Awakopaka Skink

The Awakōpaka skink is a rare alpine Fiordland lizard known from an area smaller than two hectares. Its glossy brown-yellow back is flecked black, with a faint pale dorsolateral stripe; the vivid yellow belly is also black-flecked.

It is known from a tiny alpine site in Fiordland National Park exposed to avalanches and rockfalls. It is highly secretive and presumed active by day on the ground; small invertebrates are the presumed food.

Awakopaka skink is Threatened — Nationally Critical (NZ Threat Classification); surveys and monitoring are searching for further populations. There is no public viewing site; records come from specialist alpine surveys.