A newly researched species of the endangered Kungaka has been found in the Broken Hill Complex Bioregion at Mutawintji National Park (MNP).
The Mutawintji Board of Management, with support from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), identified the subpopulations in three locations in the MNP where sheltered rocky gorges provide critical refuge for skinks to protect them from predators.
A taxonomic study carried out by the Australian Museum and today published in Zootaxa has now confirmed we have a new species of skink.
Named 'Kungaka' by the Wiimpatja (traditional owners of lands in the Mutawintji National Park), the scientific description of the new species is great news as it allows conservation work to be carried out exactly where it's needed most.
Recent surveys indicate there are now less than 20 skinks at MNP making it the rarest reptile in Australia with the nearest closest relative of these rare reptiles about 500 km away.
Given its restricted distribution, very small population size and high number of threatening species, the Kungaka population is at high risk of extinction.
Originally recognised as an 'Endangered Population' of the White's Skink, the Kungaka is eligible for independent assessment and listing now that it has been formally described as a distinct species.
Based on the Australian Museum's provisional assessment, the Kungaka qualifies as Critically Endangered under multiple criteria and will be nominated for these protections under state (NSW BC Act 2016) and federal (EPBC Act 1999) legislation.
The Mutawintji Board with the support of NPWS are continuing surveying to better understand the extent and size of this unique population of lizards along with further conservation actions to minimise risk of extinction including implementing ongoing feral cat, goat and fox control programs in MNP to protect the Kungaka's critical habitat.
Quotes attributable to the Mutawintji Board of Management Warlpa Thompson:
"Our people have long cared for this extremely rare lizard, and now that it has been formally recognised and named Kungaka - the 'hidden one' in Wiimpatja parlku - the wider world can begin to understand just how fragile and special it is.
"While this recognition is an important step, we know the population is critically small and under real pressure, with very low numbers and ongoing threats placing it at serious risk of extinction.
"The Mutawintji Board of Management and NPWS will continue building on the work already underway, including monitoring and threat control, but we must do more."
Quote from NPWS Area Manager Jaymie Norris:
"This is a really exciting discovery. The Kungaka is an incredibly rare and culturally significant species and finding what could be a new population is a big step forward in helping us understand and protect them.
"NPWS is continuing targeted surveys and ramping up feral animal control programs to reduce threats and safeguard this critically important population."
