Mokohinau skink

Mokohinau skink
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species: O. townsi
Binomial name
Oligosoma townsi

The Mokohinau skink, (Oligosoma townsi, formerly Cyclodina townsi), is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is now found in the Northland area including Three Kings Islands, the Poor Knights Islands and other offshore islands.[1]

The skink occupies broadleaf forest and low scrub, usually amongst boulders and rock screes. It is viviparous and is believed to be nocturnal. It reaches a maximum body size of c. 87 mm SVL.[2]

References

  1. Chapple DG, Ritchie PA, Daugherty CH (2009). "Origin, diversification, and systematics of the New Zealand skink fauna (Reptilia: Scincidae).". Mol Phylogenet Evol 52 (2): 470–87. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2009.03.021. PMID 19345273.
  2. Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Gleesonc DM, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008). "Taxonomic revision of the marbled skink (Cyclodina oliveri, Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex, with a description of a new species". New Zealand Journal of Zoology 35 (2): 129–146. doi:10.1080/03014220809510110.