Length: SVL up to 125mm, with the tail being equal to or longer than the body

Weight: unknown

Description

A stunning green skink found on Stewart Island and its outlying islands. It is by far the largest species of skink occurring in this region.

Their colouration can range from brown to olive green, and they may have crescent-shaped ocelli (eye-like markings) running along the body onto the tail. It is more common for ocelli to be absent, and for these to be replaced by crescent-shaped black flecking. Individuals in dune systems tend to be weakly patterned, whilst animals in wetlands tend to be much more heavily flecked. The lateral surfaces of this species are often heavily flecked with black, gold and white/cream markings, fading to grey on the underside. The stomach is often grey and can have varying amounts of black flecking.

Not likely to be confused with any of the co-occurring species due to its significantly larger size, and bright green colouration. Closely related to the Southland green skink (Oligosoma chloronoton), but can be distinguished by its much more robust build, and its tendency to lack clear ocelli

Life Expectancy

Unknown.

Distribution

Confined to Stewart Island and its outlying islands (Codfish Island / Whenuahou, etc.). It is becoming exceedingly rare on Stewart, but is still common on the pest free offshore islands such as Codfish / Whenuahou.

Ecology and Habitat

A diurnal species, which occurs in a variety of habitats including dune systems, wetlands, and forest margins.

Social Structure

Solitary.

Breeding Biology

Viviparous. Little is known about its breeding biology, but likely to be similar to the closely related green skink /  Southland green skink (Oligosoma chloronoton) e.g. 1-4 young born in late summer.

Diet

As with most of our native skinks, this species is omnivorous feeding on both invertebrates (spiders, insects and amphipods), and the small fruits of native plants.

Disease

Unknown.

Conservation strategy

Stewart Island green skinks are regarded as 'Threatened - Nationally Vulnerable'. This species is declining on the main Stewart Island due to its large size, and therefore higher susceptibility to predation from the suite of mammalian predators (rats, possums, and feral cats).

Interesting notes

Stewart Island green skinks are members of the green skink species complex. 'Green skinks' are a group of four closely-related species which are difficult to distinguish morphologically (based on appearance) and were originally regarded as one variable and widely distributed species - Oligosoma chloronoton (of which the green skink / Southland green skink will retain the scientific name). Green skinks are regionally distributed from the Otago region through to Stewart Island. Other species include the green skink / Southland green skink (Oligosoma chloronoton), Lakes skink (Oligosoma aff. chloronoton "West Otago") and Otago green skink (Oligosoma aff. chloronoton "Eastern Otago").

References

Chapple, D. G., Ritchie, P. A., & Daugherty, C. H. (2009). Origin, diversification, and systematics of the New Zealand skink fauna (Reptilia: Scincidae). Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 52(2), 470-487.

Fischer, J. H., McCauley, C. F., Armstrong, D. P., Debski, I., & Wittmer, H. U. (2019). Contrasting responses of lizard occurrences to burrowing by a critically endangered seabird. Community Ecology, 20(1), 64-74.

Greaves, S. N., Chapple, D. G., Gleeson, D. M., Daugherty, C. H., & Ritchie, P. A. (2007). Phylogeography of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) and green skink (O. chloronoton) species complex (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in New Zealand reveals pre-Pleistocene divergence. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 45(2), 729-739.

Hardy, G. S. (1977). The New Zealand Scincidae (Reptilia: Lacertilia); a taxonomic and zoogeographic study. New Zealand journal of zoology, 4(3), 221-325.

Hitchmough, R., Barr, B., Knox, C., Lettink, M., Monks, J. M., Patterson, G. B., Reardon, J. T., van Winkel, D., Rolfe, J., & Michel, P. (2021). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2021. New Zealand threat classification series 35. Wellington: New Zealand Department of Conversation.

Jewell, T. (2008). A photographic guide to reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland.

Melzer, S. A., Bell, T., & Patterson, G. B. (2017). Hidden conservation vulnerability within a cryptic species complex: taxonomic revision of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) from New Zealand. Zootaxa, 4300(3), 355-379.

Patterson, G. B., & Daugherty, C. H. (1995). Reinstatement of the genus Oligosoma (Reptilia: Lacertilia: Scincidae). Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 25(3), 327-331.

van Winkel, D., Baling, M., & Hitchmough, R. (2018). Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand: A Field Guide. Auckland University Press, pp376.