What they look like:
An olive-brown reptile growing to 80mm with head variegated with black and scattered black scales on the back, a broad, dark upper side zone from below the eye to the base of the tail, scattered small white/cream spots, whitish lower flanks with scattered black scales, white belly, limbs variegated with black and throat spotted with black.
Where they live:
Corangamite Water Skinks is confined to the Dreeite region of south-western Victoria, near Lakes Bolac, Colac and Corangamite. The current distribution includes 29 sites, representing up to 11 different populations.
The preferred habitat is a geographically peculiar landform comprising basalt ridges and boulder heaps resulting from the collapse of lava tunnels. Skinks occur at localities with high shrub density, high cover of Stinging Nettle, short distances to vegetation cover, large rock aggregations, rock fissures, and permanent freshwater bodies.
Found in grassy open woodland and cleared pastures dotted with ephemeral swamps and lakes, on rocky basaltic soils. Within these areas, the lizards inhabit rocky mounds or “stony rises”, sheltering in rock crevices and man-made drystone walls. Deep rock crevices may provide moist and cover during the dry summer.
Fast Facts:
- OUR CONSERVATION STATUS
- National: Endangered
- State: Threatened (VIC)
- At two to three years of age female Corangamite Water Skinks are capable of producing one clutch of 2–7 live young per year around December.
- Like its relatives, this skink is active by day, often seen perching on a rockpile or fence. Unlike other water skinks, this subspecies is extremely shy, fleeing to cover even when a human observer is tens of metres away, and rarely comes into open view while being watched.
Corangamite Water Skink
OUR CONSERVATION STATUS
- National: Endangered
- State: Threatened (VIC)
HOW MANY OF US ARE THERE?
Population unknown
WHERE DO WE LIVE?
Corangamite Water Skinks is confined to the Dreeite region of south-western Victoria, near Lakes Bolac, Colac and Corangamite. The current distribution includes 29 sites, representing up to 11 different populations.
OUR HABITAT
The preferred habitat is a geographically peculiar landform comprising basalt ridges and boulder heaps resulting from the collapse of lava tunnels. Skinks occur at localities with high shrub density, high cover of Stinging Nettle, short distances to vegetation cover, large rock aggregations, rock fissures, and permanent freshwater bodies.
Found in grassy open woodland and cleared pastures dotted with ephemeral swamps and lakes, on rocky basaltic soils. Within these areas, the lizards inhabit rocky mounds or “stony rises”, sheltering in rock crevices and man-made drystone walls. Deep rock crevices may provide moist and cover during the dry summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
An olive-brown reptile growing to 80mm with head variegated with black and scattered black scales on the back, a broad, dark upper side zone from below the eye to the base of the tail, scattered small white/cream spots, whitish lower flanks with scattered black scales, white belly, limbs variegated with black and throat spotted with black.
Diet is mainly invertebrates such as spiders, beetles and ants, as well as aquatic prey including mayfly and dragonfly nymphs. It also consumes the fruit of the Tree Violet, which may be an important component of the diet during some periods.
Like its relatives, this skink is active by day, often seen perching on a rockpile or fence. Unlike other water skinks, this subspecies is extremely shy, fleeing to cover even when a human observer is tens of metres away, and rarely comes into open view while being watched.
FAMILY LIFE
At two to three years of age female Corangamite Water Skinks are capable of producing one clutch of 2–7 live young per year around December.
THREATS TO OUR SURVIVAL
- Land clearing and habitat fragmentation
- Removal of bush rocks
- Predation from foxes and cats
- Alteration of hydrological regimes and reduced water quality
