Swamp 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: Lissolepis coventryi

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 05 Apr 2024

Profile last updated: 22 Jul 2025

Description

The swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi) is a medium-sized skink with an average body length (snout to vent) of 100 mm long with a tail length around 150 percent of the total body length. Adult skinks weigh up to 35 grams and male skinks have longer and broader heads than females. They have well-developed limbs and a fourth toe which is markedly longer than the third toe. The swamp skink varies in colour and patterning, but can be pale greenish-brown, olive-brown or yellow-brown. The head and legs are often flecked and streaked with black, and legs have pale spots. A pale stripe occurs at the lips and at the throat and lower thighs are usually greenish. The belly is whitish. A distinguishing feature is that the parietal shields (head scales) are not in contact behind the interparietal head scale.

Distribution

The swamp skink is restricted to south-eastern Australia. It is distributed from the Mt Gambier region in southeastern South Australia, through southern Victoria and likely occurs just beyond the Victorian-NSW border into far-southeast NSW. There is a single historical record of the species in NSW within the Nadgee locality, however the species’ current distribution within NSW is unknown.

Habitat and ecology

The swamp skink occurs in freshwater and saltwater wetlands with dense, low vegetation but little to no overstorey.
They are often found in areas with poorly drained peaty soils, or coastal saltmarshes with sandy soils.
They bask and forage within dense, low vegetation in areas with fallen timber, rocks and leaf litter. They shelter in burrows during colder months.
The swamp skink is omnivorous, and its diet consists of a variety of invertebrates, aquatic amphipods and plant material.
Swamp skinks are generally active from spring to late autumn. It is a secretive skink and rarely ventures far from cover.
Swamp skinks breed in late spring and females give birth to one to four live young in summer.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South East Corner

Threats

Lack of knowledge of the species distribution and abundance in NSW.
Insufficient understanding of species genetic diversity, genetic health and population genetics.
Lack of knowledge of threats to subpopulations within NSW and degree of impact on species survival.

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

Identify and map potential swamp skink habitat in NSW.
Conduct targeted surveys in southern NSW where the species is only known from one potential locality. Survey for new, undiscovered populations within the broader area.
If populations are identified, design and implement a monitoring program to determine and track population status over time.
Assess and monitor threats to any new populations identified in NSW.
Assess the need for management intervention to be able to secure populations in NSW.