taxonID	type	description	language	source
EC6387B48F134123FF0E9CDB75FCD04C.taxon	vernacular_names	Burrow-digging Skinks	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134123FF0E9CDB75FCD04C.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: Liopholis moniligera Fitzinger 1843, by monotypy [= L. whitii].	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134123FF0E9CDB75FCD04C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: (from Gardner et al. 2008): Relatively small to moderate-sized skinks (adult SVL 75 ‒ 200 mm); head and body squarish in cross-section; midbody scales in 34 ‒ 52 rows, the dorsals smooth (keeled in L. pulchra); nasal scale without postnarial groove; subocular scale row incomplete; eyes relatively large, the eyelids usually with distinct cream margins, easily differentiated from adjacent scales. Terrestrial; mainly diurnal with some species crepuscular to nocturnal; viviparous. For content, see Cogger (2014) and Wilson & Swan (2021).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134123FF0E9CDB75FCD04C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Fitzinger (1843: 22) provided no derivation of name, but it is presumably from the original Greek Leios latinised to Lio meaning smooth or flat and from the Greek Pholis meaning scale of a reptile.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	vernacular_names	North-West Cape Skink	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	description	(Figs 6, 7, 8)	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. WAM R 156452, male, Learmonth Air Weapons Range, North-West Cape (- 22.45, 113.83), Western Australia, Australia, collected by M. Bamford, 17 March 2005. Fixed in 10 % formalin, stored in 70 % ethanol, liver tissue stored at SAMA as ABTC 101420. Paratypes. Two from Western Australia. WAM R 153831, female, Bullara Station (- 22.89, 113.92); WAM R 156453, male, Learmonth Air Weapons Range, North-West Cape (- 22.45, 113.83). Referred specimen. WAM R 8601, male, Merlinleigh Outstation, Kennedy Range (- 24.32, 115.18), Western Australia, Australia. This specimen has no specific collection date but was accessioned during 1943.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A moderately robust, small-sized member of the L. inornata species group (maximum SVL 66 mm), with round pupil, smooth dorsal and caudal scales, a proportionally short neck and head, proportionally short forelimbs, a relatively short tail, up to 34 midbody scale rows, ≤ 24 fourth toe lamellae and a plain orange-brown colour with obscure pattern. Comparisons with other species. Liopholis parva sp. nov. differs from nominate L. inornata from southern semiarid to arid Western Australia, all known populations of L. s. slateri, and L. s. virgata in its smaller adult size (SVL to 66 mm versus to 84 mm, 93 mm and 94 mm, respectively). Liopholis parva sp. nov. further differs from L. inornata and L. s. slateri by having a shorter head, modally lower midbody and paravertebral scale counts and subdigital lamellae counts (Table 5). Liopholis parva sp. nov. further differs from L. s. virgata by lacking a black vertebral stripe (Fig. 6). Liopholis striata attains a much larger size (SVL to 112 mm), has higher midbody and paravertebral scale counts, and has a vertically ovate rather than rounded pupil. Liopholis multiscutata attains a much larger size (SVL to 96 mm) and has a predominately greyish or brownish colour (often with dorsal stripes) and bicarinate subdigital lamellae. Liopholis parva sp. nov. differs from L. purnululu sp. nov. by having a smaller size (SVL to 66 mm versus to 77 mm) and orange-brown (versus brownish) colour (Fig. 6).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	description	Details of Holotype. (Fig. 7 A). SVL 57.9; TL 71; HD 7.9; HL 13.1; HW 10.5; HNL 19.5; FLL 16.6; HLL 23.8; AGL 28.7; MBS 34; PV 50; SDL 23; nasals widely separated; prefrontals in broad contact; supraciliaries 8 / 8; nuchals 1 / 1; upper palpebrals 10 / 10; primary temporal single; enlarged upper secondary temporals 1 / 1, each with one adjacent smaller temporal bordering the parietal; supralabials 7 / 7; ear lobules 3 / 4, uppermost lobule largest in series. Description. See Table 5 for summary statistics of mensural and meristic data and Supplementary Table S 1 for measurements and counts of individual specimens. Fig. 6 shows the holotype WAM R 156452 compared to a selection of other Liopholis species. Fig. 7 B shows an adult and Fig. 7 C a juvenile born in captivity, both photographed in life. Head and details of scalation are illustrated in Fig. 8. Head moderately deep, barely distinct from neck; external ear opening prominent, narrow and much higher than wide; snout very short, rounded in profile and slightly angular in lateral view; body moderately robust, round in cross-section with flat venter and well-developed, thickset pentadactyl limbs; digits moderately long and slender; claws strong with long sharp tip; tail round in cross-section gradually tapering to pointed tip. Nasals widely separated; groove representing nasal-postnasal suture absent; two loreals, first slightly higher than wide and second mostly wider than high; two presuboculars, first much higher than second; prefrontals in broad or point contact (e. g. WAM R 153831); frontal much wider anteriorly, tapering gradually to a rounded point, equal or only slightly wider than interparietal; frontoparietals paired; parietals bordered posteriorly by an enlarged nuchal scale and laterally by two temporal scales; 3 ‒ 4 ear lobules, small and obtusely rounded, uppermost lobule largest and with slight decrease in size downwards; 7 ‒ 8 supraciliaries, first and third largest; five supraoculars, second much larger and fifth smallest with anterior two in contact with frontal; 9 ‒ 10 upper palpebrals; one nuchal on each side; 6 ‒ 7 supralabials, the fifth and sixth or fourth and fifth largest and subocular, subocular supralabials separated from granular eyelid scales by a row of small scales; first pair of chin shields in broad contact, second pair separated medially by one scale; third pair widely separated medially by three scales; 34 midbody scale rows; 49 ‒ 50 paravertebral scales; 23 ‒ 24 lamellae under fourth toe, with moderately strong calli, outer edges denticulate, palmar and plantar scales small and ovate. Colour in life. Colour in life is based on illustrated figures and field observations of live individuals. Dorsal surface pale orange-brown, grading to greyish on head above eyes. Dorsal scales immaculate (e. g. WAM R 153831) or spotted on posterior edge with cream (e. g. WAM R 156452 ‒ 3), the spots tending to be transversely elongate and forming very indistinct longitudinal lines that continue to dorsolateral surface of tail. Lateral surface with creamy white base colour. Some upper lateral scales bearing pale brown edges, forming an irregular reticulum that commences behind the ear aperture and terminates on proximal part of tail. Tail concolorous with dorsal surface, except for presence of brownish smudges, most prominent dorsolaterally and aggregated on the dorsal surface to form narrow transverse bands. Scales in interspaces between bands on tail with cream posterior edges, forming a central series of narrow pale bars. Upper surface of limbs pale brown, with no discernible markings. Posterior supralabials and temporals with diffuse brown smudges. Ventral surface creamy white. Claws with dark culmen on upper surface. Juveniles are a rich bright orange with yellowish faces, dark crowns and prominent bands on the tail (Fig. 7 C). The referred specimen WAM R 8601 has been in preservative for about 80 years and the ground colour has faded to a creamy white, with no discernible spots on the dorsum and only faint bands on the tail.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Latin parvus, small, little, minute, in specific reference to the distinctive small size of this species. Used as a noun in apposition.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known from two disjunct populations in Western Australia, one in the dune systems on the North-West Cape, the other in similar habitat on the Kennedy Range (Fig. 1 C). On the North-West Cape, it is known from four separate locations associated with two main dune systems: Cape Range National Park, Learmonth Air Weapons Range, Bullara Station and immediately north of Exmouth. Merlinleigh Outstation on the Kennedy Range has not been intensively surveyed and the status of L. parva sp. nov. at this location is not known. Herpetofaunal assessments on the North-West Cape, the Kennedy Range National Park and adjacent regions have not detected any populations of L. parva sp. nov. or any other Liopholis species (e. g. Storr & Hanlon 1980; Storr & Harold 1984, 1985; Kendrick 1993; McKenzie et al. 2000; Beranek et al. 2021). However, recent biological surveys have recorded this species for the first time in Cape Range National Park (L. Clausen, pers. comm.). Based on collection records (Atlas of Living Australia 2024), Liopholis parva sp. nov. is widely allopatric to any other Liopholis species. The geographically nearest congeners consist of single records of L. inornata recorded approximately 200 km to the southwest on the Peron Peninsula and Hamelin Station Reserve at Shark Bay (Shea & Wells 1985; Maryan et al. 2024) and a disjunct population of L. multiscutata on Bernier Island, offshore from Carnarvon (Storr et al. 1999).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat, ecology and conservation. The holotype and WAM R 156453 were pit or funnel-trapped on a sandplain. The vegetation comprised a low, mixed shrubland of Acacia Miller with emergent Corymbia Hill & Johnson over a mosaic groundcover of low shrubs and Triodia Brown hummocks, with patches of exposed limestone (Metcalf & Bamford 2005; HLA ‒ Envirosciences, Ecoscape Australia 2005, Fig. 9 A). Nearby were stands of low, open woodland of Eucalyptus L’Héritier and Brachychiton Schott & Endlicher. The associated dune habitat supported predominately Triodia with scattered Banksia ashbyi Baker. Field observations of other individuals were pit-trapped on red dunes (L. Clausen, pers. comm., Fig. 9 B). One specimen (WAM R 153831) was excavated from a burrow on a thinly vegetated crest of a red dune (Fig. 9 C). The vegetation of the two main dune systems on the North-West Cape, the northern and southern red sand dunes, have been mapped by Beard (1975). The referred specimen from Merlinleigh Outstation on the Kennedy Range (WAM R 8601) has no habitat details but this area is predominantly dunefield / sandplain habitat. The ecology of this species is largely unknown. The limited field observations of L. parva sp. nov. suggest that it is numerous at two localities on the North-West Cape based on captures in traps, appearing to favour the lower slopes of dunes where sand is more compacted (M. Bamford & R. Browne-Cooper, pers. obs.). Typical of other burrow-digging members of Liopholis, their presence can often be indicated by excavated multi-entranced burrows (Fig. 9 C). Bamford & Bamford (2012) provide details of behavioural observations and captive breeding for L. parva sp. nov. listed as Liopholis “ Cape Range ”. Their information also included the SVL measurements (in mm) of 62 in one adult male and 56 and 57 in two adult females that displayed no growth after six years in captivity. The current land use of the locations where L. parva sp. nov. are known from comprise a mixture of protected gazetted conservation, Commonwealth Defence and non-protected areas. Currently, within the protected areas, L. parva sp. nov. has been recorded from single localities in both the Cape Range National Park (476 km 2) and Learmonth Air Weapons Range (189 km 2). Commonwealth Defence land is not routinely considered conservation estate, but it does fall under heritage management objectives that includes natural heritage in compliance with the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC Act). The non-protected areas include both an active pastoral station and unallocated Crown Land (e. g. Meissner 2011). This mosaic of different land tenures is noted by Doughty et al. (2008), whereby only the Cape Range is currently protected within the Cape Range National Park, excluding much of the North-West Cape from the same statutory protection. The single record of L. parva sp. nov. from Merlinleigh Outstation on the Kennedy Range is protected within the Kennedy Range National Park (1, 416 km 2). Similarly to other relatively small Liopholis species with restricted distributions (Chapple et al. 2019), L. parva sp. nov. faces potential threats that warrant conservation attention. As highlighted for L. s. slateri populations in central Australia (Pavey 2004, 2007; Pavey et al. 2010), the species is potentially impacted by the degradation of existing habitat caused by the invasion of the introduced pasture plant buffel grass Cenchrus ciliaris Linnaeus on the North-West Cape (Keighery & Gibson 1993; Meissner 2011). The success of buffel grass as an invasive weed not only impacts on the vegetation communities but also on the fauna that use them for habitat and refuge (Dixon et al. 2001). For example, it has been further hypothesised that the foraging behaviour of L. s. slateri, which rely on high visibility outside their burrow entrance to ambush prey, makes them particularly sensitive to the impacts of buffel grass (McKinney et al. 2014). The trampling by feral herbivores and cattle in addition to altered fire regimes may also impact the long-term survival of the habitat occupied by L. parva sp. nov. Another significant consideration is the predation by cats and foxes that are both known to take small lizard prey; thus, juveniles are likely to be particularly vulnerable. Available knowledge indicates this species occurs in fragmented populations on the North-West Cape associated with two main dune systems, the northern sand dunes that occur within unallocated Crown Land, and the southern sand dunes that are partially protected within the Cape Range National Park (Meissner 2011). Based on existing collection records, including the Kennedy Range National Park (N = 4, Atlas of Living Australia 2024) and limited field observations, we calculated the extent of occurrence (EOO; minimum convex hull) and area of occupancy (AOO; 2 x 2 km grid cells) of L. parva sp. nov. in GeoCat (https; // geocat. kew. org; Bachman et al. 2011). The species’ EOO is 10, 076 km 2 and the AOO is considerably smaller at 24 km 2. Targeted biological surveys on the North-West Cape and Kennedy Range in suitable habitat for this species would improve the issue. Current distributional knowledge of L. parva sp. nov. allows for an IUCN listing assessment under criteria B 2 of geographic range (AOO <500 km 2), B (a) number of locations (equal to 5) and possibly B (biii) reduction in quality of habitat due to buffel grass invasion and altered fire regimes, that qualifies this species for Endangered, under IUCN guidelines and criteria (IUCN 2022). Further consideration is that without any detailed knowledge of the species’ ecology, life history, distribution and threats to effectively assess the species, it may also be considered as Data Deficient.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F134125FF0E9EED72AED51F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. One specimen (WAM R 8601) from Merlinleigh Outstation on the Kennedy Range dunefield was included in L. inornata by Storr (1968: 59) and mapped as this taxon by Storr et al. (1981: 89). However, in a later revision Storr et al. (1999: 112) omitted this record from the species map, presumably due to emerging doubt over its true affinity. Despite the faded condition of the specimen which was accessioned over 80 years ago, the morphological evidence supports its inclusion within L. parva sp. nov. Further material from the Kennedy Range is required to clarify the genetic affinities of this significant outlier population. Shea & Wells (1985) referred a Liopholis specimen (AMS R. 105730) from Peron Peninsula at Shark Bay to L. inornata and this record was included on the updated map of Storr et al. (1999). We agree with this assessment based on its colour pattern and the following characteristics and measurements (in mm): SVL 71.7; tail broken; HD 8.9; HL 16.4; HW 13.5; HNL 28.1; FLL 13.6; HLL 18.2; AGL 37.2; MBS 38; PV 50; SDL 22; nasals widely separated; prefrontals in broad contact; supraciliaries 8 / 8; nuchals 1 / 1; upper palpebrals 10 / 10; primary temporal single; enlarged upper secondary temporals 1 / 1, each with one adjacent smaller temporal bordering the parietal; supralabials 7 / 7; ear lobules 3 / 4, first from top lobule largest in series. The fact that only a few specimens of Liopholis have been collected in each of the Kennedy Range and Shark Bay regions, despite combined biological survey effort and numerous visits by field herpetologists in both areas (Storr & Harold 1978, 1990; Shea & Wells 1985; McKenzie et al. 2000; Maryan et al. 2024), highlights the serendipity in locating populations of this genus in arid sandy habitats. For example, during a series of biological surveys by GHD Pty Ltd. in the Zuytdorp coast and hinterland, a total of 1,386 trap nights from 28 sites using buckets, Elliott and funnel traps captured only one L. inornata (G. Gaikhorst, pers. comm.). Liopholis parva sp. nov. is the only reptile (or vertebrate) species that is known exclusively from disjunct populations on the North-West Cape and the Kennedy Range. Six reptile species are endemic to North-West Cape: the geckos Crenadactylus tuberculatus Doughty, Ellis & Oliver, Diplodactylus capensis Doughty, Oliver & Adams and Gehyra capensis Kealley, Doughty, Pepper, Keogh, Hillyer & Huey, the legless lizard Delma tealei Maryan, Aplin & Adams, the skink Lerista allochira Kendrick and the blind snake Anilios splendidus (Aplin), with further endemics awaiting description. The only known endemic species on the Kennedy Range is the skink Lerista kennedyensis Kendrick, though Smith & Adams (2007: 323) mention another morphologically and allozymically distinctive population with similarities to Lerista clara Smith & Adams.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	vernacular_names	Purnululu Skink	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	description	(Figs 6, 8, 10, 11)	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. WAM R 103112, female, Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park (- 17.43, 128.4), Western Australia, Australia, collected by N. Gambold, 5 July 1989. Fixed in 10 % formalin, stored in 70 % ethanol. Paratypes. Five from Western Australia. WAM R 103113 – 114, male, female, Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park (- 17.43, 128.4); WAM R 156715 – 716, WAM R 156745, female, female, male, Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park (- 17.35, 128.62).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A moderately robust, small-sized Liopholis (maximum SVL 77 mm), with round pupil, smooth dorsal and caudal scales, relatively short tail, up to 39 midbody scale rows, ≤ 20 fourth toe lamellae and a plain brownish coloration with obscure pattern. Comparisons with other species. Liopholis purnululu sp. nov. differs from nominate L. inornata from southern semiarid to arid Western Australia, all populations of L. s. slateri, and L. s. virgata in its smaller size (SVL to 77 mm versus to 84 mm, 93 mm and 94 mm, respectively). Liopholis purnululu sp. nov. further differs from L. inornata and L. s. slateri by having lower paravertebral scale and subdigital lamellae counts (Table 5) and having less dense, dark pigmentation on the flanks and back (Fig. 6). Liopholis purnululu sp. nov. further differs from L. s. virgata by lacking a black vertebral stripe (Fig. 6). Dorsal colour in L. inornata and L. parva sp. nov. (see above) tends to be yellowish to reddish or orange-brown rather than brownish as in L. purnululu sp. nov. (Fig. 6). Liopholis parva sp. nov. further differs by having an even smaller size (SVL to 66 mm versus to 77 mm) and proportionally shorter neck and head (the latter caused by a short snout). The geographically closest congener to L. purnululu sp. nov. is L. striata which attains a much larger size (SVL to 112 mm), has a predominately reddish-brown (versus brownish) colour, fewer subdigital lamellae (16 ‒ 19 versus 19 ‒ 20), higher paravertebral scale counts (55 or more versus 46 ‒ 48), higher midbody scale counts (40 ‒ 43 versus 38 ‒ 39) and a vertically ovate rather than rounded pupil.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	description	Details of holotype. (Fig. 10 A). SVL 77.1; TL 90; HD 10.9; HL 18.0; HW 13.8; HNL 29.5; FLL 22.6; HLL 28.1; AGL 36.2; MBS 38; PV 46; SDL 19; nasals widely separated; prefrontals in broad contact; supraciliaries 6 / 7, fused to second loreal on left side; nuchals 1 / 1; upper palpebrals 11 / 11; primary temporal single; enlarged upper secondary temporals 1 / 1, each with one adjacent smaller temporal bordering the parietal; supralabials 7 / 7; ear lobules 4 / 4, uppermost lobule largest in series. Description. See Table 5 for summary statistics of mensural and meristic data and Supplementary Table S 1 for measurements and counts of individual specimens. Fig. 6 shows WAM R 156716 compared to a selection of other Liopholis species and Fig. 10 B shows the same individual photographed in life. Head and details of scalation are illustrated in Fig. 8. Head moderately deep, barely distinct from neck; external ear opening prominent, narrow and much higher than wide; snout very short, rounded in profile and slightly angular in lateral view; body moderately robust, round in cross-section with flat venter and well-developed, thickset pentadactyl limbs; digits moderately long and slender; claws strong with long sharp tip; tail round in cross-section gradually tapering to pointed tip. Nasals widely separated; groove representing nasal-postnasal suture discernible but weak; two loreals, mostly equal or second usually a little higher than wide, fused to first supraciliary on left side (e. g. WAM R 103112, WAM R 156715); two presuboculars, first higher than second; prefrontals in broad contact; frontal much wider anteriorly, tapering gradually to a rounded point, equal or only slightly wider than interparietal; frontoparietals paired; parietals bordered posteriorly by an enlarged nuchal scale and laterally by two temporal scales; 3 ‒ 5 ear lobules, small and obtuse, mostly equal in size or decreasing slightly in size downwards; 6 ‒ 8 (mostly 7) supraciliaries, first three larger and decreasing in size to slightly larger last scale; five supraoculars, second much larger and fifth smallest with anterior two in contact with frontal; 9 ‒ 12 upper palpebrals; one nuchal on each side; seven supralabials with the fifth and sixth subocular, subocular supralabials separated from granular eyelid scales by a row of small scales; first pair of chin shields in broad contact, second pair typically separated medially by one scale or three scales (e. g. WAM R 103114), third pair longitudinally divided, in contact (e. g. WAM R 156716) or separated medially by one or two scales; 38 ‒ 39 midbody scale rows; 46 ‒ 48 paravertebral scales; 19 ‒ 20 lamellae under fourth toe, with an apical series of weak or strong calli, outer edges denticulate, palmar and plantar scales small and ovate. Colour in life. Colour in life is based on illustrated figures and field observations of live individuals. Dorsal surface pale brown, head slightly paler. Many dorsal scales with outer edge bearing a faint darker brown smudge, forming very indistinct longitudinal lines, more pronounced in one darker specimen (e. g. WAM R 156745). Lateral surface uniform pale grey or with some faint indication of cream posterior edging becoming more distinct above hindlimb. Some specimens (e. g. WAM R 156715, WAM R 156745) have some dark lateral edges of scales forming obscure streaks that are more distinct between ear and forelimb. Tail concolorous with dorsal surface, with cream posterior edge on many scales forming an obscure transverse alignment of narrow bands. Upper surface of limbs pale brown with no discernible markings. Posterior supralabials and sometimes infralabials with diffuse darker brown smudge on anterior edge of fourth to seventh supralabial. Ventral surface creamy white. Claws with dark culmen on upper surface.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. After the regional name in the Aboriginal Kija language for the sandstone of the Bungle Bungle Range, and with the aim of drawing attention to the biological endemism of this significant landform in the southeast Kimberley (Gambold 1992). Used as a noun in apposition.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Apparently restricted to the Bungle Bungle Range in the southeast Kimberley, a heavily dissected sandstone plateau, partly bounded by cliffs and cut by numerous gorges, which is surrounded by an extensive sandplain (Hoatson et al. 1997). It is possible that the plateau of the Bungle Bungle Range within the Purnululu National Park comprises its total distribution. Biological surveys conducted in the Purnululu National Park to date have not recorded any other species of Liopholis (Gambold 1992, T. Partridge, pers. comm.). Based on collection records (Atlas of Living Australia 2024), L. purnululu sp. nov. is widely allopatric to any other Liopholis species. The geographically nearest congener, L. striata, has been recorded approximately 300 km to the south in the vicinity of Billiluna on the western edge of the Tanami Desert (Storr et al. 1999).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat, ecology and conservation. Menkhorst & Cowie (1992) provide a detailed description of the habitat where individuals were either pit-trapped or excavated from burrows on sandy loams of the Elder Uplands of the Bungle Bungle Range plateau (Fig. 11). Their account describes a low and sparse tree layer, dominated by Corymbia cliftoniana (Fitzgerald) with occasional C. collina (Fitzgerald), and with a canopy height of 4 – 8 metres. Corymbia dichromophloia (Mueller) occurs on rocky slopes and Eucalyptus cupularis Gardner is restricted to the sandy ephemeral watercourses. The shrub layer is well developed, particularly along drainage lines and includes Acacia gonocarpa Mueller, A. stipuligera Mueller, A. tumida Mueller, A. lycopodiifolia Hook, Grevillea miniata Fitzgerald, G. refracta Brown and Jacksonia odontoclada Mueller. Triodia spicata Burbidge forms a dense ground layer with T. microstachya Brown forming large hummocks on the sandy banks of ephemeral watercourses. This vegetation community recorded the highest percentage cover of shrubs and hummock grasses, and no introduced plants were detected (Menkhorst & Cowie 1992). The ecology of this species is largely unknown. The limited field observations of L. purnululu sp. nov. in a small area on the Bungle Bungle Range plateau indicate that this species is numerous, with conspicuous multi-entranced burrows positioned at the base of Triodia clumps on shallow sandy soils (Gambold 1992, B. Maryan & R. Browne-Cooper, pers. obs., Fig. 11). The species has a potentially restricted geographic distribution on the largely inaccessible Bungle Bungle Range plateau (450 km 2) that is protected within the Purnululu National Park (2,397 km 2). The national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its universal value criteria of containing areas of natural and geological significance. Despite this level of protection, caution is certainly warranted considering the conservation status of the closely related L. kintorei and L. s. slateri in which populations of both species have declined significantly in recent decades (McAlpin 2001; Pavey 2004, 2007; Moore et al. 2015). Furthermore, as highlighted by Gambold (1992), optimum fire regimes for this species have not been defined, and further survey effort is required to refine distributional knowledge including the extensive sandplain surrounding the Bungle Bungle Range. Importantly, no feral herbivores or predators, particularly cats have been recorded on the plateau, the latter tending to be uncommon but widespread, and occasionally trapped and removed by rangers around camps (Woinarski et al. 1992). Available knowledge indicates this species is restricted to the Bungle Bungle Range plateau. The extent of rocky terrain affects the amount of suitable habitat for this burrow-digging species that to date has only been found on sandy loams of the Elder Uplands. Based on existing collection records (N = 6, Atlas of Living Australia 2024) and limited field observations from only two locations, we calculated the extent of occurrence (EOO; minimum convex hull) and area of occupancy (AOO; 2 x 2 km grid cells) of L. purnululu sp. nov. in GeoCat (https; // geocat. kew. org; Bachman et al. 2011). Due to only two occurrence location points, GeoCat cannot create a minimum convex polygon, and hence the EOO, as per IUCN guidelines, must be made identical to the AOO value, which is very small at 8 km 2. Targeted biological surveys on the Bungle Bungle Range in suitable habitat for this species would improve the accuracy of these estimates. Current distributional knowledge of L. purnululu sp. nov. allows for an IUCN listing assessment under criterion B 2 of geographic range (AOO <10 km 2) and B (a) number of locations (<5) that qualifies this species for Critically Endangered or at the very least Endangered, under IUCN guidelines and criteria (IUCN 2022). Ascertaining further conditions under criterion B in relation to population decline are unknown. Further consideration is that without any detailed knowledge of the species’ ecology, life history, distribution and threats to effectively assess the species, it may also be considered as Data Deficient.	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
EC6387B48F15412EFF0E9B5E73F1D2BB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The description of L. purnululu sp. nov. raises the number of reptile species endemic to Purnululu National Park and the adjacent Osmond Range to three. The other endemics are the gecko, Gehyra ipsa Horner and the skink, Lerista bunglebungle Storr, which is only known from three specimens (e. g. Lloyd 2015). Purnululu National Park is also the type locality for the skink Ctenotus vagus Horner. All the above taxa including L. purnululu sp. nov. were collected during a single biological survey (Gambold 1992). An emerging pattern in areas of the Kimberley with distinctive underlying geology is that they support several endemic reptile species, particularly geckos (Laver et al. 2017; Oliver et al. 2017, 2020).	en	Aplin, Ken P., Maryan, Brad, Armstrong, Kyle N., Pavey, Chris R., Donnellan, Stephen C. (2024): Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa 5551 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4
