DSC_9953 Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense) western form, subadult. The largest lizard species remaining on mainland New Zealand. Now confined to mid-altitude tussock and shrubland in the eastern South Island, where they are diurnal, obligate sun-baskers. Central Otago *
DSC_9943 Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense) western form, juvenile. The largest lizard species remaining on mainland New Zealand. Now confined to mid-altitude tussock and shrubland in the eastern South Island, where they are diurnal, obligate sun-baskers. Central Otago *
11003-70001 Taumaka skink (Oligosoma taumakae) related to the Fiordland skink (Oligosoma acrinasum). Described as an extremely rare 'endemic' confined to the Open Bay Islands, where it shares its habitat with a terrestrial leech (Hirudobdella antipodum) and an undescribed gecko ((Mokopirirakau aff. granulatus 'Open Bay Islands'). All three are more likely to represent remnant populations of species that were once widely distributed on the mainland. The skink was only reported in 1988. Taumaka Island, Haast *
