Research

New Caledonian Leopard Skink Lacertoides pardalis

Conservation status: Endangered

Description: Lacertoides pardalis is a large species of scincid lizard (to 102 mm snout-vent length) characterised by an ocellate color pattern and extremely small body scales.

Natural distribution: Restricted to the very south of New Caledonia.

Distribution within Province Sud: Known only from one location, Kwa Neie on the Monts Nèngone, a range on the east side of Baie de Prony. It has only been recorded from rocks in the road cutting running to the transmission tower at the summit of Kwa Neie. The road cutting along most its length comprises a face of large rocks embedded in soil. Most records have been from low maquis shrubland midway up the peak, although one individial was observed where the track passed through the closed forest just below the summit. Individuals are generally observed at the entrance to natural cracks in the soil matrix which follow the contours of the rock and retreat into these at the slightest disturbance.

Maquis shrubland - low and heath-like vegetation.

Threats:

• high level of threat to maquis shrubland through repeated firing, leading to a widespread decline in quality of habitat
• high level of threat from activities associated with mining
• potentially high level of threat to closed forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced Crazy Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata), leading to a widespread decline in quality of habitat, and possible changes to food availability

Conservation status: The species distribution is very small, it is known from only a single location (area of occupancy <100km2). It appears to be dependent on rock outcrops or their equivalent for sheltering sites. Such habitat was generally confined to the dry ranges (usually the crests of ridges) on the Plaine des Lacs, and is scattered in distribution. While it might be recorded from this habitat type in the far south of the island with further survey work, the species overall real area of occupancy will most likely remain low.

Threats leading to a decline in quality of maquis shrubland have been identified above. Of particular concern is the affect of fire on maquis shrubland, leading to simplification (loss of diversity) of the habitat. Infestations of Crazy Ants in maquis shrubland in Province Sud have recently been identified as a potential threat to lizard diversity and abundance. These ants are likely to affect the quality of sheltering sites, and could alter the balance of the invertebrate fauna and consequently the availability of food.

Very recently the mining camp for the Goro nickel mining project on the Plaine des Lacs has been established and numerous drilling tracks have been pushed through the ranges in various parts of the region prior to mining. This project poses a threat to the conservation of Lacertoides pardalis. The proximity of the only known population to both the camp and main access roads to the processing plant, place it at risk from increased occurrence of fire, disturbance, and the introduction of pest species. Elsewhere in the region the level of disturbance at mined areas is expected to result in local extinction of any other populations that might exist at these sites.

Its small distribution in combination with several high levels of threat indicate the species is at risk, and the proximity of mining activities to the only known population indicate this species should be cartegorised as Endangered.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to determine whether the species occurs in suitable habitat elsewhere in the region
• monitor changes in abundance of the population along the track to the summit of Kwa Neie
• monitor changes in the quality of maquis shrubland at Kwa Neie
• monitor the introduction of pest species of Kwa Neie

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002