Macro-and microhabitat use of Telfair's skink (Leiolopisma telfairii) on Round Island, Mauritius: implications for their translocation

Angelo P. Pernetta, Diana J. Bell, Carl G. Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The successful eradication of introduced rodents from islets off the coast of Mauritius has led to local conservation bodies investigating the possibility of translocation as a measure of safeguarding endemic reptile populations. The present study was the first to determine the habitat and microhabitat requirements of Telfair's skinks (Leiolopisma telfairii) on Round Island, Mauritius, with a view to aiding future translocation projects to islands within their historic range. Contrasting preferences found for Telfair's skink at macro- and micro- habitat levels underline the importance of sampling at multiple ecological scales in such investigations. Significantly fewer sightings of L. telfairii were recorded in bare rock habitats compared to more vegetated habitats. Conversely, at a microhabitat scale principal component analysis indicated structural characteristics were the primary determinant of microhabitat choice. The first dietary analysis of Telfair's skinks confirmed their status as omnivores. Cockroaches (Blattodea spp.) appeared to be a primary food source. Four exotic plant species were also present in faecal samples and the potential for L. telfairii to aid their dispersal is discussed. Implications for the long-term management and proposed translocation of Telfair's skinks are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)313-323
Number of pages11
JournalActa Oecologica
Volume28
Issue number3
Early online date14 Jul 2005
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2005

Keywords

  • Conservation
  • Ecological scale
  • Habitat use
  • Invasive species
  • Leiolopisma telfairir
  • Lizard
  • Mauritius
  • Microhabitat
  • Round Island
  • Translocation

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