TopFamily
Scincidae (skinks)
Genus
Eulamprus
Species
heatwolei
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
Regional: Generally not threatened in non-urban areas around the ACT, but encounters problems with river bed siltation and introduced species including Willows and Blackberries
Threats/Control Methods - Local
The modification of most of Canberra's urban creeks for stormwater discharge and the planting of exotic species in riparian areas has led to a reduction in the habitat available for Eulamprus heatwolei. Expansion of Canberra's urban areas poses a possible further reduction in habitat for the skink.
Local/Urban Actions
In some areas, remediation of urban storm water systems to more natural creek systems can improve habitat for the Yellow-bellied Water Skink. This has been done with Sullivan's Creek on the ANU campus, while the David St wetland in O'Conner is another example of habitat improvement in the urban area.
Common name/s
Yellow-bellied Water Skink, Heatwole's Water Skink
Distinguishing Features
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink is bronze-brown above with small black spots on its back. The back of its ear-opening is black while the belly is unpatterned and yellow. They can grow to over 20cm, with Adults usually around 8.5cm in total length.
Similar Species
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink has a very similar appearance to Eulamprus tympanum (Southern Water Skink). It is difficult to distinguish the two lizards, although the Yellow-bellied Water Skink has a flatter head than the Southern Water Skink. Also, Eulamprus heatwolei has a very pale stripe running down the side of its head, while Eulamprus tympanum has black markings. Usually Eulamprus heatwolei prefers rocky, more open habitats than Eulamprus tympanum, but the two species will sometimes occur in the same margin.
Distribution
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink is found in patchy populations from north-eastern New South Wales through the ACT to eastern Victoria. An isolated population also occurs in South Australia. The skink is present along the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo Rivers, and there are small populations along some of Canberra's urban creeks.
Country of Origin
Australia
TopSurvey Techniques
Pitfall trapping and hand searching.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Not listed as threatened in Australia
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
Not listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1980
LSCCES Population
Uncommon in Canberra's urban areas, due to the modification of stream networks and introduction of exotic species to creek edges.
Associated vegetation community
Eulamprus heatwolei inhabits wet areas. It is most commonly found in riparian environments in forests, woodlands, heathlands and bogs, but at higher elevations the Yellow-bellied Water Skink may be found away from streams in moist environments.
Limiting Resources
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink is limited in the urban environment by modified habitats and exotic riparian species.
Breeding
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink breeds in spring, with up to five live young being born in mid summer.
Behaviour
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink commonly basks on rocks, logs or tussocks near streams. It is a capable swimmer that may escape into the water when threatened.
Functional Group
Food Species
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink feeds on invertebrates, tadpoles, small frogs and lizards.
Predators
Adult Yellow-bellied Water Skinks are preyed upon by snakes, including the Red-bellied Black Snake, while spiders such as the Funnelweb Spider predate on juvenile skinks.
Interesting Fact
The Yellow-bellied Water Skink is a social species, with social order maintained by fighting and aggressive displays.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:
Bennett, R. 1997. Reptiles & Frogs of the Australian Capital Territory, National Parks Association of the ACT, Woden. P, S, T
Lintermans, M. and Osborne, W. 2002. Wet & Wild: A Field Guide to the Freshwater Animals of the Southern Tablelands and High Country of the ACT and NSW, Environment ACT, Canberra. S, T.
Wilson, S and Knowles, D. 1988. Australia's reptiles, Collins Publishers, Australia. S, T.
Journal Articles:
Head, M.L., Keogh, J.S. and Doughty, P. 2002. "Experimental Evidence of an Age-Specific Shift in Chemical Detection of Predators in a Lizard" in Journal of Chemical Ecology, vol 28, no. 3, March 2002. T
Researcher: Ian Rayner