Alborn Skink

The Alborn skink is an extremely localised West Coast species known from wet modified habitat near an old coal mine. It is grey-brown with dense cream and black speckling, a broad dark side stripe and an unspotted yellow belly.

It is known only around the Alborn coal mine near Reefton, where it shelters under logs and discarded material and moves uphill during floods. This terrestrial skink is active by day; its documented natural diet is poorly known.

Alborn skink is Threatened — Nationally Critical (NZ Threat Classification); mice, habitat damage and the tiny occupied area are major concerns. The site is exceptionally sensitive and the species should be sought only through authorised conservation work.