The effects of geography, vegetation and habitat condition on the phenotypic and phylogenetic attributes of Morethia boulengeri

Boulenger’s Skink (Morethia boulengeri) occurs in a wide range of habitats in south eastern Australia. It is among the most common reptile in farming landscapes in the region, recorded at densities exceeding 1500 individuals ha 1. Its abundance makes it an ideal species for studying landscape level drivers of physiological and ecological processes. The team proposes to test associations between morphology and population parameters in M. boulengeri, and vegetation type and habitat condition across a set of monitored sites in southern NSW. Mitochondrial DNA will be used to characterise the phylogenetic affinities of the sampled populations.

Results from the study will be used to help guide future financial incentive schemes being delivered by Catchment Management Authorities in NSW, which aim at targeting improvements in vegetation condition and biodiversity conservation.