Oligosoma longipes
Northern long-toed skink
Oligosoma longipes
Length: SVL up to 80mm, with the tail being much longer than the body length
Weight: unknown
Description
An active skink species from the rock dominated alpine habitats of inland Marlborough, it is often characterised by its relatively long toes and tail. It is extremely similar in appearance to the closely related Roamatimati skink (Oligosoma aff. longipes "southern").
The dorsal surfaces of this species are characterised by a grey to brownish-grey colouration, with scattered pale grey, and brown blotching. An indistinct or incomplete brown mid-dorsal stripe may be present. The sides of the animal are comprised of a thin grey dorsolateral stripe running from the ear to the base of the tail, bordered underneath by a notched brown band, which also breaks up at the base of the tail. The lower surfaces of the animal are often a uniform grey but may have dark speckling or flecking in some individuals, particularly on the chin.
Northern long-toed skinks are similar in appearance to the Southern Marlborough grass skink (Oligosoma aff. polychroma Clade 3), with which it co-occurs, but can be distinguished by their much longer toes and tail. Geographically isolated from the closely related and visually similar White-bellied skink (Oligosoma hoparatea), Roamatimati skink (Oligosoma aff. longipes "southern") and Kahurangi skink (Oligosoma kahurangi).
Life expectancy
Unknown.
Distribution
Northern long-toed skinks are known from several scattered populations throughout inland and southern Marlborough, east of the Southern Alps. They may occur in northern Canterbury but further surveys need to be carried out to confirm this.
Ecology and habitat
Northern long-toed skinks are diurnal and strongly heliothermic, emerging from their rocky retreats to actively hunt when conditions are suitable. They are a saxicolous species spending the majority of their lives in and amongst the rocky habitats in alpine environments (screes, gravel or boulder talus slopes, dry streambeds, and rock piles amongst low growing vegetation).
Social structure
Unknown.
Breeding biology
Unknown.
Diet
Northern long-toed skinks are omnivorous, feeding on all manner of small invertebrates as well as the berries / fruit from native plants.
Disease
Unknown.
Conservation strategy
Northern long-toed skinks are currently regarded as 'Threatened - Nationally Vulnerable'. This species is not currently being managed.
Interesting notes
Northern long-toed skinks are close relatives of the White-bellied skink (Oligosoma hoparatea), Roamatimati skink (Oligosoma aff. longipes "southern") and the Kahurangi skink (Oligosoma kahurangi), but are geographically isolated from these taxa.
References
Hitchmough, R.A., Barr, B., Lettink, M., Monks, J., Reardon, J., Tocher, M., van Winkel, D., Rolfe, J. (2016). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2015; New Zealand threat classification series 17. Wellington: New Zealand Department of Conservation.
Jewell, T. (2011). A photographic guide to reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland Publishing.
van Winkel, D., Baling, M. & Hitchmough, R. (2018). Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand: A field guide. Auckland: Auckland University Press, 376 pp.
