Research

Northern Litter Skink Caledoniscincus aquilonius

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small, surface active species of skink growing to a body length of 49mm, with a tail 150% the length of the body, well developed limbs, and the scales of the body with three distinct ridges or keels. Colouration differs markedly between males and females, the males being darker with numerous pale-edged dark spots on the body and broad pale markings down the dorsolateral margin of the body, whereas females and young of both sexes are typically two-toned lighter above and dark at the sides. The ventral surface of males is reddish and females yellow.

Natural distribution: Known from a number of locations in the lowlands and ranges of northern New Caledonia.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from scattered localities on the east coast ranges, and from Koumac Caves, Riviere Nehoue, and Mt Toam on the north-west coast.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat to forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata), causing significant decline in abundance
• high level of threat to closed forest edge through repeated firing of adjacent savannah woodland, leading to a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat
• high level of threat to populations in low elevation closed forest on the west coast from clearing for ranching or agriculture, leading to loss and further fragmentation of habitat
• moderate to high level of threat to populations inhabiting isolated high elevation forest patches on untramafic peaks (Mt Toam) from activities associated with mining
• low to moderate level of threat to low elevation closed forest on the east coast from clearing for subsistence agriculture

Ultramafic - rocks that are dominated by minerals high in magnesium and iron, and which tend to be dark-coloured rather than pale.

Conservation status: Caledoniscincus aquilonius is known from at least ten localities (area of occupancy 1000 km2) representing up to seven sub-populations, but it is likely to be recorded from additional locations in the north of the island. Its' relatively small distribution in combination with several high levels of threat indicate the species is at risk, and is here classified as Vulnerable.

Future research required:

• assessment of the extent of decline in area and/or quality of closed forest habitat on the west coast with regard to the impact of fire on the forest edge
• assessment and monitoring of the spread of the fire ant on populations in low elevation closed forest habitats, particularly west coast populations
• undertaking targeted survey work to more comprehensively document the species overall distribution
• research to identify distinct geographic units

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002