Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p134
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 134/276)
Character Range: 527087–531013

1979, during which time 285 geckos were also found (Cogger et al. 1979).
The population on Phillip Island is estimated to be large and secure, and the increase in suitable habitat since the removal of rabbits in 1986 suggests that they were at least as abundant in 2005 as they were in 1978 (Cogger et al. 2006). The distribution of the species is shown in Map 17.

Ecology
Knowledge of the biology, ecology and conservation status of this species is fragmentary and based on few individual records. It is a nocturnal species that shelters under rocks, in splits in trees, and in holes in rocks during the day. It feeds on beetles, spiders, moths, ants and other insects among the leaf litter.

Habitat
This species ranges across a variety of habitats from bare cliffs and eroded slopes to the narrow and heavily wooded gullies of Long Valley (Cogger et al. 1993). Greater densities of skinks occur where the vegetation has formed dense root mats in which they could hide and forage, sometimes of grasses but especially of Moo-oo (Cyperus lucidus) and native flax (Phormium tenax).
Map 17 Distribution of Oligosoma lichenigerum
Green shading indicates the islands on which the species has been recorded (Cogger et al. 2006).

Threats
The presence of rats and cats on Norfolk Island probably prevents this species from establishing there. The main threats are the introduction of predators (such as rats and cats) or potential competitors to Phillip Island, and degradation and loss of habitat on the island. Drying conditions and lower soil moisture balances due to climate change are also a threat.

Impact on other species
None known.

Risk assessment
The risk assessment is shown in Table 45.
Table 45 Risk assessment for Oligosoma lichenigerum
Risk                                                                                                               Likelihood of exposure    Consequence  Threat rating
1. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through past land clearing                                          Almost certain (91–100%)  Moderate     High
2. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through current or future land clearing                             Rare (0–10%)              Moderate     Negligible
3. Degradation of native vegetation through past grazing or loss of nutrients                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Moderate     High
4. Degradation of native vegetation through current or future grazing                                              Rare (0–10%)              Moderate     Negligible
6. Predation by rodents                                                                                            Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
7. Predation by cats                                                                                               Rare (0–10%)              Minor        Negligible
8. Predation or damage by chickens                                                                                 Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
9. Predation by swamphens                                                                                          Possible (26–50%)         Negligible   Negligible
10. Predation by Argentine ant                                                                                     Rare (0–10%)              Major        Low
11. Competition from/change of habitat because of weed invasion                                                    Almost certain (91–100%)  Negligible   Negligible
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
13. Impacts of potential new invasive species or pathogens a                                                       Rare (0–10%)              Extreme      Medium
14. Changes to vegetation, increased fire risk and/or