Research

Koumac Litter Skink Caledoniscincus auratus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small, surface active species of skink growing to a body length of 51mm, tail 140-150% 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 but consists of shades of brown with males darker and with numerous pale-edged dark spots across the body, whereas females and young of both sexes are typically two-toned lighter above and dark at the sides. The ventral surface of both sexes is yellow in colour.

Natural distribution: Known from several locations on lowlands of the northwest coast and ranges.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded with certainty from four locations, low elevation dry closed forest at Koumac Caves and Riviere Nehoue, low elevation closed forest at Kaala-Gomen, and sclerophyll forest at Tia in the Pouembout Valley.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat to closed 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

Conservation status: The species distribution is small, Caledoniscincus auratus is known from only four locations (area of occupancy <500 km2) representing at least three sub-populations on the west coast of the main island. It is likely to be recorded from additional locations within the region from which it is known, but its distribution is still likely to remain as scattered isolates with a low overall area of occurrence. Its' small distribution in combination with several high levels of threat indicate the species is at risk, and is here conservatively classified as Vulnerable. It could be placed at a higher level of threat if continued declines in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat in the species very narrow range can be established.

Future research required:

• survey work to assess the extent of decline in area and/or quality of sclerophyll and gallery forest edge from fire
• survey work to assess the spread of the fire ant on populations in sclerophyll forests and gallery forests
• undertake targeted survey work to more comprehensively document the species overall distribution
• research to identify distinct geographic units

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002