Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield)

Introduction

This chapter provides a review of progress toward protection and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population and Southern Shield population) in Ontario from 2007 to 2015.

Species information

Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) is a small lizard with a body that grows to approximately nine centimetres in length, though its tail can grow longer than the body. It is black or grey, with five cream-coloured stripes on its back that generally fade with age. In addition to the stripes, juvenile Common Five-lined Skinks also have bright blue tails. During spring breeding season, adult males develop an orange colour around their jaws and chin. Common Five-lined Skink is the only lizard that is native to Ontario.

Within Canada, Common Five-lined Skink is found only in Ontario. In the province, it occurs in two areas. The Carolinian population in southwestern Ontario is limited to a small area near the shores of Lakes Erie, St. Clair and Huron, and the Southern Shield population which occurs along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, from Georgian Bay to Leeds and Grenville County. The Carolinian population of the species is mostly limited to dunes, open woods or savannas with sandy substrates and objects under which to take cover, such as logs and boards. In contrast, the southern Shield population is generally found on rocky outcrops in mixed coniferous and deciduous forest; areas with loose rocks on top of exposed bedrock are especially preferred as they provide cover and warmth.

Common Five-lined Skink faces several threats to its survival and recovery, including habitat loss, human disturbance, traffic mortality and increased predation by other wildlife. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to urban development, agriculture and recreational activities are among the most significant threats to the species, and are a larger issue for the Carolinian population than the Southern Shield population. Human disturbance from people removing or disturbing cover objects used by the species, such as logs, driftwood and rocks, is another major threat that degrades or eliminates habitat that is important to Common Five-lined Skink. Disturbances that occur during the brooding period can also cause females to abandon their nests.

The survival and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink are influenced by other factors as well. In Ontario, Common Five-lined Skink appears limited to specific habitat types, consisting mainly of sandy areas (Carolinian population) and rock outcrops with loose rocks (Southern Shield population). In contrast, within the core of its U.S. range the species occurs in diverse habitats. Another limiting factor may be the availability of suitable habitat for hibernation, as Common Five-lined Skink requires underground areas such as crevasses and burrows that are above the water table but far enough underground to be below the frost line.

Common Five-lined Skink is listed as endangered (Carolinian population) and special concern (Southern Shield population) at the provincial level (Species at Risk in Ontario List) and is listed as endangered (Carolinian population) and special concern (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population) at the federal level (Schedule 1 under the Species at Risk Act). Globally, it is considered to be secure.

Provincial status

Prior to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA or “the Act”), the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) assessed Common Five-lined Skink as vulnerable. Following this assessment, the species was listed as vulnerable in 2000. In 2004, the status of Common Five-lined Skink was changed from vulnerable to special concern in order to recognize administrative changes to terminology. The species retained its special concern status when the ESA came into force in 2008. COSSARO then reassessed Common Five-lined Skink, at which point COSSARO identified two distinct populations of the species, the Carolinian population and the Southern Shield population. Following this assessment, the status of the Carolinian population was amended from special concern to endangered on the Species at Risk in Ontario List in 2009, while the status of the Southern Shield population was retained as special concern. In future assessments, COSSARO may consider information gained through protection and recovery actions regarding the species’ threats and trends in population and distribution.

Species and habitat protection

Protecting Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) and its habitat are key components in the implementation of the ESA, and continue to be government-led actions, as identified in the government response statement. As an endangered species, Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) has been protected from being killed, harmed, harassed, captured or taken under the ESA since 2009. In addition, the species’ habitat has been protected from being damaged or destroyed since 2009. Habitat protection for the species was initially based on the general habitat definition in the ESA. The habitat of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) is now protected through a habitat regulation that came into force in 2012. As a special concern species, Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) does not receive species or habitat protection under the ESA. Common Five-lined Skink in Ontario also receive protection as a Specially Protected Reptile under Schedule 9 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (no hunting/trapping, approvals required for buying/selling, etc.).

The government developed the habitat regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08, section 24.1.2) for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). It provides clarity to the public and others on what areas are protected as Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) habitat. The regulated habitat includes areas that are required by the species to carry out its life processes within its range in Ontario. The habitat regulation was developed based on information regarding the habitat needs of the species as well as social and economic factors, collected from a variety of sources including comments received through public consultation.

Any person who negatively impacts Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) or its habitat without prior authorization may be prosecuted under the ESA.

Recovery strategy

A recovery strategy for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations) was published on September 10, 2010, which was within the timeframe required by the ESA. Recovery strategies are advice to government and represent the best available scientific knowledge. The strategy identifies Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations) habitat needs and the threats that they face, while recommending objectives and approaches for protecting and recovering the species. The recovery strategy also includes recommendations on the areas of habitat to be considered in the development of a habitat regulation for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population).

Government response statement

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“the Ministry”) published the government response statement (GRS) for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations) on June 15, 2011, which was within the timeframe required by the ESA. The GRS is government policy that contains the Government of Ontario’s goal for the recovery of Common Five-lined Skink.

To help achieve this goal, the government leads and supports recovery actions identified in the GRS. Common actions for the government to lead as it works toward achieving a species’ recovery goal are provided in section 2.5 of the Species at Risk Program Status (2008–2015). One specific action for the government to lead to help protect and recover Common Five-lined Skink is:

• Develop a survey protocol to be used by proponents and partners to detect the presence or absence of Common Five-lined Skink.

The GRS for Common Five-lined Skink also lists eight actions the Ministry supports others to undertake for the Carolinian population and three actions for the Southern Shield population. The government-supported actions for the Carolinian population fall under the objectives identified in the GRS, which are:

• Develop and implement measures to protect sites, reduce identified threats and increase available habitat;
• Improve understanding of the spatial ecology of the Common Five-lined Skink and clarify uncertain threats; and
• Determine the distribution, abundance and associated trends of the Common Five-lined Skink in Ontario.

The three government-supported actions for the Southern Shield population are not grouped into objectives, but relate to inventory, habitat protection, and education and outreach.

Government funded projects

An important government-led action in the GRS for Common Five-lined Skink is to support partners to undertake activities to protect and recover the species. Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the Ministry has supported a total of 39 projects designed to contribute to the protection and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink. A total of $2,242,512 has been provided to stakeholders and conservation groups to carry out stewardship activities for both populations of the species. Of the 39 projects funded by the Ministry, 13 projects involved both populations, 10 involved Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) and16 involved Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population).

Of the 13 projects ($787,936) that involved both populations of the species, all of the projects targeted multiple species at risk, including both populations of Common Five-lined Skink. Partners reported that they were successful in securing additional funding ($1,033,491) from other sources. This amount includes additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers

Stewardship partners reported that provincial funding helped them to secure in-kind funding by involving 2,459 individuals who volunteered 17,563 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations), which has an estimated value of $394,220. The partners also reported providing outreach on multiple species at risk, including both populations of Common Five-lined Skink, to 123,847 individuals.

Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population)

Of the 10 projects ($859,922) that involved Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population), one project ($31,730) focused exclusively on the species, while the other nine projects ($828,192) focused on multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). As well, partners were successful in securing additional funding and in-kind support from other sources. The partner focusing exclusively on Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) reported securing $31,550 in additional funding and in-kind support. The partners focusing on multiple species at risk reported securing $832,999 in additional funding and in-kind support. These amounts include additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners also reported that provincial funding support helped them to involve 14 individuals who volunteered 525 hours of their time toward the protection and recovery activity that focused exclusively on Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population), which has an estimated value of $16,300. As well, a total of 1,106 individuals volunteered 12,423 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, which has an estimated value of $407,905.

Stewardship partners reported that through both their efforts and the efforts of their volunteers, they were successful in enhancing 45 hectares of habitat that is expected to benefit multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). Stewardship partners reported providing focused outreach on Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) to 7,140 individuals, and ecosystem-based outreach on multiple species to 96,422 individuals.

Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population)

Of the 16 projects ($594,654) that involved Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), one project ($43,466) focused exclusively on the species, while the other 15 projects ($551,188) focused on multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population). As well, partners were successful in securing additional funding and in-kind support from other sources. The partner focusing exclusively on Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) reported securing $6,420 in additional funding and in-kind support. Partners with projects designed to benefit multiple species at risk reported securing $395,527 in additional funding and in-kind support. These amounts include additional funding and in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners also reported that provincial funding support helped them to involve 12 individuals who volunteered 62 hours of their time toward the protection and recovery activity that focused exclusively on Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), which has an estimated value of $820. As well, a total of 287 individuals volunteered 5,545 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), which has an estimated value of $144,125. The partners reported providing ecosystem-based outreach on multiple species to 37,431 individuals.

The Ministry also supports proponents in conducting research that addresses important knowledge gaps for species at risk. Through the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario, the Ministry provided funding to a partner over multiple years to study the species’ habitat use.

The remainder of this section highlights four projects supported through the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario and two projects supported through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund as well as their corresponding government-supported recovery actions.

Through the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario, the Ministry provided funding over four years to Dr. Stephen Hecnar of Lakehead University to conduct studies on the spatial ecology of Common Five-lined Sink (Carolinian population) in Rondeau Provincial Park. Dr. Hecnar and his research team studied the species’ habitat selection by comparing its use of cover boards^{footnote 1[1]} that were placed among four types of available habitat. The study showed that the species differentiates among habitat types, with a clear preference for stabilized dune habitat, followed by savanna. Notably, anthropogenic structures (e.g., abandoned wood piles, boardwalks, refuse) were important at times of the year that would suggest they are being used for hibernation (Hecnar and Brazeau, 2014). In addition, Dr. Hecnar and his team placed cover boards in areas with different quantities of vegetation to investigate whether the amount of forest canopy cover affects habitat use by the species. They found that Common Five-lined Skink most frequently uses areas that have little canopy cover, typically ranging from 0 to 50 percent (Hecnar and Brazeau, 2015). These important findings improve our understanding of the spatial ecology of Common Five-lined Skink, which can help to inform the effective and efficient management of its habitat in the Carolinian region of Ontario. This work supports the GRS action to conduct studies into the habitat use, movements and dispersal abilities of the species, and contributes to the action focused on determining if natural succession to less open habitats is a significant threat to occupied sites.

Over two years the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) undertook a project that supported multiple GRS actions for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). In the first year, 2011, NCC completed surveys at seven of its properties in southern Ontario to confirm species presence, map habitat and document threats to species at risk. The surveys yielded 15 observations of six different at-risk reptiles and amphibians, including an observation of a Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). Previously, NCC staff observed the species on the property in 2002 and 2005. Following input from species experts regarding habitat succession at this site, NCC developed a habitat management plan for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian) for this property and implemented the plan in 2013 in partnership with a local Conservation Authority. Implementation of the plan included actions to halt habitat succession and canopy closure by cutting overgrown Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) and White Mulberry (Morus alba), as well as removing invasive plants. Once the area was cleared, native species and cover objects were added, which provide Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) with preferred microclimatic conditions and refuge from predators. Since the restoration began, both adults and juveniles have annually been observed in the areas. This work supports the GRS action to identify and implement approaches to reduce threats, as well as the action to increase the amount and quality of habitat that is available for the species. NCC, in partnership with MNRF and Ontario Nature, also developed and delivered a three-day reptile and amphibian workshop for conservation professionals to increase awareness about at-risk reptile and amphibian biology, behaviour and habitats, how to survey for them, and how to identify and mitigate key threats to these species. Instruction was provided in classroom and field settings by experts from both the public and private sectors. This component of the project supports the GRS action to deliver communications to targeted groups to promote awareness of stewardship opportunities and habitat requirements of the Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population).

The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) worked with private property owners to better understand the distribution of species at risk within the County of Haliburton. As part of the project, HHLT conducted a habitat modeling exercise to identify areas with potentially suitable habitat for Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), a species that had limited observations within the county. With the permission of property owners, HHLT conducted field surveys on 13 properties with potentially suitable habitat, as well as on a few parcels of adjacent Crown land, to determine if Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) and other target species at risk were present. The surveys resulted in 23 new observations of Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), and an additional two observations were documented by community members. In total, 11 different species at risk were observed and many of the observations expanded the areas in which the species were known to occur. A second component of the project focused on outreach and education. HHLT conducted five workshops on habitat conservation and species at risk in Haliburton County, with special emphasis on Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population). HHLT also delivered presentations on local species at risk to four property owners associations and five municipal councils, and distributed related materials, such as a fact sheet on Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population), at two community events. Altogether, these efforts reached an audience of 463 individuals. This project supports the GRS actions to implement a survey protocol to estimate the distribution and abundance of the species and to deliver communications to targeted groups to promote awareness of stewardship opportunities and habitat requirements of the Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population).

Species at Risk Stewardship Fund

• 
  $75,196

  for Common Five-lined Skink exclusively

• 
  $2,167,316

  for multi-species projects that included Common Five-lined Skink

• 
  $2,299,987

  in additional funding and support

• 
  39

  projects included the Common Five-lined Skink

• 
  3,878

  volunteers

• 
  36,118

  volunteer hours

• 
  45

  hectares of habitat restored

• 
  264,840

  people received outreach

Efforts to minimize adverse effects on and create an overall benefit for Common Five-lined Skink

Supporting partners through permits and their associated conditions, is an important government-led action. A total of eight permits have been issued for Common Five-linked Skink (Carolinian population) since the species has been protected under the ESA: seven ‘protection or recovery permits’ (i.e., 17(2)(b) permit) and one ‘overall benefit permit’ (i.e., 17(2)(c) permit). Permits are not required in order to undertake activities that may affect Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) as it is classified as special concern.

‘Protection and recovery permits’ are issued if the purpose of the activity is to assist in the protection or recovery of a species at risk. Of the seven ‘protection and recovery permits’ issued, six permits were issued for multiple species at risk including Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population), and one permit was issued exclusively for the species. These permits enabled a variety of organizations to conduct surveys for the species in order to better understand the extent of its distribution in Ontario.

The one ‘overall benefit permit’ issued for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) also included Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos). The permit is related to a golf course and subdivision development. Several conditions of the permit are designed to implement government-supported actions identified in the GRS including:

• Restoring 19.37 hectares of agricultural land adjacent to the property and contiguous with existing habitat, including the construction of key habitat features (e.g., cover habitat, sites for thermoregulating) within the restored area;
• Conveying the restoration area to a conservation agency for long-term protection by the year 2022; and
• Developing and delivering an educational brochure for new residents and golf course users with information about the species and what actions to take when an individual Common Five-linked Skink (Carolinian population) is encountered.

Other conditions designed to minimize adverse effects included, but are not limited to:

• Conducting targeted searches and relocating any Common Five-lined Skinks (Carolinian population) encountered within the construction site to a safe area;
• Creating a 30 meter buffer zone around an active Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) nest and ceasing all construction activities within that zone until the individuals disperse from the area;
• Training about best management practices, if a skink is encountered, for all personnel entering the property; and
• Developing and installing educational signs, as approved by MNRF, to promote awareness and protection of the species and its habitat.

Further information regarding ‘overall benefit permits’ is available through Ontario’s Environmental Registry.

Since 2013, 16 activities that may affect Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) or its habitat have been registered for the purposes of Ontario Regulation 242/08 under the ESA. Four of the activities were registered under ‘Drainage works’ (section 23.9), one activity under ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), two activities under ‘Possession for educational purposes, etc.’ (section 23.15), eight activities under ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (section 23.17), and one activity under ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18). The registrations enabled activities such as ecological conservation work to restore habitat for the species, conducting surveys to better understand the species’ distributional patterns, maintaining municipal drains and removing vegetation in hydro corridors. These registrations require the registered individual to comply with all conditions of the regulation, such as:

• Implementing the steps in a mitigation plan developed by an expert on the species to help minimize or avoid any adverse effects on the species, and monitoring the effectiveness of the steps;
• Ensuring that any person carrying out any part of the activity receives training on how to identify the species and its habitat, potential threats to the species and its habitat by the activity, and the steps that must be taken to minimize any adverse effects;
• Updating mitigation plans every five years to include information obtained while monitoring the effects of the activity; and
• Reporting observations of the species to the Ministry using the Rare Species Reporting Form.

Guides and resources for Common Five-lined Skink

The Species at Risk Guides and Resources Toolbox is an electronic library of best management practices (BMPs) and technical resources to assist proponents and practitioners in meeting the requirements of the ESA and its regulations. MNRF has recently developed a new BMP document for inclusion in the toolbox.

In 2013, the Ministry developed guidance on ‘Reptile and Amphibian Exclusion Fencing: Best Practices’ to assist landowners, conservation practitioners and environmental consultants to reduce the threats that roadways and associated roadwork pose to amphibians and reptile species at risk and their habitats. More recently, the Ministry has led the development of ‘Best Management Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Roads on Amphibian and Reptile Species at Risk in Ontario’. This document builds on the previous guidance by providing information on exclusion fencing as well as a number of other topics including: the impacts of roads, recommended processes and considerations for avoiding and mitigating impacts, crossing structures, monitoring techniques and supplementary mitigation measures. These documents support the GRS action for the species to identify and implement approaches to reduce threats such as road mortality. The actions in this guidance also help to address habitat fragmentation due to urban development and road mortality, which threaten both populations of Common Five-lined Skink.

Occurrences of Common Five-lined Skink in Ontario

Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC)

The Common Five-lined Skink is found in two regions in Ontario and is recognized as two distinct populations. The Carolinian population is found in southwestern Ontario near the shores of Lakes Erie, St. Clair and Huron. The Southern Shield population is found along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, from Georgian Bay to Leeds and Grenville County.

There are 19 local populations^{footnote 1[1]} of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) that have been documented in Ontario. Thirteen of the 19 local populations are considered extant (i.e., have been observed within the past 20 years), five local populations are considered historical^{footnote 2[2]} and one local population is considered extirpated (i.e., evidence indicates the population no longer exists). The extant populations of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) are located along Lake Huron near Pinery Provincial Park, Sarnia and Parkhill, near Lake St. Clair on Walpole Island and in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and along Lake Erie in Point Pelee National Park and Rondeau Provincial Park.

Since 2008, the Ministry has received approximately 769 records of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). These records are based on observations between 1978 and 2015 and come from a variety of sources. The records have helped to redefine where the species is known and has been known to occur, and can provide additional information on its habitat and threats. Excitingly, six new local populations of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) have been identified based on sightings since 2008. These newly-identified populations are located near Point Pelee and Pinery Provincial Park as well as in Parkhill and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The newly-identified local populations are a result of increased search effort and education about the species and may not represent increases to the total population, but rather increased knowledge on the distribution of the species. Monitoring conducted since 2008 has also confirmed the species’ continuing persistence at seven local populations, two of which were previously thought to be historical and one of which was thought to be extirpated. Conversely, two local populations are now considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. A change from extant to historical reflects our knowledge of the population and may not be indicative of a change to the population.

Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) is widely-distributed along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Given the species’ relatively broad distribution and the high volume of records submitted, the species’ occurrence information has been assessed at a landscape scale using 10 by 10 kilometre grid “squares” to approximate the species’ distribution. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas uses the same size squares to display species observations within specific time periods. The squares were used to estimate where the species has been recently observed (i.e., has been observed within the past 20 years) as well as squares where the species is considered historical. Using this approach, the species has been recently observed in 150 squares, and there remain 47 squares that contain historical observations of the species. This equates to a potential range^{footnote 3[3]} of approximately 15,000 square kilometres based on recent observations of the species, and an additional 4,700 square kilometres based on historical observations.

Since 2008, the Ministry has received approximately 918 records of Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population). These records are based on observations from 1970 to 2016 and come from a variety of sources. The records have helped to redefine where the species is known and has been known to occur and can provide additional information on its habitat and threats. Monitoring conducted since 2008 has identified 13 new squares where the species was not previously known to occur, and confirmed the species’ presence at 95 squares, of which 14 were previously thought to be historical. Nineteen squares are now considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. Based on up-to-date information, and using the landscape approach of 10 by 10 kilometre grid squares, the species’ extant distribution is estimated to encompass a greater area (by 1,300 square kilometres ) than was known in 2008.

It is possible that there are observations of Common Five-lined Skink that have not been submitted to the Ministry. Encouraging the submission of observations of Common Five-lined Skink to the Ministry is included in the GRS as a government-led action. Everyone is encouraged, or may be required by an authorization or approval, to submit observations of the Common Five-lined Skink, as well as every other species at risk, to the Ministry’s Natural Heritage Information Centre for incorporation into the provincial record of observations.

Summary of progress toward meeting the recovery goal

Summary of progress

Progress has been made toward the majority of government-led actions and all government-supported actions outlined in the GRS for Common Five-lined Skink. The Government of Ontario has directly undertaken actions to:

• Encourage submission of Common Five-lined Skink data to the Natural Heritage Information Centre;
• Protect Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) through the ESA and its habitat through a habitat regulation;
• Support partners to undertake activities to protect and recover the species;
• Establish and communicate annual priority actions for support;
• Educate other agencies and planning authorities on the requirement to consider the protection of the species and its habitat; and
• Undertake communications and outreach to increase public awareness of species at risk in Ontario.

Government-supported actions are organized under overarching recovery objectives. Progress has been made toward all of the government-supported recovery objectives and all of the associated actions that are identified in the GRS for Common Five-lined Skink.

Under the objective to develop and implement measures to protect sites, reduce identified threats and increase available habitat for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population), progress has been made toward three of the four actions, while initial progress has been made toward the fourth action:

• Maintain and, where necessary, increase the amount and quality of habitat and microhabitat (i.e., cover objects) that is available for the species (Action No. 1; High Priority);
• Identify and implement approaches to reduce threats to the species such as road mortality, highly subsidized predator population and disturbance of cover objects (Action No. 2);
• Develop and deliver communications to targeted groups (e.g., landowners, members of the pet trade and park visitors) to promote public awareness of protection provisions, stewardship opportunities and habitat requirements of the species (Action No. 3); and
• As opportunities arise, support the securement of lands that contain sub-populations through existing land securement and stewardship programs (Action No. 4).

The first action has been implemented through several projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund and through conditions of the ‘overall benefit permit’ and several registrations. Components of the second action have been implemented through several Species at Risk Stewardship Fund projects. The Ministry has also made progress toward the second action by developing best management practices for mitigating the effects of roads on amphibians and reptile species at risk in Ontario. The third action has been implemented through numerous Species at Risk Stewardship Fund projects and through conditions of the ‘overall benefit permit’. Initial progress toward the fourth action has been through a condition of the ‘overall benefit permit’ that will require the proponent to convey restored habitat to a conservation agency for long-term protection.

Under the objective to improve understanding of the spatial ecology of the Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) and clarify uncertain threats, progress has been made toward the fifth action, while initial progress has been made toward the sixth action:

• Conduct studies into the habitat use, typical movements and dispersal abilities of the Common Five-lined Skink (Action No. 5; High Priority); and
• Determine if natural succession to less open habitats is a significant threat to occupied sites and which techniques are beneficial to maintaining or enhancing the suitability of Common Five-lined Skink habitat (Action No. 6).

The actions have been addressed through a long-running project supported by the Species at Risk Research Fund that investigated the species’ habitat preferences, movements and dispersal, as well as the effect of canopy cover on its use of habitat.

Under the objective to determine the distribution, abundance and associated trends of the Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) in Ontario, initial progress has been made toward the seventh and considerable progress has been made toward the eighth action:

• Implement a standardized survey protocol for estimating the abundance over time of the species (Action No. 7; High Priority); and
• Develop a prioritized list of historic locations and sites where the species potentially occurs, and survey for the presence of the species (Action No. 8).

Progress toward the seventh action has been made through a long-running project supported by the Species at Risk Research Fund that, among other things, assessed the relative abundance of the species at Rondeau Provincial Park. Progress toward the eighth action has been implemented through numerous projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund and a project supported by the Species at Risk Research Fund, as well as through numerous ‘protection and recovery permits’.

Regarding the actions for the Southern Shield population of Common Five-lined Skink, numerous Species at Risk Stewardship Fund projects have supported considerable progress toward the component of the first action that addresses estimating the species’ distribution; initial progress has been made toward the second action; and considerable progress has been made toward the third action:

• Implement a standardized survey protocol for estimating the distribution and abundance of the species (Action No. 1; High Priority);
• Maintain the amount and quality of habitat and microhabitat that is available for the species (Action No. 2); and
• Develop and deliver communications to targeted groups (e.g., landowners, members of the pet trade and park visitors) to promote public awareness of stewardship opportunities and habitat requirements of the species (Action No. 3).

Progress toward the second action has been implemented by a project conducted under the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund. Numerous projects conducted under the same fund have supported progress toward the third action.

The recovery goal for Common Five-lined Skink is to ensure the long-term viability and survival of both designated populations in Ontario. Effort made toward the government-led and government-supported GRS actions has helped to make progress toward this goal. For example, activities to maintain and increase the amount and quality of habitat, reduce threats and promote public awareness about the habitat requirements of the species all contribute toward meeting the recovery goal, especially for the endangered Carolinian population. Importantly, the activities confront habitat loss, degradation and disturbance, which are the main threats facing the species. In addition to implementation of actions in the GRS, trends in the provincial record of observations point toward the long-term viability and survival of both populations of Common Five-lined Skink. Recent observations confirm that there are currently 13 extant local populations (vs. six in 2008) and one local population is considered extirpated (vs. three in 2008) within the Carolinian population. The current extant distribution of the Southern Shield population is considered to be 1,300 square kilometres larger than it was in 2008.

Recommendations

As stated in the GRS, the review of progress toward protecting and recovering Common Five-lined Skink can be used to help identify whether adjustments are needed to achieve the protection and recovery of the species. Based on progress to-date, the overall direction provided in the GRS for Common Five-lined Skink should continue to guide protection and recovery actions for the species, particularly for those actions identified as high priority in the GRS. Relative to actions that have received a high level of support, the following actions have received support to a lesser degree and may be considered in future decisions regarding the protection and recovery of the species:

• While progress has been made toward the action to identify and implement approaches to reduce threats (Action No. 2), further progress could be made toward threats such as road mortality and highly subsidized predator populations; and
• Although initial progress has been made toward the actions to: support securement of lands that contain the species (Action No. 4); determine if natural succession to less open habitats is a significant threat to occupied sites (Action No. 6); and, to estimate the abundance of the species over time (Action No. 7; High Priority), further work is required to fully implement these actions.

The following recommendations support the ongoing implementation of the GRS and may be considered in decisions regarding the protection and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population):

• While considerable progress has been made toward estimating the distribution of the species, further progress could be made toward implementing a standardized survey protocol for estimating abundance of Common Five-lined Skinks in the Southern Shield population (Action No. 1; High Priority); and
• Although initial progress has been made toward the action to maintain the amount and quality of the habitat and microhabitat that is available to the species (Action No. 2), further work is required to fully implement the action.

Moving forward, protecting and recovering Common Five-lined Skink will continue to be a shared responsibility that will require the involvement of many individuals, organizations and communities. Financial support for the implementation of actions may be available through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario or the Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program. The Ministry can also advise if any authorizations under the ESA or other legislation may be required to undertake a project. By working together, progress can continue to be made toward protecting and recovering Common Five-lined Skink in Ontario.

Summary of progress toward the protection and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations) (2007 to 2015)

Provincial status:

• Common Five-lined Skink was classified as special concern under the previous Endangered Species Act in 2004, and retained this status under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) when it came into effect in 2008. The species was subsequently reassessed and in 2009 was split into two newly-listed populations on the Species at Risk in Ontario List: the Carolinian population and the Southern Shield population. The Carolinian population is listed as endangered, and the Southern Shield population is listed as special concern. Individual members of the Carolinian population have been protected from being killed, harmed, harassed, captured or taken, and their habitat has been protected from damage or destruction, under the ESA since 2009. In addition, the government finalized a habitat regulation for the Carolinian population in 2012.

Species-specific documents and guidance published by the government:

• Recovery Strategy for Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) — Carolinian and Southern Shield populations in Ontario (2010)
• Common Five-lined Skink — Carolinian and Southern Shield Populations: Ontario Government Response Statement (2011)
• Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) Habitat Regulation (Ontario Regulation 242/08; 2012)

Government-supported stewardship projects:

• Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“the Ministry”) has enabled its stewardship partners to conduct a total of 39 projects ($2,242,512) that have supported the protection and recovery of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations), of which 37 also targeted other species at risk. Thirteen projects ($787,936) included both populations of Common Five-lined Skink, 10 projects ($859,922) were for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) and 16 projects ($594,654) were for Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population).
• The Ministry’s support helped its stewardship partners to involve 3,878 individuals who volunteered 36,118 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink. The estimated value of these voluntary contributions, as well as additional funding and in-kind support, is $2,299,987.
• Stewardship partners reported that through their actions 45 hectares of habitat were enhanced for Common Five-lined Skink and other species at risk that inhabit the same ecosystem.
• Stewardship partners reported providing outreach on multiple species at risk, including Common Five-lined Skink, to 264,840 individuals.

Supporting human activities while ensuring appropriate support for species recovery:

• The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued eight permits for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population): seven ‘protection and recovery permits’ were issued under clause 17(2)(b), and one ‘overall benefit permit’ was issued under clause 17(2)(c) of the ESA
• Sixteen activities have been registered for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population). The activities were registered under ‘Drainage Works’ (section 23.9), ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), ‘Possession for educational purposes, etc.’ (section 23.15), ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (Section 23.17) or ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18) under Ontario Regulation 242/08 of the ESA.

Occurrences and distribution:

• Nineteen local populations of Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian population) have been documented in southwestern Ontario near the shores of Lakes Erie, St. Clair and Huron. Currently, 13 of these local populations are extant, whereas five are considered historical and one is considered extirpated. Since 2008, the statuses of two local populations have changed from extant to historical based on the date that they were last observed, while three local populations changed from extirpated/historic to extant as the species’ persistence was confirmed through monitoring efforts. Excitingly, six new local populations have been identified since 2008.
• Common Five-lined Skink (Southern Shield population) has been recently observed in 150 squares along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, and there are 47 additional squares that contain historical observations of the species within that geography. Since 2008, 19 squares are considered to have changed from extant to historical based on the date that the species was last observed, whereas the species continued persistence has been confirmed at 95 squares (including 14 squares that in 2008 were thought to be historical). Notably, monitoring conducted since 2008 identified 13 new squares in which Common Five-lined Skink was not previously known to occur.

Related Information

• Categorizing and Protecting Habitat under the Endangered Species Act
• Natural Heritage Information Centre
• Ontario’s Endangered Species Act
• Ontario’s Endangered Species Act Regulation 242/08
• Ontario Recovery Strategy and Government Response Statement for Common Five-lined Skink (Carolinian and Southern Shield populations)
• Policy Guidance on Harm and Harass under the Endangered Species Act
• Species at Risk in Ontario List
• Species at Risk Stewardship Fund

References

COSEWIC. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus (Carolinian population and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 50 pp.

Hecnar, S.J. and D. Brazeau. 2014. Distribution and habitat selection of the endangered five-lined skink at Rondeau Provincial Park. Final Report to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 36 pp. + data spreadsheet.

Hecnar, S.J. and D. Brazeau. 2015. Distribution and habitat selection of the endangered five-lined skink at Rondeau Provincial Park. Final Report to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 36 pp. + data spreadsheet.