Taxonomy
Nannoscincus rankini
Common name :
Le scinque nain de Rankin
Rankin's Dwarf Skink Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 11/12/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Nannoscincus rankini is listed as Critically Endangered because it is known only from a single very small area. Habitat damage from deer and pigs has increased in the last few years bringing a suspicion of population decline. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are estimated at 4 km2 with a continuing decline in the extent and quality of habitat, thus forming one location.
Geographical area
This species is endemic to Province Nord, New Caledonia. It is known only from two sites at the summit of Mont Aoupinié, in the central ranges west of Ponérihouen, Grande Terre. It occurs at elevations above 900 m. The extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 4 km2.
Population
There are no quantitative data on population size and trends for this species. There may have been a localized loss of habitat associated with the construction of the road to the summit in the past, but this was not expected to have significantly affected the area of occupancy or population size. More recently, habitat damage from deer and pigs has brought a suspicion of population decline.
Habitat
This species inhabits closed montane forest. It is cryptozoic, semi-fossorial; terrestrial. It shelters beneath logs and stones, and forages through leaf litter.
Threats
The main immediate threats to Nannoscincus rankini appear to be a risk of habitat degradation by ungulates (deer and pigs), which are disturbing the litter layer and cover.
Conservation
This species is protected in Province Nord under Code de l'environnement de la Province Nord (Délibération No. 306-2008/APN, 24 October 2008) and in Province Sud under Code de l'environnement de la Province Sud (Délibération No. 25-2009/APS, 20 March 2009). It is present in Réserve de Nature Sauvage du Massif de l’Aoupinié but this protected area is not actively managed. No specific conservation management is currently being undertaken.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 08 : Orchidaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Amice, R., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.