The species is endemic to Australia, and is restricted to the windswept Pedra Branca, an island off southern Tasmania of only 2.5 ha (6.2 acres), where it is dependent on the seabird colonies.

[5] The Pedra Branca skink feeds on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and isopods.

[4] There are six separate colonies of the Pedra Branca skink on the island with a total population that fluctuates between 250 and 600 lizards, depending on food availability.

[4] Pedra Branca skinks live in crevices in the rocks, which provide protection from wind, salt spray and waves.

[4] C. palfreymani is considered to be vulnerable[1] due to the restricted range and multiple threats including seabird predation, fluctuations in the food supply, climate change and the threat of invasion by introduced predators such as rats.