Research

Pale-hipped Skink Lygosoma euryotis (southern population)

Pale-hipped Skink Lygosoma euryotis, female (southern population).

Pale-hipped Skink Lygosoma euryotis, male (southern population).

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small, surface active species of skink growing to a body length of 42mm, with a tail around 160% the length of the body, and moderately well developed limbs. Colouration differs markedly between males and females but consists of shades of brown above and at the sides, with females darker overall, two-toned, and having a pale stripe running along the body just above the hindlimbs. The tail can have a dull russet flush above and the abdomen and underside of the hindlimbs a yellow flush. The scales of the body have three distinct ridges or keels running along each scale.

Natural distribution: Isle of Pines

Distribution within Province Sud: see above.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat with high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata), causing a significant decline in abundance
• moderate to high level of threat to coastal forest from clearing for subsistence agriculture, leading to loss and further fragmentation of habitat

Conservation status: The population of Lygosoma euryotis from the Ile des Pins has a very small distribution with a real area of occupancy of <100 km2. The species is known only from one specific site on the island, in a remnant of closed near Waa Me Bay on the west side of the island. On this criteria alone this population can be categorised as Vulnerable. The species distribution on the island and the threats likely to impact on the species need to be established to properly evaluate its conservation status.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to more comprehensively document the species overall distribution on the Ile des Pin
• assess the spread of the Fire Ant on populations
• assess the extent of decline in area and/or quality of coastal forest from clearing for subsistence agriculture

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002