Plestiodon obsoletus

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

View Printer Friendly

Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	REPTILIA	SQUAMATA	SCINCIDAE

Scientific Name:

Plestiodon obsoletus

Species Authority:

Baird & Girard, 1852

Common Name/s:

English

–

Great Plains Skink

Synonym/s:

Eumeces obsoletus (Baird & Girard, 1852)

Taxonomic Notes:

In a phylogenetic analysis of Eumeces based on morphology, Griffith et al. (2000) proposed splitting Eumeces into multiple genera, based on the apparent paraphyly of Eumeces. Smith (2005) and Brandley et al. (2005) formally proposed that all North American species (north of Mexico) be placed in the genus Plestiodon. This was accepted by Crother (2008) and Collins and Taggart (2009).

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:	Least Concern ver 3.1
Year Published:	2007
Assessor/s:	Hammerson, G.A., Frost, D.R. & Santos-Barrera, G.
Reviewer/s:	Cox, N., Chanson, J.S. & Stuart, S.N. (Global Reptile Assessment Coordinating Team)
Contributor/s:
Justification: Listed as Least Concern in view of the large and probably relatively stable extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and population size. No major threats are known.

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	The geographic range includes northeastern Colorado, southern Nebraska, and southwestern Iowa through Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, eastern Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and adjacent northern Mexico (to northern Tamaulipas and Durango) (Stebbins 2003). Elevational range extends from near sea level to 2,650 m (8,700 feet) (Stebbins 2003).
Countries:	Native: Mexico; United States
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	This species is represented by hundreds of occurrences or subpopulations (e.g., see Hall 1976, Collins 1993, Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999, Dixon 2000). The total adult population size is unknown but surely exceeds 100,000. The species is locally common (Degenhardt et al.1996). The extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and population size are large and probably relatively stable. Locally common throughout its range.
Population Trend:	Stable

Population:

This species is represented by hundreds of occurrences or subpopulations (e.g., see Hall 1976, Collins 1993, Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999, Dixon 2000). The total adult population size is unknown but surely exceeds 100,000. The species is locally common (Degenhardt et al.1996). The extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and population size are large and probably relatively stable. Locally common throughout its range.

Population Trend:

Stable

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	In the eastern part of the range, this skink inhabits prairie regions: rocky areas, canyon bottoms, sandhills, and floodplains; in the west, it occurs in canyons, mesas, and mountains in semi-arid regions, especially in shrubby rock outcrops along stream courses. It is a secretive species that often takes refuge under rocks, logs, and other cover. Eggs are laid in nests dug under rocks (Fitch 1970).
Systems:	Terrestrial

Habitat and Ecology:

In the eastern part of the range, this skink inhabits prairie regions: rocky areas, canyon bottoms, sandhills, and floodplains; in the west, it occurs in canyons, mesas, and mountains in semi-arid regions, especially in shrubby rock outcrops along stream courses. It is a secretive species that often takes refuge under rocks, logs, and other cover. Eggs are laid in nests dug under rocks (Fitch 1970).

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	No major threats have been identified. Large-scale intensive cultivation has eliminated or reduced some populations, but the species tolerates a moderate level of habitat alteration associated with agricultural development and cattle grazing.

Major Threat(s):

No major threats have been identified. Large-scale intensive cultivation has eliminated or reduced some populations, but the species tolerates a moderate level of habitat alteration associated with agricultural development and cattle grazing.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	This lizard occurs in many parks and other protected areas. No direct conservation measures are needed for this species as a whole.

Conservation Actions:

This lizard occurs in many parks and other protected areas. No direct conservation measures are needed for this species as a whole.

Citation:	Hammerson, G.A., Frost, D.R. & Santos-Barrera, G. 2007. Plestiodon obsoletus. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 19 May 2013.
Disclaimer:	To make use of this information, please check the <Terms of Use>.
Feedback:	If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown on this page, please fill in the feedback form so that we can correct or extend the information provided