Lord Howe Island 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: Oligosoma lichenigera

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 25 Jan 2019

Description

The Lord Howe Island Skink (formerly Pseudemoia lichenigera) is a medium-sized lizard which is rich metallic-bronze or olive above, often with numerous small brown flecks or streaks along the body. There is usually a pale golden stripe from above the eye to the base of the tail. The throat is white or grey, often with dark flecks. Adults are approximately 80 mm long.

Distribution

Only found on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. On Lord Howe Island, it is found on offshore islands including Blackburn Island, Balls Pyramid and Roach Island and less commonly on the main island.

Habitat and ecology

Wide range of habitats from rainforest to grassland.
They are often found under and amongst loose basalt boulders.
This nocturnal species shelters during the day under rocks, in cavities on boulder beaches, in tunnels and holes in rocks, and in crevices in trees.
Eggs are sometimes laid in these protected spots.
They feed on beetles, spiders, moths, ants and other invertebrates amongst the leaf litter.
They lay a clutch of 1 - 3 eggs.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Predation by introduced rodents.
Potential for introduction of non-native invertebrates (eg Fire/Crazy Ant).
Possible competition for food resources with the introduced Grass Skink.
Possible introduction of the Black Rat on to offshore islands.
Habitat disturbance through weed invasion, trampling and clearing.
Species is vulnerable to disturbance of dune substrate, such as erosion caused by human access, heavy machinery or development.
Insufficient understanding of threatening process.

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 2 priority actions to help recover the Lord Howe Island Skink in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control and eradicate introduced rodents.
Establish rodent baiting stations on key offshore islands to prevent establishment of rodents.
Protect habitat from disturbance.
Continue vegetation regeneration program on Blackburn Island.
Implement and monitor the quarantine plan.
Monitor the status of populations.
Investigate the impacts of the introduced Grass Skink on the food resources of the Lord Howe Island Skink.
Research into ecology and genetics of species to provide information to assist in its conservation.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E., Sadlier, R. and Eggler, P. (1993) The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. (Australian Museum, Sydney)
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Ocean	South Pacific Ocean	Known	None
Pacific Subtropical Islands	Lord Howe Island	Known	None

Images

Lord Howe Island Skink Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

Nature conservation

Threatened species