Effects of human disturbance on five-lined skink, Eumeces fasciatus, abundance and distribution Original Research Article

We studied the effects of human disturbance on five-lined skinks at Point Pelee National Park, Canada. Surveys indicated low skink abundance and a lack of woody debris in areas heavily used by humans and a downward population trend concurrent with high disturbance levels. Skinks preferentially used large moderately decayed logs and boards for refuge sites. Human disturbance resulted in degradation and removal of debris. Degradation by fragmentation and accelerated decay resulted in decreased quality of available debris. To test the hypothesis that skink absence in human high-use areas was caused by a lack of suitable debris, we placed artificial microhabitats in areas which previously lacked woody debris and skinks. Experimental debris were colonized quickly and heavily used despite high disturbance rates. Skinks are resilient to minor disturbances such as displacements, but not to removal or degradation of debris. Essential microhabitat features must be actively preserved as well as suitable habitat to ensure the conservation of target species.