Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

Eumeces fasciatus is the only lizard that occurs east of Manitoba in Canada. This makes it not only Ontario’s, but also eastern Canada’s, only lizard. It is widespread and apparently secure in the majority of its geographic range; however, its abundance in the northern part of its range is less secure. Like so many of Canada’s species at risk, Canadian populations of E. fasciatus are northern peripheral populations that may have unique genetic and ecological characteristics. These populations may have an increased risk of local extinction simply because they are geographically peripheral.

Within Ontario, the species exists exclusively in two unique habitat types: 1. open bedrock in a matrix of mixed boreal/deciduous forest (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence populations), and 2. Carolinian forest (Carolinian populations). The habitat in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence populations is unique because it holds the highest number of animal species within the entire geological area of the Canadian Shield (Moon, 1970). The habitat in the Carolinian populations is unique because it is comprised of Carolinian forest. Carolinian forest habitat holds the greatest variety of life in Canada, and harbours 40% of Canada’s species at risk (CWS, 2006). By conserving the skink’s occurrence and abundance, we will also help to conserve a disproportionate number of other species that co-occur in these diverse habitats.

From a more anthropocentric perspective, the skink provides people with an increased appreciation of the diversity of Canadian fauna. Most people in Ontario are unaware that a lizard species exists in their province, as many people tend to associate lizards with much more southern climates. In general, people are intrigued by the skink’s attractive colouration, small size, and speed. In this regard, the skink is a “charismatic” reptile. If we work to increase public interest and respect for the skink, we may, in turn, help to enhance interest in and respect for all Canadian reptiles.

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