ALPINE SHE-OAK SKINK

Cyclodomorphus praealtus

Endangered

The mountain habitats of the Alpine She-oak Skink are so isolated that they are sometimes described as ‘sky islands’ – each mountain top is separated from the others by a ‘sea’ of lower-altitude habitat that is unsuitable for these little skinks. Such isolation means that any threat could devastate the population and make it difficult for any remaining skinks to survive. If there is a catastrophic disturbance to the skinks’ alpine habitat, Zoos Victoria is ready to implement a recovery program and ensure the survival of this endangered species.

THE SPECIES

When under threat, Alpine She-oak Skinks exhibit a snake-like defence behaviour. With slender bodies reaching up to 12cm in length, they tuck in their reduced limbs, rear their head up, hold out their tongue and flick the tip as a snake does. There is still much to learn about the life-history of the Alpine She-oak Skink but animals are thought mature at 2-3 years of age and live for 5 years. Adults give birth to 2-9 young in mid-late summer. The species hibernates over the winter.

Currently the major threats to Alpine She-oak Skinks are:

  • Habitat destruction from Alpine development.
  • Wildfire.
  • Negative habitat impacts associated with introduced pests such as feral horses and deer.