Variation in population size of Bouton’s snake-eyed skink (Reptilia: Scincidae) at Black Rock in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Bouton’s snake-eyed skink Cryptoblepharus boutonii sp. occurs in scattered island or coastal populations in the Indian Ocean. The most southern known population occurs on Black Rock on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This tiny population was monitored over a period of 14 summer seasons and a final check was made 10 seasons later. This population consisted of an average of about 58 individuals, but has fluctuated by more than 100 %, suggesting that its existence is very tenuous. The re-check during October 2001 produced very positive figures, indicating that this population, observed over 23 years, is doing very well, is maintaining its numbers within acceptable parameters and is in a good position to survive without special precautions.