Taxonomy
Nannoscincus slevini
Common name :
Le scinque nain de Slevin
Slevin's Dwarf Skink Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 11/12/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
This is a forest specialist with a restricted range. Listed as Endangered because it has a very restricted distribution with an estimation of three locations. Its extent of occurrence is estimated at 45 km2 and its area of occupancy at 20 km2 and there is a continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of its habitat, and the number of mature individuals due to the effects of invasive species and wildfires.
Geographical area
Nannoscincus slevini is endemic to New Caledonia. It is only known from three localities in a small area of the dividing ranges between Canala and La Foa in central Grande Terre (a fourth locality in Nodela needs to be genetically confirmed). The extent of occurrence is estimated at 45 km2 and the area of occupancy at 20 km2. Recorded at elevations between 400 and 900 m asl. Recent observations in Nodela need to bo confirmed genetically. Bauer and Sadlier (2000) noted a questionable record of the species from the Yahoué Valley near Nouméa, which is far to the south of all the other localities. As subsequent intensive searches there have not yielded results, this record is considered to be an error.
Population
There are no quantitative data on population size and trends for this species, but it is presumed to have suffered a reduction in area of occupancy from the loss of closed forest habitat at mid-elevation through clearance for agriculture and afforestation, and at both mid and high elevation from wildfires.
Habitat
It is known to inhabit mid-elevation closed humid forest and montane forest. This species is cryptozoic, semi-fossorial and terrestrial. It shelters beneath logs and rocks on the forest floor (Bauer and Sadlier 2000). It is susceptible to heat stress and dehydration (Bauer and Sadlier 2000). It is oviparous.
Threats
The likelihood of further habitat loss and fragmentation from clearance and wildfires in adjacent savannas are the greatest threats to Nannoscincus slevini. Habitat degradation by introduced ungulates (deer and pigs), leading to lower humidity, and from pigs disturbing the litter layer and cover are additional risks. The infestation of mid-elevation forests by Wasmannia auropunctata is a potentially serious threat (Jourdan et al. 2000, 2001). Predation by rodents (Thibault 2017) may be an issue.
Conservation
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). Not listed on CITES. Not present in any reserves and no conservation management is currently being undertaken. Further research and monitoring of the population, habitat and threat status should also be carried out.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.