Green Skink

The green skink is a large, robust Southland skink whose back can range from brown or olive to emerald green. Dark-edged pale spots and black flecks cover the upper surface; the grey belly is dark-speckled and the limbs are short and powerful.

Formerly widespread between the Waiau and Clutha rivers, it now survives in isolated Southland remnants and on some Foveaux Strait islands. It basks avidly near dense flax or tussock cover and eats grubs, worms and even small skinks.

Green skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification); habitat change and introduced mammals threaten lowland populations. Known sites are localised and sensitive; viewing is best associated with authorised surveys or managed areas.