Copper Skink

The copper skink is a small, secretive North Island skink with a metallic copper stripe along each side. A copper dorsolateral stripe, spotted pale throat and black-and-white jaw edging distinguish it from the larger ornate skink; it is stockier and less conspicuous than the introduced plague skink.

It is widespread through much of the North Island and on nearby islands in litter and ground cover. It remains under logs, rocks and litter for much of the day and feeds on small invertebrates and fruit.

Copper skink is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification); habitat fragmentation and introduced predators affect populations. Careful observation around ground cover in North Island reserves and gardens may reveal one without disturbing refuges.