Spondylurus monitae (Monito Skink)

[surroundx]

Justification:
Listed as Critically Endangered on the basis that both its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are below 0.15 km2, it is known only from a small island which represents a single location defined by an ongoing threat from human disturbance and a potential threat from invasive species, and there is a continuing decline in the quality of native vegetation on the island, presumed to represent the habitat of this species. It has been suggested that this species, which has not been recorded since 1993, might already be extinct.

Source: www.iucnredlist.org/details/summary/47103260/0

[Sebbe]

SPONDYLURUS MONITAE (Monito Skink). HABITAT USE/ BEHAVIOR.

Spondylurus monitae is the only skink species found on Monito Island (Hedges and Conn 2012. Zootaxa 3288:1–244). First observed in May 1963 (Rolle et al. 1964. Carib. J. Sci. 4:321–322), available information is mostly limited to the seven specimens collected in 1993, later examined by Hedges and Conn (2012, op. cit.). This note documents the most recent observations for S. monitae. On 7 May 2014 at 0830 h, one of us (CF) was able to photograph an adult S. monitae (Fig. 1A) while walking along Monito Island. The individual was found in a shaded area sitting still within a piece of scrap metal from when Monito Island was used as a bombing and gunnery range by the Air Corps/U.S. Air Force (roughly from 1940–1960). The individual remained still and no attempt was made to capture the animal. On the night of 8 May 2016 at 2030 h, one coauthor (CF) observed an adult S. monitae (sex unknown) while searching for Sphaerodactylus micropithecus (Monito Gecko). The individual was found moving slowly on a karst rock outcrop. This animal did not attempt to escape while using headlamps, was easily captured for closer observations, did not attempt to bite, and remained calm when captured. This individual had a SVL of 91.5 mm and was in good body condition. Once released, the animal did not scurry away allowing for more detailed photographs (Fig. 1B, C). To our knowledge, this is the first nocturnal behavior documented for S. monitae (or any Spondylurus) and the first in situ photographs available for this species.

www.researchgate.net/publication/341270794_Spondylurus_monitae_Monito_Skink_Habitat_UseBehavior