Janetaescincus veseyfitzgeraldi
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
SCINCIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Janetaescincus veseyfitzgeraldi |
| Species Authority: |
Parker, 1947 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Vesey-fitzgerald's Burrowing Skink |
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| Taxonomic Notes: |
The genus Janetaescincus was established by Greer (1970), and is endemic to the Seychelles. Cheke (1984) has disputed the validity of Janetaescincus veseyfitzgeraldi. A taxonomic review is in progress (J. Gerlach pers. comm.). |
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Endangered
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2006 |
| Assessor/s: |
Gerlach, J. & Ineich, I. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Cox, N. & Stuart, S.N. (Global Reptile Assessment) |
Justification:
Listed as Endangered, because its extent of occurrence is 2,700 km² and its area of occupancy is 16 km², its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its forest habitat on Mahé and Silhouette islands.
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Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
This species is endemic to Seychelles, where it is recorded from the islands of Mahé, Silhouette, Curieuse, Félicité, La Digue and Frégate. It is a lowland species occurring up to 400 m. On Mahé the only recent record is from Mont Sebert, though it must once have been more widespread.
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| Countries: |
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| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
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Population
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| Population: |
The global population was estimated at 36,042 ± 1,513 animals in 2005 (Gerlach in press).
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| Population Trend: |
Decreasing
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
It is a leaf-litter burrowing species that is found in lowland forest habitats. It appears to be intolerant of disturbance to its forest habitat. It is an egg-laying species.
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| Systems: |
Terrestrial |
| Major Threat(s): |
Introduced tenrecs (Tenrec ecaudatus) are probably predators of this species on Mahé, accounting for the rarity of the species on that island (and possibly its absence from Praslin where it might once have occurred). It is dependant on forest habitats so it is probably vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation resulting from the spread of alien plants.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
It is probably present in the Morne Seychellois National Park. The largest population (42% of the total) is on Silhouette island which is not protected at present, and should be included in a new protected area.
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