Grand skink

The grand skink (Oligosoma grande) is an endangered species of large skink endemic to the central Otago region of New Zealand.

Grand skink
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species:
O. grande
Binomial name
Oligosoma grande
Gray, 1845

Physical characteristics

Grand skinks are relatively large compared to other New Zealand skinks, capable of growing to lengths up to 11 inches (29 cm). They are marked with yellow-green speckling, which provides excellent camouflage in their rocky habitat of lichen-covered rocks and schist outcrops. Like most skinks, grand skinks are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of insects and fleshy fruits.

Habitat

Grand skinks are only found in very specific locations in Otago, and are typically limited to the large schist rock outcroppings found in that region. They can often be seen sunning themselves on these rocks. As of 2000, the range of the grand skink has decreased by roughly 90%. Although it was once widespread, land use change, particularly the intensification of farming, and the introduction of mammalian predators has led to a decline in the population. The New Zealand Department of Conservation estimates that there are only 2,000 to 5,000 individual grand skinks remaining.

Conservation status

As at the last reassessment in 2012, grand skinks have been classified as Nationally Endangered under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[2]

References
  1. Hitchmough, R., van Winkel, D., Lettink, M. & Chapple, D. 2019. Oligosoma grande. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T15257A120190579. Downloaded on 19 July 2019.
  2. Hitchmough, Rod; Anderson, Peter; Barr, Ben; Monks, Jo; Lettink, Marieke; Reardon, James; Tocher, Mandy; Whitaker, Tony. "Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012" (PDF). Department of Conservation. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
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