Social Structure and Habitat Use of New Caledonian Leopard Skinks (Scincidae: Lacertoides pardalis): A Radiotelemetric Study

Selection and implementation of conservation measures require in-depth knowledge of ecology and biology of target species. Translocations of reptile populations are particularly likely to fail if basic habitat requirements and social structure are overlooked. Leopard Skinks (Lacertoides pardalis) are a vulnerable lizard species restricted to maquis shrublands on the nickel-rich ultramafic soils of New Caledonia, on the front line in the face of growing pressure from mining activities. Their extreme wariness limits observations and opportunities for ecological studies. We radio-tracked Leopard Skinks from two contrasting populations at the end of the warm season, after annual reproduction, to provide baseline data on home ranges, intraspecific relationships, and habitat preferences for future conservation actions. Mean seasonal home range area calculated by Autocorrelated Kernel Density Estimation was 4350.7 m2. Apparent sex ratio was strongly in favor of females (80% of sexually mature specimens detected), and we observed stable groups of a few females and one male, with home ranges largely overlapping. Leopard Skinks occupy a range of open to closed, forest-like maquis vegetation and rely on rocky microhabitats for shelter, but also daily activities. Shelter sites are carefully selected and used by several individuals. This study offers rare observations of the social structure of Leopard Skinks, and our results call for caution in design of translocation operations.