Specialist Lizard Management Plans to Support Resource Consents and Development Activities
A Lizard Management Plan (LMP) is a site-specific plan that outlines how native lizard species will be identified, protected, and managed where works may disturb habitat. LMPs are commonly required as part of resource consent conditions under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), particularly where development is proposed within Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) or areas of known or potential lizard habitat.
Our LMPs are prepared by suitably qualified and experienced ecologists (SQEP) and are designed to meet council expectations while providing clear, practical guidance for implementation on site.
An LMP is typically required where proposed works may affect lizard habitat or populations, including skinks and geckos protected under New Zealand legislation. Common triggers include:
Earthworks, retaining walls, or vegetation clearance
Development within or adjacent to Significant Ecological Areas
Indigenous vegetation removal or habitat modification
Subdivision or infrastructure works in undeveloped or regenerating land
Conditions of consent requiring fauna management or monitoring
LMP requirements are often identified through an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) or during the resource consent process.
Our LMPs are tailored to the specific site and scale of works and typically include:
Desktop assessment of known and potential lizard habitat
Site surveys and habitat inspections (where required)
Identification of species likely to be present
Avoidance, minimisation, and mitigation measures
Construction sequencing and timing recommendations
Protocols for lizard salvage, relocation, and habitat protection
Roles and responsibilities of contractors and ecologists
Plans are written to be clear and practical, ensuring contractors and site managers understand their obligations during works.
Where required, we provide ecologist supervision during vegetation clearance and construction activities to ensure works are undertaken in accordance with the approved Lizard Management Plan.
This may include:
Pre-construction site briefings
On-site supervision during high-risk activities
Liaison with council officers where required
Documentation and reporting to demonstrate compliance
Our involvement helps reduce compliance risk and ensures ecological effects are appropriately managed on site.
Lizard Management Plans are often implemented alongside other ecological documentation, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Ecological Management Plans (EMP). We ensure LMPs are fully aligned with these documents and any relevant consent conditions to provide a coordinated and efficient ecological management framework.
