Chevron Skink

The chevron skink, or niho taniwha, is a very long-bodied skink that survives on outer Hauraki Gulf islands. Dark V-shaped markings point toward the head along a grey to reddish-brown back; the lips have black-and-white bars and a pale teardrop below the eye.

It occurs on Aotea/Great Barrier, Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier and Motu Kaikōura islands. This secretive climber uses a prehensile tail, can dive into streams to evade danger, and eats large invertebrates plus fruit.

Chevron skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification); cats, rats, mice, pigs and road mortality affect the Aotea population. Aotea offers the most realistic chance, especially near damp streamside cover, but the skink is rarely exposed.