Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature 61

A two-toed population of the critically endangered Retro Slider Skink, Lerista allanae (Longman, 1937) (Reptilia: Scincidae)

Citation

Amey, A.P., Couper, P.J., Worthington Wilmer, J., Ferguson, D. & Borsboom, A.C. 2018. A two-toed population of the critically endangered Retro Slider Skink, Lerista allanae (Longman, 1937) (Reptilia: Scincidae). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature. 61: 71-81. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.61.2018.2018-04

Accepted

24 April 2018

Published online

3 August 2018

Peer reviewed

Yes

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.61.2018.2018-04

Keywords

Conservation, central Queensland, Brigalow Belt, intra-specific variation

Abstract 

Surveys to date for the recently re-discovered Retro Slider, Lerista allanae, show it to have a narrow, highly restricted distribution. There are currently no populations known to occur in protected areas, with the majority of recent records coming from roadside verges. There is considerable variation in colour pattern and morphology which had not been captured in earlier descriptions based on smaller sample sizes. Colour pattern is commonly grey to tan but some individuals can be very dark to almost black. Additionally, one population possesses two clawed digits on the hind foot, rather than one as seen in all previously examined specimens. While this variation could suggest the presence of cryptic species, a genetic assessment shows it to be intra-specific. The species remains of high conservation significance despite an increase in its extent of Occurrence.