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New Zealand Herpetological Society Inc.

Skinks

Skinks are the most frequently encountered of our reptiles. They are often glimpsed in gardens running for cover & often referred to as the "common garden skink". But there is nothing common about the 26 endemic species, which have a regionalised distribution. They vary in colours & size, the longest skink attaining a length of 350mm (including tail). Skinks are highly alert animals, with an exceptional sense of smell, hearing, & sight. Some are vocal. All but one species are live-bearers, producing 1-8 "miniature adults". They are good climbers, despite their relatively small limbs & large bodies. Skinks have been observed nodding at each other, quivering their tails when excited. They are also good swimmers. The Australian Rainbow skink somehow made its way across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand around the 1960's. Despite its small size (snout vent 40mm or 100mm with tail), it is thriving & is increasing in numbers & range. It is the only exotic lizard to have become established in New Zealand.It is no longer protected under the Wildlife Act, and in some areas is regarded as a "pest".

Click on the links below to find out more information:

All New Zealand skinks are now classified in the genus Oligosoma. We will keep the information on Cyclodina so as to be still available for searches.

Cyclodina Recovery Plan
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/TSRP27.pdf

Chevron Skinks
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/TSRP05.pdf

Striped Skink

http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp24.pdf

Otago Skink
http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp14.pdf