Status and habitat preferences of montane endemic skinks, genera Lacertaspis, Leptosiaphos, and Trachylepis, in the central Cameroon Volcanic Line

Montane species in the tropics are characterized by high endemicity and small range sizes and are thus vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change. Due to lack of data on habitat requirements, there is no effective conservation action plan on endemic skinks of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), despite the likelihood of severe threats from anthropogenic activities and the fact that their populations are declining. In this study, we assessed habitat and microhabitat associations of montane skinks (genera Lacertaspis, Leptosiaphos, and Trachylepis) along the CVL on Mts. Oku, Bamboutos, and Manengouba. Skinks were sampled over a two-year period at elevations of 1500–3000 m using visual encounter surveys. Rare species we encountered included La. lepesmei and Le. pauliani, while the most common species included Le. ianthinoxantha and Le. vigintiserierum. Lacertaspis lepesmei and T. mekuana were recorded only on Mt. Bamboutos, supporting their endemicity to this mountain, though T. mekuana has also been recorded on one adjacent mountain (Mt. Lefo). Most skink species were abundant in grassland habitat with only La. chriswildi exclusively occurring in montane forest. Montane skink species showed a nested elevational range, particularly La. christwildi, La. lepesmei, and T. mekuana, occurring in narrow elevational ranges above 2000 m. The habitats of these species are affected by many human activities, including agricultural encroachment, overgrazing, fires, and climate change. As many of these skink species are dependent on montane forest and grassland, a neglected habitat for conservation in the Afromontane realm, they each warrant prompt conservation assessment.