Kingdom Animalia Suborder Sauria Family Scincidae Scientific name Niveoscincus palfreymani Higher classification Niveoscincus Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Infraorder Scincomorpha Subfamily Eugongylinae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Pedder galaxias, Lake Pedder earthworm, Skink, Niveoscincus, Tasmanian tree skink | ||
Niveoscincus palfreymani, known commonly as Palfreyman's window-eyed skink, the Pedra Branca cool-skink, the Pedra Branca skink, or the red-throated skink, is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to Australia, and is restricted to the windswept Pedra Branca, an island off southern Tasmania of only 2.5 ha (6.2 acres), where it is dependent on the seabird colonies. It is the only lizard species found on the island.
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Etymology
The specific name, palfreymani, is in honor of Mr. A.E. Palfreyman who collected the first specimens of this species.
Description
Adults of N. palfreymani have a head and body length of 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in). Adults weigh about 14 grams (0.49 oz), while pregnant females can weigh up to 22 grams (0.78 oz). Adults are a glossy charcoal colour, while juveniles are more lightly coloured.
Biology
Pedra Branca skinks feed on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and isopods. They have also been observed to feed on fish scraps dropped or regurgitated by the seabirds on the island as well as seabird eggs. However, these foods are only available to the skinks on a seasonal basis.
There are six separate colonies of Pedra Branca skinks on the island with a total population that fluctuates between 250 and 600 lizards, depending on food availability. The skinks are preyed upon by silver gulls. The movement of silver gull colonies into areas where the skinks are living has recently led to the decline of some skink colonies.
Pedra Branca skinks live in crevices in the rocks, which provide protection from wind, salt spray and waves. Adult skinks defend their burrows against intrusion by other skinks. However, they are only active when air temperatures are above 15°C (59°F).
Pedra Branca skinks are a long-lived species. They do not mature until they are about 6 to 8 years of age. They can live at least 10 years, possibly up to 15 years.
Like most endemic Tasmanian skinks, the Pedra Branca skink bears live young.
Status
N. palfreymani is considered to be vulnerable due to the restricted range and multiple threats including seabird predation, fluctuations in the food supply, climate change and the threat of invasion by introduced predators such as rats.