 This relatively low biodiversity is apparently due to the homogeneity of habitat on the islands, which provide few distinct ecological niches.The most significant terrestrial reptile species are the spiny-tailed skink ("Egernia stokesii stokesii") and the carpet python ("Morelia spilota imbricata"), both of which are listed as rare and therefore afforded special protection under the "Wildlife Conservation Act 1950"; and the Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragon ("Pogona minor minima"), a Houtman Abrolhos endemic that is listed as a Priority 4 species by the Department of Environment and Conservation.For a full list of species, see list of reptiles of the Houtman Abrolhos.