Cyclodomorphus venustus - 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: Cyclodomorphus venustus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 06 Dec 2002

Profile last updated: 15 Jul 2020

Description

A medium-sized skink. Light greyish or pinkish-brown above with a few dark streaks on the sides of the neck. Underside is cream or yellowish. Individuals reach approximately 160-180mm in total length.

Distribution

Known from only three locations in NSW, all within Sturt National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Brown to grey cracking clay soils and stony plains in close proximity to ephemeral waterways where there is a grassy understorey.
Probably active only in the early morning or evening, animals shelter under litter and in deep cracks in the ground.
They are opportunistic hunters, waiting in the cover of vegetation from which they ambush their prey. .
Diet may consist of spiders, termites, grasshoppers, cockroaches, small snails, moths, beetles, small lizards, flowers and fleshy leaves and fruit.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearance, degradation and fragmentation of potential habitat outside Sturt National Park, particularly for agricultural purposes.
Small, isolated populations are vulnerable to one-off catastrophic events.
Predation by foxes and cats is possible given the feeding habits and activity times of this species.
Heavy grazing and trampling of habitat and food resources by domestic stock, feral goats, rabbits and pigs.
Loss of leaf litter, surface rocks, fallen timber & bark and other ground cover, which supports not only this species but also its food species.
Lack of knowledge on the species threats, habitat, and management requirements in NSW.
Lack of knowledge of critical threats to the species at Sturt National Park, including compaction by pigs and goats; degradation of habitat (e.g. soil and leaf litter in Chenopod Shrubland) by pigs, goats, and rabbits; and predation or competition by pigs.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control of vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats and rabbits, which either prey on, or compete against this species for resources.
Instil appropriate fire regime so as to not burn all habitat and food sources within a region at one time, and to promote natural succession.
Reduce stock intensity of, or exclude grazing in, some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation for habitat, food sources or nest sites.
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Retention of grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development such a seed set and tussock formation.
Retention of stick and leaf litter for food and shelter.
Retain fallen logs including logs embedded in the soil and hollow logs.
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks in the area of concern.
Maintain Triodia spp. (spinifex or porcupine grass) in the area.
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Record, monitor and appropriately manage all known populations.

Information sources

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Threatened Reptiles of the South-West Mallee draft Recovery Plan, In prep.
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Cyclodomorphus venustus (a lizard) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Shea, G.M. and Miller, B. (1995) A Taxonomic Revision of the Cyclodomorphus branchialis Species Group (Squamata: Scincidae). Records of the Australian Museum. 47: 265-325.
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Channel Country	Bulloo	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Central Depression	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Predicted	None