CR

Rankin's Dwarf Skink

Nannoscincus rankini

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Nannoscincus rankini faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban development across its extremely limited range in New Caledonia. The species is particularly vulnerable to nickel mining operations that have fragmented and degraded its specialized sclerophyll forest habitat. Invasive plant species and feral animals further compound habitat degradation, while the species' restricted distribution makes it highly susceptible to stochastic events and local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic New Caledonian skink inhabits dry sclerophyll forests and shrublands on ultramafic soils, typically found in areas with sparse canopy cover and rocky substrates. The species shows a strong preference for specific microhabitats associated with serpentine and peridotite geological formations that support unique plant communities.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Rankin's Dwarf Skink classified as Critically Endangered?
Rankin's Dwarf Skink is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Nannoscincus rankini faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban development across its extremely limited range in New Caledonia. The species is particularly vulnerable to nickel mining operations that have fragmented and degraded its specialized sclerophyll forest habitat. Invasive plant species and feral animals further compound habitat degradation, while the species' restricted distribution makes it highly susceptible to stochastic events and local extinctions.
Where does Rankin's Dwarf Skink live?
Rankin's Dwarf Skink occurs in New Caledonia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rankin's Dwarf Skink?
The main threats to Rankin's Dwarf Skink are 5.3, 9.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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