Resolving data deficiency in a cryptic skink: distribution, threats, and an Endangered conservation status for the Bungle Bungle robust slider (Lerista bunglebungle)
Luke R. Bonifacio, Jules E. Farquhar, Jordan A. Mulder, Jessica C. Walsh, David G. ChappleContext
A staggering 22,760 species are considered Data Deficient (DD) by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with more than half predicted to be threatened by extinction. Unfortunately, DD taxa are often neglected from conservation action due to their uncertain status, being perceived as risky to prioritise, especially as there is generally no legislative requirement to do so. Thus, understanding their true extinction risk is a research priority.
Aims
We aimed to determine the conservation status of the DD Bungle Bungle robust slider (Lerista bunglebungle), a skink with two known occurrence points within Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park.
Method
Targeted fieldwork was conducted across the Bungle Bungle Range to enhance knowledge of its distribution and ecology. We also undertook spatial analyses of its threats, preserved specimen analysis, and inferred life-history traits from ecologically similar species.
Key results
Lerista bunglebungle was detected 21 times across the southern and eastern Bungle Bungle Range, and fit the IUCN Red List criteria for Endangered (B1ab[i,ii,iii,v], B2ab[i,ii,iii,v]) based on the following attributes: maximum estimated Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy of 280 km2, maximum occurrence at five locations defined by the threat of changing fire regimes, and an inferred continuing decline in its distribution, habitat, and population size.
Conclusions
The species should be reclassified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List and listed on Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Implications
Like recent studies on other DD taxa, our study reiterates that many are likely threatened with extinction, and that such taxa should be an increased research priority.