The feeding ecology and field energetics of the Pedra Branca skink (Niveoscincus palfreymani)

Abstract

The diet and food requirements of free-living Pedra Branca skinks (Niveoscincus palfreymani) were studied on Pedra Branca Island, the only known location for this vulnerable, endemic species. While discarded fish remains and regurgitate from seabirds are utilised as food by the skinks during summer, invertebrates represent the most important prey. Isotope turnover rates indicate that feeding is negligible over winter and that significant amounts of non-food water are turned over during summer, either by drinking rainwater or as pulmo-cutaneous water exchange. An assessment is made of the seasonal and annual food requirements of individual skinks and the population.