2024-09-30 - Social Structure and Habitat Use of New Caledonian Leopard Skinks (Scincidae: Lacertoides pardalis): A Radiotelemetric Study
Published in Journal of Herpetology, 2024
Recommended citation: Deuss M., Bousseyroux A., Stenger P.-L., Jourdan H. (2024). Social Structure and Habitat Use of New Caledonian Leopard Skinks (Scincidae: Lacertoides pardalis): A Radiotelemetric Study. Journal of Herpetology, 148–161, https://doi.org/10.1670/22-069 https://doi.org/10.1670/22-069
Abstract
Lacertoides pardalis is a vulnerable skink species restricted to New Caledonia’s ultramafic maquis shrublands, facing habitat loss due to mining. This study employs VHF radiotelemetry to assess the species’ spatial ecology and social interactions. We monitored two populations, revealing significant home range overlap between sexes and a preference for rocky microhabitats. These findings highlight the importance of habitat preservation and provide a baseline for future conservation strategies, including translocation planning.
Recommended citation: ‘Deuss M., Bousseyroux A., Stenger P.-L., Jourdan H. (2024). Social Structure and Habitat Use of New Caledonian Leopard Skinks (Scincidae: Lacertoides pardalis): A Radiotelemetric Study. Journal of Herpetology, 148–161, https://doi.org/10.1670/22-069’
