Indicative distribution
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: Cyclodomorphus praealtus
Gazetted date:
02 Dec 2011
Profile last updated:
30 Mar 2020
Description
The Alpine She-oak Skink is a slender medium-sized lizard reaching a maximum length of around 350 mm, with a snout to vent length up to 130 mm. Above, it is olive-green to reddish-brown and has smooth, overlapping scales with dark lateral edges that create a series of thin, longitudinal dark lines. Scales may have black and grey flecks. The tail is tapered and is relatively short compared to similar species from coastal areas. The Alpine She-oak Skink has four distinct but short limbs, each with five fingers or toes, with the third and fourth toes sub-equal, or the third toe slightly longer than the fourth. The species can be distinguished from other She-oak Skinks in Australia (Cyclodomorphus casuarinae and C. michaeli) by its distribution and on the basis that C. praealtus has fewer than 60 subcaudal scales on the underside of any original tails.
Distribution
The Alpine She-oak Skink is endemic to NSW and Victoria, where it is restricted to sub-alpine and alpine grasslands. In NSW, the Alpine She-oak Skink has only been observed within Kosciuszko National Park between Smiggin Holes and Kiandra. In Victoria, the species is found in the north east of the state, extending as far south as Lankey Plain on the Dargo High Plains.
Habitat and ecology
- The Alpine She-oak Skink has specific habitat requirements, preferring tree-less or very lightly treed areas that contain tussock grasses, low heath or a combination of both. Within this habitat the species shelters beneath litter, rocks, logs and other ground debris, and has been observed basking on grass tussocks. In NSW, Alpine She-oak Skinks have been observed in alpine to sub-alpine grasslands in flat to gently sloping areas.
- Little is known about the breeding biology of the species as it is difficult to detect, spending much of its time sheltering within tussock clumps. The species gives birth to live young and a study of preserved museum specimens found several females, which had been collected during summer, pregnant with between two and nine embryos, suggesting a summer breeding period
- The diet of the Alpine She-Oak Skink is largely carnivorous, mostly consisting of small invertebrates, such as molluscs and insects. The species has also been recorded to occasionally feed on small lizards and snakes and potentially consumes a limited amount of plant material.
- Adults appear to have relatively small home ranges, and remain in the same general area for long periods of time. The largest distance recorded between sightings of the same individual is roughly 45 metres. As a result of its narrow altitudinal range and specific habitat requirements, the Alpine She-oak Skink is considered to have a limited capacity for dispersal.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Changes in vegetation structure within preferred habitat brought about by wildfire, weed invasion, and climate change.
- Grazing, trampling and ground disturbance by feral horses, deer and pigs.
- Construction of infrastructure in alpine areas such as roads, tracks, buildings and ski runs resulting in loss and fragmentation of subalpine and alpine habitat.
- Predation by rats, foxes, cats and dogs.
- Lack of knowledge of the distribution and habitat requirements of the species.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
4 priority actions
to help recover the Alpine She-oak Skink in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake surveys to clarify the distribution
and abundance of the Alpine She-oak Skink in NSW.
- Assess the impact on the species of
predation by exotic predators such as cats
and foxes.
- Assess the impact of
wild horse, deer and pig grazing and trampling on
the habitat of the species.
- Control or eradicate Orange Hawkweed and other invasive weeds throughout the Australian Alps.
- Control feral horses, deer and pigs throughout the Australian Alps.
- Control cats and foxes, particularly within and adjacent to Alpine resorts.
- Control fire around the areas where the
species has been recorded and apply appropriate fire management that ensures sub-alpine grassland areas are not burnt too frequently.
- Avoid track works, ski run development,
construction activities and any other forms of
ground layer disturbance around known Alpine
She-oak Skink habitat.
- Implement a monitoring program to detect population changes in relation to managment.
Information sources
- Clemann, N. (2003) Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement for the Alpine She-oak Skink Cyclodomorphus praealtus. (Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne)
- Cogger. H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 7th Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.)
- Green, K. and Osborne, W. (1994) Wildlife of the Australian Snow Country. (Reed Books, Sydney)
- Koumoundouros, T., Sumner, J., Clemann,N. and Stuart-Fox, D. (2009) Current genetic isolation and fragmentation contrasts with historical connectivity in an alpine lizard (Cyclodomorphus praealtus) threatened by climate change. Biological Conservation 142: 992-1002.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2011) Alpine She-oak Skink Cyclodomorphus praealtus - Endangered species determination - final.
- Shea, G. (1995) A taxonomic revision of the Cyclodomorphus cauarinae complex (Squamata: Scincidae). Records of the Australian Museum 47: 83-115.
- Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Wells, R.W. (2007) Some Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Considerations on the Class Reptilia in Australia. The genus Cyclodomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 with a New Interpretation of the Cyclodomorphus branchialis species-group. Australian Biodiversity Record 4: 1-23.
- Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
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