Fiordland Skink

The Fiordland skink is a dark coastal specialist restricted to southern Fiordland’s exposed shore. Its pointed snout and glossy dark-brown upperparts are sprinkled with yellow-green or iridescent green flecks; the underside is green-grey and mottled.

It lives between Nancy and Dusky sounds on rocky foreshores, boulder beaches and adjoining low vegetation. It basks communally, dives into rock pools when alarmed and eats coastal invertebrates, small fruit and probably carrion.

Fiordland skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). The remote southern Fiordland coast is the only range; animals are most visible sunning beside rock fissures in suitable weather.