Research

Rankins Dwarf Skink Nannoscincus rankini

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A very small, elongate species of skink growing to a body length of 41mm with short limbs and digits, a short tail approximately equal in length to the body, and finely grooved body scales. Colour shiny dark brown in adults and two-toned in juveniles.

Natural distribution: Known only from the summit area of Mt Aoupinie in the central ranges.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from 900m and 1100m at the summit of Mt Aoupinie.

Threats:

• localised but potentially intensive decline in area, extent and quality of closed forest habitat from exotic pests such as pigs (high levels of disturbance of areas of the forest floor and of shelter sites)

Conservation status: Nannoscincus rankini is a closed forest-dependant species with highly specific microhabitat requirements. Because of its extremely restricted distribution (<100km2) Nannoscincus rankini is here conservatively classified as Vulnerable. Species restricted to isolated remnant forest at high elevation are highly susceptible to catastrophic impact from external forces, such as the introduction of exotic pests and wildfires, and require pro-active conservation management that anticipates potential threats. The species could be placed at a higher level of threat if feral pigs are found to have a significant negative impact on the extent and/or quality of preferred habitat.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to determine the species on Mt Aoupinie and for its possible occurrence at high elevation sites on adjacent peaks
• assess the extent of decline in quality of forest habitat for the species with regard to the impact pigs
• assess the extent of spread of the Fire Ant on Mt Aoupinie and monitor its spread in relation to the range of N. rankini

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002