Habitat Use and Basking Site Selection in the Water Skink, Eulamprus quoyii

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Abstract
The water skink (Eulamprus quoyii) tends to be restricted to creekside habitats and moist areas. Factors correlated with the relative abundance of E. quoyii were demonstrated using multivariate techniques. Rocky, open creeks supported higher densities of E. quoyii than those in cool forests or thick vegetation, where basking sites were fewer. Rocks correlated well with presence or absence of skinks. Non-random utilization of basking sites occurred in sites where skinks were rare, in contrast to random ultilization of basking sites where skinks were common. Basking sites and their associated environmental cues may influence skink abundance. Use of rocky basking sites was associated with substrate temperatures of ca. 29 C, similar to the preferred body temperature (PBT) of 28 C chosen in a thermal gradient. Lighting conditions had no effect on PBT, although a significant drop in PBT to 24 C occurred when skinks were deprived of water.