Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Coeranoscincus reticulatus

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 08 Feb 2022

Description

The Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink is a large burrowing lizard with a head and body length of up to 23 cm and a thick, long tail. It has four very short legs, each with three clawed toes, and has long, curved teeth. The body colour varies from fawn to dark brown, usually with a dark collar on the back of the neck and fine patterning on the belly. Because of its burrowing habits it is seldom seen.

Distribution

The Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink occurs on the coast and ranges from the Macleay valley in NSW to south-eastern Queensland. It is very uncommon south of Grafton.

Habitat and ecology

Rainforest and occasionally moist eucalypt forest, on loamy or sandy soils. The Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink lives in loose soil, leaf litter and rotting logs, and feeds on earthworms and beetle grubs.
Garden beds and urban yards under leaf litter on alluvial soils.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing of habitat.
Removal of fallen logs and leaf litter through firewood collection.
Loss of leaf litter and compaction of soil through grazing by stock.
Habitat degradation and loss of shelter and forage habitat through pig activity.
Removal of fallen logs and leaf litter through frequent fire.
Changing fire regime causing loss of habitat at the edge of and within the rainforest; emerging threat due to climate change.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Control fire in areas of habitat to protect leaf litter and fallen logs.
Manage cattle grazing in areas of habitat to protect leaf litter and topsoil.
Retain and protect areas of rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.
Control pigs when they occur within potential habitat for this species
Notify consent authorities of habitat requirements and appropriate management in urban areas.
Monitor known populations, particularly where risks are high such as urban areas.
Protect areas of habitat particularly in urban areas where risk of habitat loss is high.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E., Sadlier, R. and Eggler, P. (1993) The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. (Australian Museum, Sydney)
Cogger. H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 7th Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.)
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Cataract	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Rocky River Gorge	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Washpool	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Images

Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink
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Related information

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