DSC_3131 Nevis skink (Oligosoma toka) closeup on lichen-covered rock. Currently known from the lower Nevis Valley and adjacent mountains to 1,020 m asl. It may possibly be in the Hector and Garvie Mountains. Genetic analysis shows it has a deep genetic divergence from the Cryptic skink and from two close relatives; the Burgan skink (O. burganae) and the Eyre Mountains skink (O. repens). It is abundant around historical gold tailings alongside the Nevis River and in natural rock formations. It has one of the more restricted ranges for any mainland skink. Schoolhouse Flat, Nevis Valley *
DSC_8379 Te Kakahu skink (Oligosoma tekakahu) view of Chalky Island from the sea. Home to a morphologically unusual 'Cryptic' skink, but more robust, and with unusual black flecks on the back. Thought to be a point endemic from Te Kakahu/Chalky Island until recently. In order to create another secure population ninety nine were translocated to Anchor Island, Fiordland National Park in February 2018. Since the translocation, a survey of Fiordland islands in December 2018 found 3 individuals on an islet 30km from Chalky Island, indicating another remnant population. Chalky Island, Fiordland National Park *
DSC_8378 Te Kakahu skink (Oligosoma tekakahu) view of Chalky Island from the sea. A morphologically unusual 'Cryptic' skink, but more robust, and with unusual black flecks on the back. Thought to be a point endemic from Te Kakahu/Chalky Island until recently. In order to create another secure population ninety nine were translocated to Anchor Island, Fiordland National Park in February 2018. Since the translocation, a survey of Fiordland islands in December 2018 found 3 individuals on an islet 30km from Chalky Island, indicating another remnant population. Chalky Island, Fiordland National Park *
