Te Kakahu skink

Te Kakahu skink

Nationally Critical (NZ TCS)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species: O. tekakahu
Binomial name
Oligosoma tekakahu
Chapple, Bell, Chapple, Miller, Patterson & Daugherty, 2011
Synonyms
  • Oligosoma inconspicuum ‘Te Kakahu’
  • Oligosoma sp. 6 (Te Kakahu skink)

The Te Kakahu skink, Oligosoma tekakahu, is a critically endangered[1] species of skink native to New Zealand. It was discovered in 2002[2] and described from a specimen found on Chalky Island (Te Kakahu), in Fiordland National Park.[3]

Appearance

Although very similar to the southern and cryptic skink the Te Kakahu skink is genetically distinct.[4] It is more sturdy than the Cryptic skink and has small black markings on its back.[5] The Te Kakahu skink has a predominantly brown glossy appearance and has a comparatively larger head than other related Oligosoma species. Another distinguishing feature is that it has minimal projecting scales on the interior edge of its ear opening.[3]

Habitat

The Te Kakahu skink is recorded as inhabiting just one 50 metre by 50 metre site[6] of open scrubby terrain on the cliffs along the coast of Chalky Island (Te Kakahu).[4]

Conservation status

In 2012 the Department of Conservation reclassified the Te Kakahu skink as Nationally Critical under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It was judged as meeting the criteria for Nationally Critical threat status as a result of it occupying a total area of less than 1 hectare. The Te Kakahu skink is considered conservation dependent, in partial decline and found only in one location.[1]

Conservation efforts

In February 2013 Department of Conservation (DOC) staff counted and studied a total of 160 skinks from the Chalky Island site. The Department of Conservation is planning to identify suitable habitat on other predatory free islands. They hope translocate some Te Kakahu skink to help ensure the species survival.[6] A population assessment was undertaken by the Department of Conservation (DOC) on Chalky Island in early 2016. This indicated that a relatively abundant population exists to support a harvest of skinks for translocation.[7]

Etymology

The Te Kakahu skink obtained its species name tekakahu from the Maori name of the locality where it was first discovered.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hitchmough, Rod; Anderson, Peter; Barr, Ben; Monks, Jo; Lettink, Marieke; Reardon, James; Tocher, Mandy; Whitaker, Tony. "Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012" (PDF). Department of Conservation. The Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Carter, Chris. "Seven new species of lizard discovered since 2002". Beehive.govt.nz. The Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Oligosoma tekakahu Chapple, Bell, Chapple, Miller, Daughety & Patterson, 2011". The Reptile Database. www.reptarium.cz. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Oligosoma tekakahu". The Department of Conservation. The Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  5. ↑ Morris, Rod. "New Zealand Frogs & Reptiles". Rob Morris. Rob Morris. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Rare lizards on Chalky Island". Behind the Scenes (7): 4. Autumn 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  7. ↑ Edmonds, Hannah; Loe, Erina. "Te Kakahu skink population estimate". www.doc.govt.nz. Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 22 May 2016.

Further reading

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