Two New Species of Scincid Lizards (Squamata) from the Massif de Kopeto, New Caledonia
Contents
Abstract
Field research in the ultramafic peaks of northwest New Caledonia has resulted in
the discovery of two new species of scincid lizard from the Massif de Kopéto. One is
a surface active species of moderate size that on the basis of genetic and morphological
criteria is recognized as the sister species to Lioscincus steindachneri Bocage (the
type species of the genus). The other species belongs to the genus Nannoscincus, a
group of diminutive, elongate, small-limbed, burrowing species. Both are so far only
known from relatively high elevation closed forest on the Massif de Kopéto, an area
actively mined for nickel. Both species are considered to be of particular conservation
concern due to their apparently restricted distribution, and the potential threat
to their preferred habitat from mining activities.
Two New Species of Scincid Lizards (Squamata) from the Massif de Kopeto, New Caledonia
