A new species of Nannoscincus Günther (Squamata: Scincidae) from high elevation forest in southern New Caledonia
Abstract
A new species of Nannoscincus from relictual high elevation closed forest is described from southern New Caledonia. This species is most similar in appearance to Nannoscincus gracilis, but can be distinguished by its large size and a suite of distinctive scalation characters. Further, it is the only species of Nannoscincus recorded as being able to vocalise. The species is known only from closed forest patches on Pic Ningua and adjacent Mt Çidoa at around 1000 m in altitude. The overall extent of this habitat is small, fragmented, and in an area that is actively mined. As such the species is regarded as at risk, and the level of threat as Vulnerable.
