Research

Slevins Dwarf Skink Nannoscincus slevini

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small, elongate species of skink growing to a body length of 43mm with short limbs and digits, a short tail approximately equal in length to the body, and with several weak grooves down the scales of the body. Colouration is two-toned being lighter on top and darker at the sides.

Natural distribution: Known from a small area in the central ranges between Sarramea and Canala.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from the ranges near Col d' Amieu, Mt Kanala, and Plateau de Dogney.

Threats:

• high level of threat to closed forest edge habitat, particularly remnant gully forest, through repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat leading to a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat
• moderate to potentially high level of threat to closed forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing a significant decline in abundance
• potentially moderate level of threat to populations in the region from logging of native forest and clearing of forest for timber plantations leading to a decline in area, extent and quality of mid elevation forest habitat
• 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 slevini is a closed forest-dependant species with highly specific microhabitat requirements. The species distribution is small, it is known from only five locations (area of occupancy 500 km2) representing four sub-populations. It could to be recorded from additional locations within the region, but its distribution is still likely to remain as scattered isolates with a low overall area of occurrence. Its' small distribution in combination with several high levels of threat indicate the species is at risk. Nannoscincus slevini is here conservatively classified as Vulnerable, but could be placed at a higher level of threat if declines in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat within the species very narrow range persist. Sub-populations in small isolated patches of gully forest are likely to be particularly vulnerable.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to determine the species overall distribution in the central ranges
• 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 extent of spread of the fire ant at known sites and nearby closed forest habitat in the region

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002