TopFamily
Scincidae (Skinks)
Genus
Cryptoblepharus
Species
carnabyi
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
The Wall Lizard is able to adapt relatively well to habitat modification. The lizard has been known to take up residence in human environments, although these places are probably less suitable than natural areas with abundant habitat structures.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
New development in the proximity of the Wall Lizard population on O'Conner ridge has the potential to further decrease numbers of the species.
Local/Urban Actions
In Canberra, due to the possible introduced nature of the skink to the local area, it may not be appropriate to encourage the increase of the Wall Skink, as it may displace other local species.
Common name/s
Wall Lizard
Distinguishing Features
The Wall Lizard has a flattened body, which is dark brown with light and dark coloured flecks. There is a lighter coloured stripe on either side of the back. Underneath the species is white, or very pale. The Wall Lizard grows to a maximum length of around 8cm.
Similar Species
The Wall Lizard does not closely resemble any other skink found in the ACT, due to its flattened body shape.
Distribution
The Wall Lizard's range extends over most of the arid areas of Australia, from central NSW to the West Australian coast and including most of northern Australia. They are probably not found in the extremely arid deserts of central Australia. The ACT is not usually included in the distribution, but an isolated population occurs on O'Conner Ridge. This population may have originated from imported lizards coming in with firewood, as there was a large firewood dump on the ridge in the past.
Country of Origin
Australia
TopSurvey Techniques
Pitfall trapping and hand searching.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Not listed as a threatened species under the EPBC Act 1999.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
Not listed as threatened in the ACT.
LSCCES Population
The current status of the small O'Conner Ridge population is unknown.
Associated vegetation community
Dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland and mallee.
Limiting Resources
The species requires enough suitable habitat structures, including trees, woody debris or rocky areas for sunning requirements and shelter.
Breeding
The lizard lays two eggs per clutch.
Behaviour
The Wall Lizard is diurnal and arboreal, usually being found on tree trunks and dead timber. It shelters under bark and rocks.
Functional Group
Insectivore.
Food Species
The Wall Lizard feeds on a variety of arthropods, and sometimes even on the young of its own species.
Predators
As with other lizard species, the main natural predators are snake and birds of prey. Introduced species, especially cats, also prey on the species.
Interesting Fact
The distribution of the Wall Lizard is correlated to rainfall and temperature. The areas the lizard inhabits are virtually the reverse of human population densities, as the lizard is outcompeted by other lizard species in the more fertile areas favoured by people.
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
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. 2004. A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales, Second Edition, Reed New Holland, Sydney. S, T
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2003. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. S, T
Researcher: Ian Rayner