Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2007

Common name: Five-lined Skink -Carolinian Population

Scientific name: Eumeces Fasciatus

Status: Endangered

Reason for designation: The species is the only lizard in Eastern Canada. The Carolinian population occurs in only 4 or 5 small, completely isolated populations on the shores of lakes Erie, St. Clair and Huron. Threats to this skink include loss and degradation of microhabitat, illegal collecting, increased depredation by racoons, coyotes, dogs and cats, and increased mortality on roads. If any population is extirpated, because of isolation there is no chance of natural recolonization.

Occurrence: Ontario

Status history: The species was considered a single unit and designated Special Concern in April 1998. Split into two populations in April 2007. The Carolinian population was designated Endangered in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

 

Assessment Summary – April 2007

Common name: Five-lined Skink -Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population

Scientific name: Eumeces Fasciatus

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: The species is the only lizard in Eastern Canada. This small and secretive species is known from about 84 local populations, but has a small geographic distribution. Threats to the skink include loss and degradation of habitat, alteration of microhabitat, illegal collection, increased depredation by cats and dogs and increased mortality on roads. Increasing development in the species' range will make populations more isolated and more susceptible to stochastic events of small sites.

Occurrence: Ontario

Status history: The species was considered a single unit and designated Special Concern in April 1998. Split into two populations in April 2007. The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population was designated Special Concern in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

Page details

Date modified: