cats and Dogs

-Low Quality Habitats -Contaminated Sites -Dangerous Water Sources

Bobtails are vulnerable to predation to natural predators such as snakes, Kookaburras and Falcons. The site has many low quality habitats that provide little shelter from these predators.

Bobtails are slow creatures that are not able to get out of the way of cars and bicycles while they are basking on roads and pavements.

They are also vulnerable to predation by dogs and cats that live in the suburbs. The Bobtails are also vulnerable to poaching.

The site has lost large areas of vegetation due to urbanisation and development.

There are also multiple contaminated sites and unimproved land in the area. These provide little resources and shelter for the Bobtails. Water sources include the Swan RIver, Suburban Swimming Pools and deep lakes by the shore. These water sources pose a threat to the Bobtails as they are unable to swim and will drown if they fall into them.

The Suburban Shingleback The Problems

Safe Basking and Shelter from Threats

Shelter from Threats and Access to Resources

Increasing Human Awareness

Bobtails are cold blooded reptiles that need access to warm basking areas to regulate their body temperature. Currently, the most significant cause of mortality to the Bobtails is due to roadkill as roads are a common basking area.

As the site is located in a suburban area, there is the presence of threats such as falcons, snakes, domestic dogs and cats that harm the Bobtails out of fun or to eat.

Young Bobtails are especially vulnerable to these threats.

The Bobtail is a creature that is adored by people, however, the populace is unaware of the dangers and challenges that the Bobtail face.

There is an opportunity to provide safe basking areas for the Bobtails with heat absorbing materials with access to sunlight.

It may be beneficial to create safe spaces for both adult and young bobtails to take shelter from these threats and gain access to safe water and food

Providing Safety.

Improving the habitat quality of low quality areas and Connecting patches of high quality habitats.

Generating human empathy through educational trails and Bobtail themed structures.

-Addition of sub-surface tunnels for crossing roads.

-Addition of rocks, logs and burrows for shelter.

-Converting backyards into Bobtail friendly habitats.

-Improving planting in low quality habitat areas.

-Addition of shallow water sources.

-Reducing off-leash dog areas in high quality habitat areas.

-Providing a educational and habitat connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Swan River.

-Construction of Bobtail sculptures along trails.

The Suburban Shingleback Design Principles and Solutions

There is an opportunity to generate human empathy and educate them about how they can help these little critters out.

The overall strategy of the design is to create an ecological connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Derbarl Yerrigan for the Bobtail, connecting the 2 high quality habitats. Key moves include: 1. Reduction of off-leash dog areas.

2. Enhancing low quality habitats to high quality habitats.

3. Connecting high quality habitats.

4. Enhancement of backyards for Bobtails.

The Educational BobTrail travels around the site and stop at Points of Interests at several educational institutions where students can learn about Bobtails.

The connection from Jirdarup Bushland to Derbarl Yerrigan goes in a straight line for the fastest route possible for Bobtails through repurposed private backyards, hence the name Shingleback-Yard Trail.

The Planting Strategy for the site will depend on the vegetation systems present. Plant species are selected according to the below conditions: 1. Flowering colors of a range from yellow-red year round for Bobtail feeding.

2. Plants suited for the various vegetation systems.

3. Range of plant species with different habits and heights.

Legend Strategy 1: Backyard Enhancements Strategy 2: Shingleback-Yard Trail Strategy 3: BobTrail BobTrail Points of Interest High Quality Habitats Reduced Off-leash Dog Areas Ecological Connection 0m

The Suburban Shingleback

Overall, Shingleback Educational Trail and Backyard Trail Strategy

5m

1m

Scale 1:7500 @A2

10m

Before

One of the places that serve as habitats and travelling routes for the Bobtails is the backyards of suburban houses. However, these backyards are full of threats to the Bobtails such as cats, dogs, deep water and lack of resources.

These are several but not limited to recommended backyard enhancements to help increase the amount of high quality habitats.

1. Reducing Lawn Area.

After

2. Native Planting to provide habitats and resources.

3. Openings between fences to allow Bobtails to travel through.

4. Removal of deep water sources that pose threat to Bobtails.

5. Continuous connection along backyards for Bobtail travel.

Variant 1: High Bobtail-Human Environment Ratio

The Suburban Shingleback

Strategy 1 (Small) - Recommended Backyard Enhancements

Variant 2: Equal Bobtail-Human Environment Ratio

Variant 3: Low Bobtail-Human Environment Ratio

Original Backyard with Low Quality Habitat

Conversion to High Quality Habitat

Addition of Human Access

Addition of Human Oriented Spaces

The current backyards are devoid of vegetation and lack shelter and resources for bobtails. These area are low quality and provide no value to the Bobtails.

The first iteration of the strategy is to repurpose a part of private backyards and add native planting to help create high quality habitats for Bobtails.

The second iteration is to add more depth to the design and allow human access into the space. Removing the fences allow people into the space and enables them to interact with nature and the Bobtails.

The final iteration of the strategy gives back part of the repurposed backyards to the original owners and public. The spaces provided allow the original owners to use them for recreational activities such as picnics, barbequing, etc. Some of these spaces are also part of the educational trail that has signage for people to learn from.

The Suburban Shingleback

Strategy 2 (Medium) - The Shingleback-Yard Trail

Initial Concept of the Educational Trail

Schematic Diagram

Trail Design Elements

The narrative of the trail follows the trait of Bobtails where they are monogamous and find their partner at certain time of year to mate before splitting up and meeting again the next year. This behaviour is not seen in many other species of animals.

The trail expands into Points of Interests at certain points which features sculptures of Bobtails.

The trail features several design elements along the trail based on various factors to maintain user interest.

The Points of Interest chosen are the Department of Water and Conservation Services Facility, Kensington Primary, Secondary and High School as they are educational spaces and are opportunities for enhancement.

Path Materials - A resin path according to the soil types of the area

The trail follows the journey of the Bobtail and teaches people about their habits and challenges faced.

Trail Planting - Planting Based on the Vegetation System of the area Decorations on Path and along Trail - Path imprints based on season of Bobtails journey Educational Information along Trail - Bobtail habits and information based on season of Bobtail’s Journey Sculptures - Based on Points of Interest

The Suburban Shingleback Strategy 3 (Large) - A Tale of 2 Shinglebacks

Schematic Diagram

The chosen masterplan area shows the main features of the design: -The connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Derbarl Yerrigan through the Shingleback-Yard.

2

-The enhanced private backyards for higher quality Bobtail habitats.

Focus Area 1

-The Educational Bobtrail and one of the Points of Interest.

3 1 Legend 1

Bobtrail PoI

2

ShinglebackYard Trail

3

Enhanced Private Backyards Focus Areas

Focus Area 2

Existing Trees

0m

50m

10m

The Suburban Shingleback Masterplan

Scale 1:1000 @A2

100m

The Suburban Shingleback

This area features a portion of the Shingleback-Yard Trail.

The main design aspects of this area are the: 7

B

-Revegetation of the repurposed private backyards.

-Part of the BobTrail coming through the Shingleback-Yard paved with timber railway sleepers.

-A communal deck that serves as a recreational space with BBQ pits, sheltered seating and educational signs.

-Private decks for personal use.

-Boardwalks to cross from one side to another.

-A hammock for resting at while enjoying the planting.

-Several diferent fencing variants.

-Stepped seating

8

A Materials Palette

1 3

28.0

27.1 + 28 + 4

9

6

27.

0

5

A

.0

B 10

Steel Grate

Timber Railway Sleepers

Concrete

Legend

27

2

Jarrah Timber

1

Communal Deck

2

Personal Deck (Timber)

3

Personal Deck (Steel Grate)

4

Timber Boardwalk

5

Human Corridor

6

Bobtail Corridor

7

Sheltered Seating Open Backyard Variant

8

Non-Intervened Backyard Variant

9

Enhanced Backyard w/ Door Variant

10 Enhanced Backyard w/ Open Fence Variant

.0 28

0m

5m

1m

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 1 - Shingleback-Yard

Scale 1:100 @A2

10m

Enhanced Private Backyard

Section AA - 1:100 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 1 - Section

Bobtail Corridor

Bobtrail with Educational Fence and Signage and Sheltered Seating

Private Backyard

BobTrail

Section BB - 1:100 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 1 - Section

Stepped Seating

Bobtrail with Educational Fence, Signage and Sheltered Seating

The perspective of a Bobtail safely enjoying a bask on a rock in its new travelling route before continuing on to Derbarl Yerrigan to meet its partner.

The Suburban Shingleback

Focus Area 1 - Perspectives - Bobtail VS Human Corridor

The perspective of a Human enjoying the native planting along the human corridor paved with recycled timber railway sleepers in the Shingleback-Yard Trail.

A view of the surrounding residents utilising the communal space for a barbecue, resting in nature and learning about Bobtails.

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 1 - Perspectives

A view from a boardwalk which provides users a view of the Bobtail’s corridor from above without interfering with them.

This area features the start of the connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Derbarl Yerrigan.

The main design aspects of this area are the: -Revegetation of the space between the Kensington Secondary School and the Kensington Fire Station.

-The Educational Trail that connects to the Fire Station.

-A viewing platform that provides a vista of the Jirdarup Bushland and an educational space for students.

-Seating areas around the school oval that provide a resting space for students.

-A ramp that connects the school to the educational trail along the fire station.

5 C

27.2 +

Materials Palette

26.0 +

4 Jarrah Timber

Concrete

Resin Gravel Path

Timber Railway Sleepers

28.0 + D C

6

3 Legend 28.0 + 1

Bushland Viewing Platform

2

School Oval

3

Sheltered Seating Areas

4

Ramp

5

Bobtail Corridor

6

BobTrail

7

Jirdarup Bushland

7 25.0

27 .0 26 .0

2

28.0

D

1

0m

10m

2m

The Suburban Shingleback

Focus Area 2 - Kensington Secondary School Shingleback Garden

Scale 1:200 @A2

20m

Sheltered Seating

Section CC - 1:100 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 2 - Section

Jirdarup Bushland to Shingleback-Yard Connection

Wheelchair Accessible Ramp

Sheltered Seating

Decorated Resin Bobtrail Path

Kensington Fire Station Building

Viewing Platform with Educational Signs

Section DD - 1:100 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 2 - Section

Mother and Young Bobtail Sculpture

Path around School Oval

Sheltered Seating

A view of the utilised bushland viewing platform and sculpture of a mother bobtail and its young in its famous blue tongue sticking out pose at the Kensington Secondary School Bobtrail Point of Interest.

The Suburban Shingleback Focus Area 2 - Perspectives

An unobstructed view of the Jirdarup Bushland from the bushland viewing platform.

BobTrail Design Elements Path Materials - A resin path containing medium corresponding to the soil types of the area. (Yellow Sand, Grey Sand, Clay)

F

Trail Planting - Planting Based on the Vegetation System of the area. (Vasse, Spearwood, Bassendean) Decorations on Path and along Trail - Path imprints based on season of Bobtails journey (6 Noongar Seasons). This will be done with consultation with aboriginal elders and communities.

Educational Information along Trail - Bobtail habits and information based on season of Bobtail’s Journey

E

Sculptures - Male Bobtail at Department of Water and Environmental Conservation, Female Bobtail at Kensington High School, Male and Female Bobtails at Kensington Primary School, Female Bobtail and young at Kensington Secondary School, Small Bobtails along the entire route to guide users.

1

2

4 5

3

F

E

0m

2.5m

Scale 1:50 @A2

0.5m

Legend

5m

This is a section of the BobTrail along the road.

1

Sheltered Seating Area

-The pavement features decorations related to the Bobtails and the season corresponding to the trail.

2

Mini Bobtail Sculpture

3

-The verge planting is suitable for Bobtail habitats and helps provide shelter for the Bobtails.

Bobtail Suitable Verge Planting

4

Educational Signs

-The shelter also has eduactional signage for people to read and learn about Bobtails.

5

Seasonal Decorated Path

The Suburban Shingleback Roadside Verge Bobtrail Plan and Information

-The mini Bobtail sculpture helps inform users that they are travelling along the Bobtrail.

View of a revegetated roadside verge along the Bobtrail from a car. The sheltered seating along the Bobtrail contains information about the bobtails and has a mini bobtail sculpture to allow users to wayfind.

Sheltered Seating and Educational Signs Section EE - 1:200 @A2

The Suburban Shingleback Roadside Verge Bobtrail Sections

Path

Road Section FF - 1:200 @A2

Verge

Path

Sheltered Seating and Educational Signs

Flowering Period Birak (Dec-Jan)

Bunuru (Feb-Mar)

Djeran (Apr-May)

Makuru (Jun-July)

Djilba (Aug-Sep)

Kambarang (Oct-Nov)

Eucalyptus marginata 40m

Tree

Eucalyptus todtiana 15m Malaleuca pressiana 10m Melaleuca rhaphiophylla 10m Banksia menziesii 1.3-7m

Jacksonia furcellata 4m Pultenaea reticulata 3m Melaleuca scabra

Shrub

1.5m Calothamnus sanguineus 0.2-2m Gompholobium confertum

Banksia armata

1.2m

1m Gastrolobium nervosum 1m

Jacksonia sericea 0.6m

0.5m Banksia dellanayi

Haemodrum spicatum 2m

Grass/Sedge

Patersonia occidentalis 0.8m Haemodrum laxum 1.4m Neurachne alopecuroidea 0.5m Dielsia stenostachya

Orthroxanthus laxus

1m

0.5m

Brachycome iberidifolia 0.4m Anigozanthos manglesii

Groundcover

0.4m Acacia saligna Prostrate 0.3m Anigozanthos humilis 0.2m Kennedia prostrata 0.1m

The Suburban Shingleback

Planting Strategy - Bassendean Vegetation System

Points of Interest & Low Quality Habitat Revegetation

Bobtail Corridor

Human Corridor

Bobtail Corridor

After Planting

Human Corridor

Shingleback-Yard Planting

10 Years

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard

Roadside Verge Planting

The Suburban Shingleback

Planting Plans and Sections - Bassendean Vegetation System

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard 50 Years

Flowering Period Birak (Dec-Jan)

Bunuru (Feb-Mar)

Djeran (Apr-May)

Makuru (Jun-July)

Djilba (Aug-Sep)

Kambarang (Oct-Nov)

Corymbia calophylla 40m

Tree

Eucalyptus todtiana 15m Malaleuca pressiana

Allocasuarina fraseriana

10m

15m Eucalyptus decipiens 6m Banksia menziesii 1.3-7m

Banksia prionotes 5m Acacia cyclops 3m Calothamnus quadrifidus

Shrub

2m Gompholobium confertum

Allocasuarina humilis

1.2m

0.2-2m Gastrolobium nervosum 1m

Jacksonia sericea

Philotheca spicata

0.6m

0.6m Rhagodia baccata

Acacia sessilis

0.5m

0.5m

Haemodrum spicatum 2m

Grass/Sedge

Villarsia albiflora 1m Dianella revoluta

Baumea vaginalis

1m

1.2m

Patersonia occidentalis 0.8m Dielsia stenostachya

Neurachne alopecuroidea

1m

0.5m Isolepis cernua 0.2m

Anigozanthos manglesii

Groundcover

0.4m Anigozanthos humilis 0.3m Acacia saligna Prostrate 0.3m Kennedia prostrata 0.1m

The Suburban Shingleback

Planting Strategy - Spearwood Vegetation System

Points of Interest & Low Quality Habitat Revegetation

Bobtail Corridor

Human Corridor

Bobtail Corridor

After Planting

Human Corridor

Shingleback-Yard Planting

10 Years

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard

Roadside Verge Planting 50 Years

The Suburban Shingleback

Planting Plans and Sections - Spearwood Vegetation System

Flowering Period Birak (Dec-Jan)

Bunuru (Feb-Mar)

Djeran (Apr-May)

Makuru (Jun-July)

Djilba (Aug-Sep)

Kambarang (Oct-Nov)

Corymbia calophylla

Tree

40m Eucalyptus gomphocephala

Eucalyptus rudis

35m

35m Agonis flexuosa 12m Banksia littoralis 10m

Paraserianthes lophanta 5m

Jacksonia furcellata

Kunzea glabrescens

4m

3m Acacia pulchella 3m Acacia extensa

Shrub

2.5m Melaleuca lateritia 2m Myoporum caprarioides

Regelia ciliata

1.5m

2m

Astartea scoparia

Hypocalymma angustifolium

1.5m

1m Sphaerolobium medium 0.5m

Baumea juncea 1m Juncus pallidus

Grass/Sedge

2m Villarsia albiflora 1m Ficinia nodosa 1m

Cyperus gymnocaulos 1m

Conostylis candicans 0.5m

Groundcover

Sarcocornia blackiana (Wet Areas) 0.5m Lobelia alata 0.3m Acacia saligna Prostrate 0.3m Centella asiatica 0.05m

The Suburban Shingleback Planting Strategy - Vasse Vegetation System

Points of Interest & Low Quality Habitat Revegetation

Bobtail Corridor

Human Corridor

Bobtail Corridor

After Planting

Human Corridor

Shingleback-Yard Planting

10 Years

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard

Road

Verge

Path

Front Yard

Roadside Verge Planting 50 Years

The Suburban Shingleback

Planting Plans and Sections - Vasse Vegetation System