Guthega Skink  |  

Liopholis guthega

Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list

The Guthega Skink is a diurnal medium-sized member of the Egernia whitii species group of skinks. The mean snout-vent length (SVL) of Guthega Skink is 9.75–11.10 cm. It is blackish brown in colour on the dorsum and upper flanks, with greyish brown vertebral (down the back) and dorsolateral (back and side) stripes and numerous longitudinal rows of sharp, pale spots. Juveniles are darker in colour than adults, with more prominent spots but less pronounced stripes. Guthega Skinks are known to be colonial, living in extensive warren systems.

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

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  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Liopholis guthega

    Predicted climate change is likely to increase fire frequency and severity and vegetation changes that may further limit suitable habitat for the species.
    Predicted climate change is likely to increase fire frequency and severity in this region.
    Vegetation changes as a response to climate change may reduce available habitat for the Guthega Skink.
    An emerging threat resulting from climate change is the altitudinal movement of native species not previously regarded as resident above 1500 m.

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  • Australian Government, Listing Advice, Liopholis guthega

    The impacts of climate change and weeds are potential threats.
    Predicted climate change is likely to increase fire frequency and severity in this region.
    The predicted warmer temperatures due to climate change are likely to present a physiological challenge to the Guthega Skink (Chapple; 2009 pers. comm.).
    Vegetation changes as a response to climate change may reduce available habitat for the Guthega Skink.
    An emerging threat resulting from climate change is the altitudinal movement of native species not previously regarded as resident above 1500 m.
    Any impacts of climate change on the Guthega Skink will affect the species across its geographic distribution. 9.
    Criterion 3 The estimated total number of mature individuals is limited to a particular degree and either (a) evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a particular rate or (b) the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival As discussed under Criterion 1; it can be inferred that the population of the Guthega Skink has declined and will continue to decline due to a range of threats; including loss and degradation of habitat; predation; wildfire and climate change; although there are insufficient data to estimate a particular rate of decline.
    A scenario for mammal and bird diversity in the Australian Snowy Mountains in relation to climate change.

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