The scincid lizard genus Sigaloseps (Reptilia: Scincidae) from New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific: description of a new species and review of the biology, distribution, and morphology of Sigaloseps deplanchei (Bavay)
Abstract
Sigaloseps is a genus of two species of scincid lizards endemic to the southern ultramafic region of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific. The morphology, distribution, and habits of the moderately widespread species Sigaloseps deplanchei are reviewed. The other species in the genus represents a new taxon known only from two high altitude sites above 1,000 m asl. The conservation status of both species is assessed. Sigaloseps deplanchei is not regarded as threatened. The new species, Sigaloseps ruficauda, by virtue of its restricted distribution and habitat preference, is likely to be adversely affected by habitat modification, and is regarded as vulnerable.
