TopFamily
Scincidae (Skinks)
Genus
Menetia
Species
greyii
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
The expansion of suburbs into areas occupied by the Common Dwarf Skink may be a threat in the amount of suitable habitat for the lizard.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
In the urban area, the major threats to the Common Dwarf Skink populations are habitat disturbance by residents 'cleaning up' or by pets.
Local/Urban Actions
The maintenance of litter levels is very important for the Common Dwarf Skink, as such 'cleaning up' of leaf litter and debris should be avoided in suitable habitat areas, including gardens and nature reserves. Fuel reduction for fire preparedness may however be necessary, and so some removal of litter may be unavoidable.
Common name/s
Common Dwarf Skink
Distinguishing Features
The Common Dwarf Skink is very small, with a maximum length of only 8cm, though more usually around 6cm including tail. The body is narrow and the limbs and digits are very small. The skink has four fingers on the forelimbs and five toes on the back legs. It is brown-bronze above, with a black stripe either side of the back. The species has a white underside, except for breeding males, which have an orange throat. The skink has transparent fixed eyelids, which mean that it does not blink.
Similar Species
The Four Fingered Skink (Carlia tetradactyla ) has the same number of digits as the Common Dwarf Skink, but the Four Fingered Skink is substantially larger, and has much longer limbs than the Dwarf Skink.
Distribution
The Common Dwarf Skink has a very widespread distribution, covering most of mainland Australia except the far north and the eastern coastal fringe. The skink is not native to Tasmania. The species occupies the warmer parts of the ACT around the Canberra urban area.
Country of Origin
Australia
TopSurvey Techniques
Pitfall trapping is commonly employed in surveying this species, while hand searching is also an option.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
The species is not considered threatened nationally.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
The skink is not listed as threatened in the ACT.
LSCCES Population
The population is considered relatively stable around the urban area.
Associated vegetation community
The Common Dwarf Skink occupies a wide variety of habitats including open forest, woodland and grassland.
Limiting Resources
Suitable habitat for foraging and shelter is the most important resource limiting the Common Dwarf Skink. Also, around the ACT the species is at the edge of its distribution and competition with other species limits its range into the moister regions further east.
Breeding
The Common Dwarf Skink breeds in spring, with only a small clutch of usually 2 eggs being laid. These eggs hatch in summer. The lizard may produce more than one clutch per season.
Behaviour
The Common Dwarf Skink is ground dwelling, sheltering under leaf litter, tussocks and stones. The species has also been reported to use artificial shelter such as roofing iron. The Common Dwarf Skink diurnal and is active year-round in the warmer parts of its distribution, while in colder areas it will hibernate over winter.
Functional Group
Insectivore.
Food Species
The Common Dwarf Skink preys on small arthropods.
Predators
Known predators of the Common Dwarf Skink are the Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus ) and monitor lizards.
Interesting Fact
The Common Dwarf Skink is the smallest skink in the ACT.
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
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2003. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. 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