Leopard Ctenotus - 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: Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 01 Nov 2002

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

Grey to olive-brown skink with white or yellow spots, each with a black bar on each side. Individuals reach between 180-220mm in length.

Distribution

In NSW, the subspecies is known from a single specimen collected west of Goodooga.

Habitat and ecology

Single specimen form spinifex, Triodia mitchelli, habitat upon which it appears to rely.
This habitat typically occurs on red sand country.
Very little is known about the ecological requirements of this subspecies.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Fragmentation, resulting from clearing or degradation of habitat, may reduce the size of populations and increase the extent to which they are isolated. Small, isolated populations have a greater risk of extinction due to genetic effects and chance events (e.g., drought and fire).
Degradation of the habitat, a result of inappropriate grazing or fire regimes, may result in changes to the physical and biological nature of the habitat (e.g., changes in the structure and floristics of vegetation, diversity and abundance of invertebrates). These changes may render habitat unsuitable or increase the risk posed by other threatening processes (e.g., predation).
Fire may cause the direct loss of individuals.
The density and structure of spinifex and adjacent shrubs and ground cover, which may represent a critical ecological requirement for the species, is affected by both livestock and feral species.
Predation by foxes or cats, particularly where populations have already declined.
Catastrophic events such as drought or extensive wildfire.
Anthropogenic climate change is a long term threat as it may alter habitat characteristics (e.g., change in physical structure or productivity) such that its capacity to support viable populations is reduced.
Insufficient understanding of species distribution and abundance

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 vertebrate pest populations (e.g., foxes, cats and rabbits) which either prey on the species or compete for resources.
Implement appropriate fire regime so as to not burn all habitat within a locality at one time and to promote natural succession.
Reduce stocking intensity or exclude grazing in some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation to provide shelter for the species and habitat for food resources.
Retain grasslands and allow grassland species to complete their lifecycle (i.e., seed set, germination, establishment, tussock formation).
Retention of stick and leaf litter.
Retain understorey shrubs and allow them to complete their life cycle (i.e. seed set, germination, establishment, growth to maturity).
Retain fallen logs and ground debris.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass) in the area.
Buffer habitat areas from the impacts of other activities.
Prevent clearing of habitat.

Information sources

Cogger. H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 7th Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Leopard ctenotus - Endangered species determination - final.
Sadlier, R.A. and Pressey, R.L. (1994) Reptiles and amphibians of particular conservation concern in the Western Division of New South Wales: A preliminary review. Biological Conservation 69(1): 41-54
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Channel Country	Bulloo	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Bulloo Dunefields	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Central Depression	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Culgoa-Bokhara	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Nebine Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Urisino Sandplains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Warrego Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Warrego Sands	Known	None
Mulga Lands	West Warrego	Predicted	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Predicted	None