Research

Strand Litter Skink Caledoniscincus haplorhinus

Conservation status: Lower risk - least concern

Description: A small, surface active species of skink growing to a body length of 55 mm, tail 180% the length of the body, and well developed limbs. Colouration differs markedly between males and females but consists of shades of brown and grey with a pattern of pale vertebral and mid lateral stripes. The ventral surface of both sexes is typically yellowish. The scales of the body have three distinct ridges or keels running along each scale.

Natural distribution: Widespread throughout New Caledonia, also present on offshore islands, the Isle des Pins, and Ouvea, Lifou and Mare Islands in the Loyalty Islands. It prefers open areas and occurs in or at the edge of a wide range of natural and disturbed habitat, mainly at low to mid elevation, but also present at high elevation where suitable conditions exist.

Distribution within Province Sud: Widespread on the west and south coasts and hinterland, offshore islands off the west coast, and off the Isle des Pins.

Distribution within Province Nord: Widespread on the coast and hinterland, offshore islands off the coast, and Belep Islands. Recorded from several high elevation sites including the summit areas of Mt Ignambi and Mt Mandjelia.

Distribution within Province Loyalties: Present on Ouvea, Lifou and Mare Island, most likely widespread.

Threats:

• moderate level of threat to populations occupying closed forest edge habitat with high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing significant decline in abundance

Conservation status: Secure. Because of the relatively widespread distribution of the species over the island and its tolerance to disturbance, the species is not considered to be under any immediate threat. Preliminary studies indicate that in sclerophyll forest the presence of fire ants has a negative impact on Caledoniscincus austrocaledonicus, and it is possible a similar impact might be experienced by C. haplorhinus in forest habitat.

A study of five populations from across the island using allozyme electrophoresis (Sadlier et al., 1999) showed no significant genetic sub-structuring between populations.

Allozyme electrophoresis - a genetic technique which uses an electric current to separate proteins in order to differentiate closely related species.

Future research required:

• none recommended

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002