TopFamily
Scincidae (skinks)
Genus
Hemiergis
Species
decresiensis
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
Expansion of the Canberra urban area into previous habitat of the Three-toed skink is likely to cause decline in numbers of the lizard, as they are not well adapted to living in the urban environments.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
In the urban area, the biggest threats to Three-toed Skinks are removal of habitat (eg. for firewood) and habitat disturbance by pets and feral animals.
Local/Urban Actions
Not removing habitat materials such as sticks and logs in nature reserves is a positive step that Canberrans can take to improve the possibility of Three-toed Skinks living in urban areas. Likewise, having suitable habitat areas in gardens may allow the lizards to expand their populations.
Common name/s
Three-toed Skink
Distinguishing Features
The Three-toed Skink has a very slender shiny body. It is brown in colour, with darker stripes running down the length of body and tail. It has very short limbs and only three toes on each limb. Underneath the lizard is cream or yellow. They can grow to slightly over 10cm, including tail.
Similar Species
Maccoy's Skink (Nannoscincus maccoyi) is another small dark skink, but it has five digits on each limb, rather than three.
Distribution
The Three-toed skink has a range extending from southeast South Australia through non-coastal Victoria and up through the highlands and slopes of NSW to around the QLD border. The lizard is quite common throughout the ACT, except in the urban areas of Canberra.
Country of Origin
Australia
TopSurvey Techniques
The Three-toed Skink can usually only be found by hand searching.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
The Three-toed Skink is not listed as threatened under the EPBC Act 1999.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
The lizard is not listed as threatened in the ACT
LSCCES Population
The Three-toed Skink is known inhabit the local area, as it was observed on the ANU campus during the 2003 LSCC ecological survey.
Associated vegetation community
Wet and dry sclerophyll forest, woodland and grassland.
Limiting Resources
The lack of suitable habitat in urban Canberra is probably the biggest limiting factor for Three-toed Skinks. However, the Three-toed Skink is often difficult to locate, if not intensively searched for, so perhaps skink numbers are not as limited as believed in the urban area.
Breeding
The Three-toed Skink mates in summer and autumn. Up to 5 live young are born the following summer.
Behaviour
The Three-toed skink is ground-dwelling, sheltering under rocks, logs and tussock grass. It will often burrow, and the species hibernates over winter.
Functional Group
Insectivore
Food Species
The Three-toed Skink feeds on arthropods, with ants making up a large part of the lizard's diet.
Predators
The main known predators for Three-toed Skinks are snakes.
Interesting Fact
The Three-toed Skink is better able to withstand warmer, drier conditions than other skinks, meaning it will have a greater chance of survival during periods of drought.
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. S, T
Cogger, H.G. 1996. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Reed Books Australia, Melbourne. S, T
Online Publications:
Greer, A.E. 2006. Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles. Australian Museum Online, Version date: 7 August 2006. Thttp://www.amonline.net.au/herpetology/research/index.htm#encyclopedia [Last accessed 01/05/07]
Researcher: Ian Rayner