Research

Chazeau's Litter Skink Caledoniscincus chazeaui

Conservation status: Endangered

Description: A small, surface active species of skink growing to a body length of 43mm, well developed limbs, and a tail 140% the length of the body. Colouration of males and females is similar consisting of shades of brown with numerous pale-edged dark spots forming irregular transverse bars across the body. The scales of the body have three distinct ridges or keels running along each scale.

Natural distribution: Known from two locations on lowlands of the north-east coast.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from two sites (one near near Koulnoue) just south of Hienghene. Both sites are small, isolated low elevation closed forest patches adjacent to limestone outcrops.

Threats:

• extremely high level of threat to closed forest patches in the region through repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat, leading to a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat
• extremely high level of threat from subsistence agriculture, leading to a decline in area of occupancy, degradation, and further fragmentation of closed forest patches
• high level of threat to populations in closed forest patches in the region from high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata), causing significant decline in abundance

Conservation status: The species distribution is small, it is known from only two locations (area of occupancy <500 km2) representing two isolated sub-populations. It is possible other isolated sub-populations will be found in other closed forest patches, but its overall real area of occupancy is likely to remain very small. The species has most likely suffered a significant decline in area of occupancy through loss and degradation of closed forest habitat to subsistence agriculture in the region. The remaining closed forest patches on this part of the east coast are small remnants, often highly degraded at the edges. The small size and degree of fragmentation of closed forest habitat in the region in combination with several high levels of threat indicate the long-term survival species is at considerable risk. For these reasons Caledoniscincus chazeaui is classified as Endangered.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to further define the species distribution
• assess the extent of decline in area and/or quality of forest habitat in which it occurs, particularly with regard to the impact of fire on the forest edge
• assess the potential impact of the Fire Ant on the different populations

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002