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Small-scaled skink (Oligosoma microlepis)
Small-scaled skink fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Small-scaled skink description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Scincidae |
| Genus | Oligosoma (1) |
As its name suggests, the elongate body of the small-scaled skink is covered in relatively small, glossy scales (2) (3). The background colour to the upperparts of the body is brownish grey, but a series of stripes extend lengthways from the snout towards the tail. Running down the middle of the back are consecutive segments of light and dark brown, adjoined on either side by a conspicuous pale stripe. A dark brown stripe, speckled above and below with pale markings, extends along the sides, while the belly is pale all over (2).
- Size
- Max snout-vent length: 67 mm (2)
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Related species
Small-scaled skink biology
Very little is known about the biology of the small-scaled skink other than it is an active diurnal forager (2) (4). In captivity, it will consume a wide variety of invertebrates (2), but most New Zealand skinks are omnivorous with fruit and insects known to form a large proportion of their diet (3).
In captivity, the young are born from late January to early March with two to three offspring in each litter (2).
TopSmall-scaled skink range
The small-scaled skink is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, where it occurs in a few small and isolated populations (4).
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Species with a similar range
Small-scaled skink habitat
The optimum habitat for the small-scaled skink is yet to be determined but it is known to inhabit rocky areas such as screes, boulders, outcrops and cliff-faces (4)
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Species found in a similar habitat
Small-scaled skink status
Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Small-scaled skink threats
As with other New Zealand skinks, habitat loss and introduced mammalian predators are thought to present the greatest threat to the small-scaled skink (3) (4). Owing to these impacts, the small-scaled skink population is believed to be undergoing a serious decline (4).
TopSmall-scaled skink conservation
With so many unknowns associated with the small-scaled skink, the immediate priority is to conduct further research into the species’ conservation status by obtaining data on its distribution, habitat use, relative abundance and threats, including the impact of mammalian predators. The collated information will then be used to determine the optimum means of ensuring the survival of this species (4).
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View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Find out more
For further information on the conservation of the small-scaled skink see:
- Towns, D.R., Neilson, K.A. and Whitaker, A.H. (2002) North Island Oligosoma spp. Skink Recovery Plan 2002-2012. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. Available at:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/TSRP48.pdf
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
- Diurnal
- Active during the day.
- Endemic
- A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
References
- IUCN Red List (October, 2008)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - Patterson, G.B. and Daugherty, C.H. (1990) Four new species and one new subspecies of skink, genus Leiolopisma (Reptilia: Lacertilia: Scincidae) from New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 20: 65 - 84.
- Department of Conservation. (2006) Skinks and Geckos Factsheet. Department of Conservation, Christchurch. Available at:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/about-doc/concessions-and-permits/conservation-revealed/skinks-geckos-lowres.pdf - Towns, D.R., Neilson, K.A. and Whitaker, A.H. (2002) North Island Oligosoma spp. Skink Recovery Plan 2002-2012. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Image credit
Small-scaled skink showing tail
© Paddy Ryan
Paddy Ryan
Ryan Photographic
2802 East 132nd Circle
Thornton
CO
80241
USA
Tel: +01 (303) 457 9795
paddyaryan@aol.com
http://www.ryanphotographic.com/
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