Otago skink
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| Oligosoma otagense McCann, 1955 |
The Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense) is an endangered species of large skinks native to the central Otago region of New Zealand. A member of the genus Oligosoma, it was described by Geoff Patterson in 1997.
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[edit] Physical characteristics
Otago skinks are relatively large compared to other New Zealand skinks, capable of growing to lengths up to 12 inches (31 cm). They are marked with distinctive black, yellow, and green spots, which provides excellent camouflage in their rocky habitat of lichen-covered rocks and schist outcrops. Like most skinks, Otago skinks are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of insects and fleshy fruits. They are long lived (up to 15 years), slow to mature (3-4 years). and give birth to 3-4 live and independent young in Jan-March each year.
[edit] Habitat
Otago 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 and seek refuge in the deep crevices when alarmed, at night and on cold days. As of 2000, the range of the Otago skink has decreased by roughly 90% when compared to the estimated historic range. 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 (DOC) estimates that there are only 2,000 - 5,000 individual Otago skinks remaining. Recent work suggests that the skinks are still in decline and because of that DOC has raised the conservation status to critically endangered. Work to identify the causes of decline is ongoing, as are protection efforts through habitat protection, predator-proof fencing and predator control.
[edit] References
- Australasian Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group (1996). Oligosoma otagense. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU C2a v2.3)
- Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 27, Number 4; pp 439-450.
[edit] External links
- Otago's great lizards, from the New Zealand Department of Conservation
