Caledoniscincus notialis, Sadlier, Ross A., Bauer, Aaron M., Wood, Perry L., Smith, Sarah A. & Jackman, Todd R., 2013

Sadlier, Ross A., Bauer, Aaron M., Wood, Perry L., Smith, Sarah A. & Jackman, Todd R., 2013, A new species of lizard in the genus Caledoniscincus (Reptilia: Scincidae) from southern New Caledonia and a review of Caledoniscincus atropunctatus (Roux), Zootaxa 3694 (6), pp. 501-524 : 508-518

Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. Sadlier, Smith, Bauer & Wood

Figs.2–5

Holotype. MNHN 2011.0277 (formerly AMS R.166147 M) New Caledonia, Province Sud, Plaine des Lacs, Route de La Wajana 22°16'35"S 166°58'38"E (22 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea).

Paratypes. All from sites within the Province Sud of New Caledonia: AMS R.148029–30 Mt. Ouin (south face) 22°01'33"S 166°28'32"E (26 September 1995, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.148087 Mt. Koghis 22°10'S 166°30'E (30 September 1995, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.148059 Plain des Lacs, Kwa Neie 22°18'55"S 166°54'47"E (28 September 1995, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); R152631–32 Riviére Bleue, track to Vue Panoramique vicinity Pont Germain 22°5'44"S 166°40'7"E (21 May 1998, R. Sadlier & A. Bauer); AMS R.161897 Monts Kwa Né Mwa, 7km W crossing of Riviére des Pirogues (Rte.1) 22°12'22"S 166°40'43"E (23 February 2002, R. Sadlier); AMS R.161915, AMS R.161924 Le Bois de Sud 22°10'22"S 166°45'53"E (23 February 2002, R. Sadlier); AMS R.164219–20 Pic du Pin 22°14'20"S 166°50'7"E (13 December 2004, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.164266 Pic du Pin 22°14'53"S 166°49'45"E (14 December 2004, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.164273 Pic du Pin 22°14'20"S 166°50'7"E (14 December 2004, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.164328 Pic du Grand Kaori 22°17'5"S 166°53'42"E (16 December 2004, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.164343 Forêt Nord 22°19'5"S 166°55'18"E (17 December 2004, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.165766–67 Plaine des Lacs, Route de la Mine 22°16'52"S 166°57'13"E (24 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.165771 Plaine des Lacs, Route de la Mine 22°17'47"S 166°57'33"E (23 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.165776–77, AMS R.165796 Mt. Ouin 22°01'33"S 166°28'32"E (26 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.165809 Mt. Ouin 22°01’S 166°28'E (26 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.165933 Mt. Dzumac 22°01'56"S 166°28'21"E (20 September 2002, R. Sadlier & A. Bauer); AMS R.166028–29, AMS R.166031–33, AMS R.166036 Plaine des Lacs, Route de la Goro/Route de la Mine Intersection 22°18'17"S 166°57'39"E (12 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.166059–64 Pic du Grand Kaori 22°17'05"S, 166°53'42"E (13 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.166157 Plaine des Lacs, Route de la Wajana 22°17'4"S 166°58'57"E (22 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.166189–90, AMS R.166192 Plaine des Lacs, Route de la Wajana 22°17'35"S 166°59'33"E (24 December 2003, R. Sadlier & G. Shea); AMS R.167417–18 2.7km SE Ka Yé Wagwé, Plaine des Lacs 22°13'17"S 166°54'25"E (7 February 2007, R. Sadlier & A. Whitaker); AMS R.167425 3.5km SSE Ka Yé Wagwé, Plaine des Lacs 22°14'22"S 166°53'48"E (8 February 2007, R. Sadlier & A. Whitaker); AMS R.167465–66 Forêt Cachée, Creek Pernod, Plaine des Lacs 22°11'50"S 166°47'13"E (16 February 2007, R. Sadlier & A. Whitaker); AMS R.171400, AMS R.171401–03 Ni River Valley 21°53'01"S 166°32'14"E (11 November 2008, R. Sadlier); AMS R.171427, AMS R.171428–30 Pourina River Valley 22°1'39"S 166°43'37"E (13 November 2008, R. Sadlier); AMS R.172609–10, AMS R.172613–14, AMS R.172617–18, AMS R.172622 Mt. Humboldt (1349–1415m) 22°52'S 166°24'E (13–17 October 2009, R. Sadlier & C. Beatson).

Etymology. The species epithet notialis is taken from the Greek notos for southern and is in reference to the distribution of the species in the south of the Grand Terre.

Diagnosis. Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. differs from all other species of Caledoniscincus (except Caledoniscincus atropunctatus ) in several features of coloration: both sexes lack an obvious dark mid-rostral marking (versus a dark marking forming a medial streak extending from the base of the rostral scale in all other Caledoniscincus ). Both sexes lack obvious orange or yellow ventral coloration (versus prominent ventral coloration in males and to a lesser degree females in most other Caledoniscincus —see Sadlier et al. 1999). Adult males have a dorsal pattern that primarily features only individual pale markings on a dark background to the body scales (for descriptions and illustrations of patterns in other Caledoniscincus species (see Sadlier et al. 1999; Bauer & Sadlier 2000).

Adult male Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. can be distinguished from adult male C. atropunctatus in having a dorsal pattern in which the pale markings when present on the individual scales in adult males (usually one in every three scales, occasionally all) consist of several fine white flecks positioned along the long axis of the keels versus a pattern in which the pale markings are present on each individual scale and consist of a single large pale spot on the poster-medial edge of each scale and pale border to the antero-lateral edge either side of each scale ( Fig. 2 ). Juvenile and adult female C. notialis sp. nov. are not readily distinguished from juvenile and adult female C. atropunctatus in coloration and pattern.

The two species showed a highly significant level of difference (t <0.005) in mean scalation of the digits, but in nearly all cases there is extensive overlap in ranges of values, limiting the use of these characters as unequivocal markers for diagnosing individuals to either species. In southern Grand Terre, where the two species are present, differences in the number of scales on the upper and lower surfaces of the fourth toe may assist with determination of some juvenile and adult female specimens, with Caledoniscincus atropunctatus from the region having a tendency toward a lower range of dorsal toe scales (11–15 versus 13–17) and lamellae (24–31 versus 28–36) for the fourth toe than C. notialis sp. nov.

Differences in the number of postsacral vertebrae between Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. and C. atropunctatus (49 versus 51–52) indicate C. notialis sp. nov. could have fewer vertebrae in the tail. However, earlier studies (Sadlier et al. 1999) showed a range of between 2 to 5 postsacral vertebrae within a species, and the utility of this character in diagnosing C. notialis sp. nov. from C. atropunctatus is at this time limited until further sampling is undertaken.

Description. The species is described from 41 adult males, 18 adult females and 1 subadult.

Measurements (adults only): size 40–54mm SVL; axilla–groin distance 51.7–59.6% SVL (x = 55.7); forelimb– snout distance 34–40.9% SVL (x = 38.1); hindlimb length 33.0–41.5% SVL (x = 37.2); tail length of individual with most complete tail 166.7% SVL.

Scalation (all specimens): midbody scale rows 26–32 (x = 29.8, sd = 1.19); dorsal scale rows 49–61 (x = 54.3, sd = 2.94); scales on top of fourth finger 9–13 (x = 11.1, sd = 0.63); lamellae beneath fourth finger 14–20 (x = 17.2, sd = 1.08); scales on top of fourth toe 11–18 (x = 15.6, sd = 1.11); lamellae beneath fourth toe 26–36 (x = 31.3, sd = 1.65).

Osteology: presacral vertebrae 29 (n = 14), 28 (n = 1) or 30 (n = 1); postsacral vertebrae 49 (n = 1).

Colour and Pattern: adult males ( Fig. 3 a & c) with the dorsal surface of body and tail mid to dark brown, with some scales (~ 1 in 2 scales to 1in 3, but rarely all) having several fine white flecks, usually positioned on and running along the individual keels of each scale, unmarked scales uniformly colored. Side of body mid to dark brown uppermost with pale markings similar to those on dorsal scales, these tending to be tinted with the brown base color, progressively grading to light brown approaching the venter and with pale markings poorly differentiated from light brown base color. Dorsal surface of the head and neck light copper-brown in life with scattered dark markings to the dorsal and lateral headshields, including the lower margin of the rostral scale. Ventral surface lacking obvious color in life, but with an underlying dark anterior edge outlining each scale.

Adult females ( Fig. 3 b) two-toned, with the dorsal surface of body and tail mid brown, each scale usually with dark fleck down the centre and giving the impression of a series of fine, dark, parallel lines down the back, tending to break up anteriorly where the individual dark markings are either only partially present or absent. Sides of body uniformly dark brown uppermost and well defined from lighter dorsal color and lighter lower lateral color. Dorsal surface of the head and nape light brown with scattered markings similar to males. Ventral surface lacking obvious color in life but with an underlying dark anterior edge outlining each scale as in males.

Subadults and juveniles with a contrasting light dorsal and dark upper lateral surface as for adult females, but largely without dark flecks on the dorsal scales, and with the lateral surface of the body uniformly dark grey overall, and ventral surface grey overall.

Details of Holotype: adult male; 45mm SVL; tail length 66mm. Midbody scale rows 30; dorsal scale rows 50; dorsal scales of fourth finger 11/10; lamellae of fourth finger 17/17; dorsal scales of fourth toe 17/-; lamellae of fourth toe 30/-

Variation: a comparison between samples from low elevation on the Goro Plateau, low elevation on the south-east coast and those from high elevation on Massif du Humboldt, Mt. Ouin and Mt. Dzumac on the Chaine Centrale showed that the population on the Goro Plateau was significantly smaller in adult size (range 40–49; x =44.5, n = 35) than the low elevation sample from the south-east coast in the Ni and Pourina River valleys (44.5–50; x = 48.1, n = 8, t 41 = -3.728 P = 0.001), and the high elevation samples from the Massif du Humboldt, Mt. Ouin and Mt. Dzumac combined (45–57; x = 51.1, n = 14, t 47 = -7.397, P = 0.000). The high elevation samples had significantly more dorsal scales (55–61; x = 58.1, n = 14) than the low elevation samples from the Goro Plateau (range 49–57; x 52.8, n = 35, t 47 = -8.367 P = 0.000) and the Ni and Pourina River valleys (range 53–57; x = 54.9, n = 8, t 19 = 4.113 P = 0.001), although the significance of the latter should viewed with caution given the lack of samples from intervening elevations. A single adult male from mid elevation on Mt. Koghis (500m) is large in size (SVL 54mm) and in this respect similar to the high elevation population from the Ouin/Dzumac ranges, but it has a fewer dorsal scales (54) and for this trait is more similar to the low elevation population on the Goro Plateau.

Additional material. Specimens also included in the genetic study (Appendix 2) or in the map of distribution ( Fig. 4 ) but not included in the type series: CAS 231902 Mt. Ouin (south face) 22°01'33"S 166°28'32"E (26 September 1995); AMS R.171426 Pourina River Valley 22°1'39"S 166°43'37"E (13 November 2008); AMS R.172150 Kwe Nord 22°16'47"S 166°56'46"E (15 May 2009);AMS R.172648–53 La Réserve Naturelle du Barrage de Yaté 22°09'09"S 166°53'30"E (22 October 2009); AMS R.174598–99 Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de la Montagne des Sources 22°07'51"S 166°36'17"E (23 October 2010)

Distribution and biology. Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. is known from a number of localities on the Goro Plateau in far southern New Caledonia, and from scattered sites in the ranges of southern Grand Terre north to the Ni River and the Humbolt Massif ( Fig. 4 ).

It has been recorded primarily from humid forest and tall-canopied maquis habitat across a broad altitudinal range on ultramafic substrates. On the Goro Plateau the species occurs in the patches of humid forest ( Fig. 5 a) and tall-canopied maquis paraforestier and maquis preforestier habitat ( Fig. 5 a) scattered across the landscape, and also from adjacent low-canopied maquis arbustif, but only rarely in open habitats (maquis arbustif or lingo-herbaceous maquis). It is relatively abundant in forest and canopied maquis habitats. Forest in this region is present as isolated patches of varying size usually at the base and slopes of the low ranges, whereas canopied maquis is a more extensive but still highly fragmented formation that is present on the hard laterite cuirasse cap that extends over much of the plateau. Elsewhere on the ranges of the central mountain chain the species has been recorded from humid forest patches at low and mid elevation, and forest and adjacent maquis shrubland at high elevation. Systematic sampling between 1000–1340 m on Mt. Humboldt recorded it only from the edge of high elevation humid forest and adjacent maquis shrubland, not from the interior of the humid forest or the extensive moss forest.

Conservation status. The area of occupancy for Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. is likely to be> 2,000km 2. It is known from at least nine separate locations in the southern ranges of the Chaine Centrale (Mt. Humbolt, Ni River, Mt. Ouin/Mt. Dzumac, Mt. Koghis, Pourina River, Montagne des Sources, Riviére Bleue, Yaté Barrage, Monts Kwa Né Mwa) and from numerous isolated areas of humid forest and tall canopied maquis habitat scattered across the Plaine des Lacs and Goro Plateau (Le Bois de Sud, Forêt Cachee, Pic du Pin, Ka Yê Wagwé, Pic du Grand Kaori, Forêt Nord and numerous sites on the plateau of the Kwé and Wadjana River drainages). There is extensive potential habitat along the main ranges of the southern ultramafic block and the species is likely to be recorded elsewhere within its extent of occurrence. The extent of occurrence and potential area of occupancy for C. notialis sp. nov. both are well within the thresholds for higher Red List categories. Populations in the south of the species range are highly fragmented. The forest and tall-canopied maquis patches have high edge to area ratios and as such are likely to be particularly susceptible to degradation from wildfires. Many also sit within mining concessions and loss of habitat associated with an expanding mining industry is a threat, particularly to areas of tall-canopied maquis. For these reasons the species meets the criteria for placement in the IUCN threatened category ‘Vulnerable’.

Caledoniscincus atropunctatus (Roux) ( Figs. 2 , 4 , 6 )

Lygosoma austro-caledonicum atropunctatum Roux 1913: 117.

The name ‘ atropunctatum ’ was proposed by Roux (1913) for one of several subspecies of Lygosoma austrocaledonicum Bavay in the first comprehensive monograph of the New Caledonian lizard fauna based on 18 months of fieldwork in the territory. Roux did not examine the types of Lygosoma austro-caledonicum from which Bavay (1869) described that species, nor did he designate a holotype in describing Lygosoma austro-caledonicum atropunctatum, but did list the location of specimens (syntypes) used in describing the subspecies. Subsequently a lectotype designation for Lygosoma austro-caledonicum atropunctatum Roux was made by Kramer (1979) when compiling a catalogue of types in the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Switzerland. The specimen chosen by Kramer as lectotype for the species (NHMB 7308) is an adult male with a single large spot on the posterior margin of each body scale from Oubatche on northeast coast of New Caledonia.

The species was first reviewed by Sadlier (1986) who listed 91 specimens in the Australian Museum and NHMB from across the Grand Terre and Loyalty Islands and re-described the species from the two largest samples available from Houailou (19) and Mt Dore (20). Both samples are referable to Caledoniscincus atropunctatus sensu stricto. Specimens of C. notialis sp. nov. were not among the remaining specimens of ‘ atropunctatus ’ examined at that time. Since then a considerable amount of reference material assignable to C. atropunctatus sensu stricto has been acquired and includes material from areas not, or only poorly, represented in the earlier studies, most notably the central-west and north-west ultramafic massifs and the Loyalty Islands.

Diagnosis. See diagnosis for Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. (above) for features that distinguish Caledoniscincus atropunctatus from other members of the genus.

Description. The re-description of the species is a composite of all specimens assigned to the lineage defined by the presence of the diagnostic dorsal coloration of adult males. Measurements are given only for the adults (n = 77) and scalation on all specimens (n = 86) except where indicated.

Measurements: size 32–54 mm SVL; axilla–groin distance 50.5–60.4% SVL (x = 56.1); forelimb–snout distance 33.3–43.3% SVL (x = 37.6); hindlimb length 29.3–41.1% SVL (x = 35.3, n = 76); tail length of individual with most complete tail 169.6% SVL.

Scalation: midbody scale rows 26–32 (x = 29.3, sd = 1.2); dorsal scale rows 49–63 (x = 55.6, sd = 2.42, n = 85); scales on top of fourth finger 8–11 (x = 9.1, sd = 0.48, n = 85); lamellae beneath fourth finger 12–17 (x = 14.8, sd = 0.84, n = 85); scales on top of fourth toe 11–15 (x = 12.5, sd = 0.88, n = 85); lamellae beneath fourth toe 16–31 (x = 26.6, sd = 1.92, n = 85)

Osteology: presacral vertebrae 29 (n = 7) or 28 (n = 1); postsacral vertebrae 51–52 (n = 2)

Color and Pattern: adult males ( Figs. 6 a & 6c) with the dorsal surface of body and tail dark brown with numerous pale spots, each dorsal scale having a single pale spot medially on the posterior edge of each scale and a pale marking to each latero-dorsal edge. Pale markings forming a near continuous stripe (1/2 scale width) along the dorsolateral edge anteriorly from just behind the forelimbs to, and above the eye. Side of body mid to dark brown uppermost with scattered pale markings, progressively grading to light brown approaching the venter and with the pale markings poorly differentiated. Dorsal surface of the head and neck light copper-brown in life with scattered dark markings to the dorsal and lateral headshields, including the lower margin of the rostral scale. Ventral surface generally lacking obvious color in life, but with an underlying dark anterior edge outlining each scale. Individuals from the central ranges have a faint orange wash to the underside of the body and a grayish-blue color to the underside of the tail.

Adult females ( Fig. 6 b) two-toned, with the dorsal surface of body and tail mid brown, each scale usually with dark fleck down the centre and giving the impression of a series of fine parallel lines down the back, tending to break up anteriorly where the individual dark markings are either only partially present or absent. Sides of body uniformly dark brown uppermost and well defined from lighter dorsal color and lighter lower lateral color. Dorsal surface of the head and nape light brown with scattered markings similar to males. Ventral surface lacking obvious color in life in having an overall grayish-blue color to the underside of the body and tail, and with an underlying dark anterior edge outlining each scale as in males.

Subadults and juveniles as for adult females but dorsal surface of the body largely without dark flecks, and lateral surface of the body uniformly dark grey overall. Ventral surface grey.

Details of Lectotype of Lygosoma austro-caledonicum atropunctatum (NHMB 7308): adult male size 49mm SVL; axilla–groin distance 28.5mm; forelimb–snout distance 17.5mm; hindlimb length 16.5mm; tail length 49mm, regenerated. Midbody scale rows 30; dorsal scale rows 56; lamellae of fourth toe 23/26.

Variation: specimens from the Loyalty Islands are nested within the ‘southern’ genetic group of Caledoniscincus atropunctatus but are significantly smaller and show minimal overlap in adult size with the other samples assigned to the ‘southern’ group from the Grand Terre (31–42, x = 37.3 versus 40.5–54, x = 47.8; t 50 = 7.606 P = 0.000). The size of adult male (35–40mm SVL, n = 4) and adult female (36.5–41mm SVL, n = 5) specimens from Maré and Lifou Island are at or below the minimum size limit for reproductively mature adult males (43mm SVL) and females (40.5mm SVL) from samples assigned to the ‘southern’ genetic group of Caledoniscincus atropunctatus on the Grand Terre. In this respect the Loyalty Island population is more similar in size at maturity to populations in north-west region ultramafic ranges. Excluding the Loyalty Islands sample from the ‘southern’ genetic group, the remaining ‘southern’ group samples are clearly significantly larger (40.5–54, x = 47.8 versus 38–49, x = 43.45; t 69 = 4.751 P = 0.000) than samples assigned to the ‘northern’ genetic group.

Within the ‘northern’ genetic group samples from the north-west region ultramafic ranges had reproductively active females with shelled eggs at a very small size (40–41.5mm SVL for three individuals carrying 1–2 developing eggs from high elevation on Massif de Koniambo and 38.5–42mm SVL for three individuals carrying 1–2 developing eggs from low elevation on Massif de Koniambo; 42mm SVL and carrying 2 shelled eggs from high elevation on the Massif de Kopéto; 39.5mm SVL carrying 2 shelled eggs from near the summit of the Ouazangou-Toam massif; 42.5 and 46.0mm SVL and both carrying 2 shelled eggs from low elevation ultramafic ranges at Tsiba). Reproductively mature males from high elevation on the north-west region ultramafic ranges are also small in size (44–47mm SVL on Massif de Koniambo; 40.5–43mm SVL, n = 3 on Massif de Kopéto and Paéoua), as were individuals from low elevation sites (41mm SVL at Tsiba; 41–47mm at base of Koniambo massif). Populations further north on the west coast and in the extreme far north are represented by very small samples and the trend with regard to adult size is difficult to interpret other than the few reproductively active females recorded from low elevation at Koumac (43.5mm SVL, n = 1) and Ile Baaba (46mm SVL, n = 1) were relatively small.

Populations from mid-high elevation on north-west region ultramafic ranges are also unusual in having a spotted dorsal pattern (a trait normally only associated with mature males) in small but reproductively mature females on some massifs (summit of the Ouazangou-Toam; high elevation on Koniambo) and in some reproductively immature males (31.5–37mm SVL, n = 2 summit of Massif de Kopéto).

Samples assigned to the ‘southern’ genetic group (including the Loyalty Islands) had significantly more midbody scale rows than samples assigned to the ‘northern’ genetic group (28–32, x = 29.7 versus 26–32, x = 28.7; t 84 = 4.321 P = 0.000) but for this character the level of overlap in range of each genetic group negates its utility in diagnosing populations to either regional group. Within the ‘southern’ genetic group specimens from the Loyalty Islands had significantly fewer dorsal scale rows smaller than the other samples assigned to the ‘southern’ group (49–56, x = 53.2 versus 50–60, x = 55.8; t 50 = 3.161 P = 0.003), but again the level of overlap in range negates the usefulness of this character in diagnosing either regional group.

Distribution and biology. Caledoniscincus atropunctatus is wide-ranging across the Grand Terre and major island groups (Loyalty Island, Iles Belep, Ile Baaba, and Ile de Pins) as well as some of the small offshore islands in the lagoon ( Fig. 4 ).

In the south of Grand Terre it is recorded from mainly coastal and near coastal sites, generally coastal humid forest (Plum; Forêt Thi; Cap N’Doua, Port Boisê; Yatê) and moist secondary growth (Nouméa), but has also been recorded from low elevation maquis preforestier (Cap N’Doua), foret seche (dry forest Gouaro-Déva), and high elevation humid forest (Mt. Do), and humid forest in the interior of the region at Riviére Bleue. It has also been recorded from small ilots in the lagoon and from the Ile de Pins.

In the central-east and central-west regions it has been recorded from a range of coastal and near coastal sites characterized by secondary growth (Houaïlou; Moindou), and from low and mid elevation humid forest on metamorphic (Sarraméa; Col d’ Amieu; Col de Rousettes; Mt. Aoupinié) and ultramafic (Presque Ile Bogata, Nakéty, Mt. Menazi, Poro, Cap Bocage) substrates.

In the north of Grand Terre Caledoniscincus atropunctatus has a scattered distribution across a range of natural habitat types in the north-west region that includes high elevation humid forest on ultramafic massifs (Ouazangou- Taom; Koniambo, Kopéto & Paéoua), low forest patches on low elevation ultramafic ranges (Tsiba), humid forest on kaarst (Koumac) and vallicole forest (Riviére Néhoué; Forêt D’Ougne). In the far north it has been recorded only from disturbed coastal habitats (Poum; Arama; Ile Art) and from low canopied humid forest patches on ultramafic soils (Sommet Poum). In the north-east it has been recorded from secondary growth at coastal sites (Kolnoué) in the region of Hienghéne, and from further north on the coast (Oubatche), but surprisingly not from humid forest habitat of the extensive Panié Range despite investigations undertaken at a number of sites.

Conservation status. An assessment of potential threats to the species has been identified (IUCN 2011) that includes the following array of low to moderate level human-mediated impacts to preferred habitat: ‘loss and fragmentation humid forest’ primarily from clearing for ranching or agriculture or from local agriculture (east coast); a decline in area, extent and quality of forest habitats on ultramafic soils through activities associated with mining; and a decline in area, extent and quality of mid elevation humid forest in the long term from the impact of repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat on the forest edge. Preliminary studies of the interaction between the invasive Little Red Fire Ant and lizards in sclerophyll forest habitat indicate the presence of the ant has a severe negative impact on Caledoniscincus austrocaledonicus (Jourdan et al. 2001) , and it is considered C. atropunctatus would be similarly affected in invaded areas of humid forest habitat.

Caledoniscincus atropunctatus has a relatively widespread distribution over large areas of potentially suitable habitat away from disturbance and under some circumstances is tolerant of low levels of disturbance, for this reason it is not at this time considered to be under any immediate threat and satisfies the criteria to be categorized as Lower Risk—least concern based on IUCN Criteria (IUCN 2001).

Figures

FIGURE 2. Diagramatic representation of the dorsal pattern of Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. (a) and Caledoniscincus atropunctatus (b).

FIGURE 3. Adult male AMS R 172150 (a) and adult female (b) Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. from the Goro Plateau, and adult male AMS R 172613 (c) Massif du Humboldt.

FIGURE 4. Distribution of Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. (stars) and Caledoniscincus atropunctatus (circles) in southern New Caledonia.

FIGURE 5. Humid forest (a) and maquis preforest (b) on ultramafic surfaces of the Goro Plateau, typical habitat for Caledoniscincus notialis sp. nov. in the Grand Sud.

FIGURE 6. Adult male AMS R 174539 (a) and female (b) Caledoniscincus atropunctatus from Parc des Grand Fougéres, Farino, and adult male AMS R 171493 (c) from Massif de Koniambo in the northwest region.