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| - Sadlier <i>et al.</i> (2014)
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| dct:title
| - Sadlier <i>et al.</i> (2014)
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| dct:abstract
| - Lacertoides pardalis is a large species of skink with uniquely small body scales, probably the smallest of any skink species in relation to its size. It was described in 1997 from two specimens from a single site in the far south of New Caledonia. Since the original description more than a decade ago a number of additional specimens (ranging from juveniles to large adults) have been collected in the region and these specimens in combination with field observations have provided new information on the species' biology, most notable of which are a live-bearing mode of reproduction, and insights into its trophic ecology. Stomach analysis indicates an omnivorous diet with saurivory of other skink species, predation of various invertebrates, and an unexpectedly high prevalence of frugivory, indicating this species may play an important role in seed dispersal. This is the first record of this ecological trait in the New Caledonian scincid lizard fauna. The new records also represent significant extensions in the range of the species, and confirm a preference for habitat in areas of outcropping peridotite rock set in low maquis shrubland. The area from which Lacertoides pardalis was initially described has changed dramatically during the period since its discovery, primarily from activities associated with the establishment of facilities and infrastructure throughout southern New Caledonia, particularly those to support the recently established and extensive nickel mining operation on the Goro Plateau. Because the species is still only known from a limited number of locations, one of which is in close proximity to mining operations, the species has been listed as 'Vulnerable' under IUCN criteria. Further work on the detailed ecology and biology of the species are required to better manage the populations of this species in the wild.
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| bibo:abstract
| - Lacertoides pardalis is a large species of skink with uniquely small body scales, probably the smallest of any skink species in relation to its size. It was described in 1997 from two specimens from a single site in the far south of New Caledonia. Since the original description more than a decade ago a number of additional specimens (ranging from juveniles to large adults) have been collected in the region and these specimens in combination with field observations have provided new information on the species' biology, most notable of which are a live-bearing mode of reproduction, and insights into its trophic ecology. Stomach analysis indicates an omnivorous diet with saurivory of other skink species, predation of various invertebrates, and an unexpectedly high prevalence of frugivory, indicating this species may play an important role in seed dispersal. This is the first record of this ecological trait in the New Caledonian scincid lizard fauna. The new records also represent significant extensions in the range of the species, and confirm a preference for habitat in areas of outcropping peridotite rock set in low maquis shrubland. The area from which Lacertoides pardalis was initially described has changed dramatically during the period since its discovery, primarily from activities associated with the establishment of facilities and infrastructure throughout southern New Caledonia, particularly those to support the recently established and extensive nickel mining operation on the Goro Plateau. Because the species is still only known from a limited number of locations, one of which is in close proximity to mining operations, the species has been listed as 'Vulnerable' under IUCN criteria. Further work on the detailed ecology and biology of the species are required to better manage the populations of this species in the wild.
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| dct:bibliographicCitation
| - Sadlier, R. A., Shea, G. M., Jourdan, H., Whitaker, A. H. & Bauer, A. M. 2014. The New Caledonian Leopard Skink <i>Lacertoides pardalis</i> (Reptilia: Scincidae); a review of the species’ morphology, distribution, behavior and conservation. <i>In</i>: Guilbert, E., Robillard, T., Jourdan, H. & Grandcolas, P. [Eds]. <i>Zoologica Neocaledonica 8. Biodiversity studies in New Caledonia</i>. Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris: 31-44.
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