Hauraki Skink

The Hauraki skink is a dark island skink found mainly on predator-free islands of the Hauraki Gulf. It is sturdy and brown with pale flecks, dark side bands and a patterned belly, larger than copper skinks sharing its range.

It occurs on islands around Aotea/Great Barrier and the wider Hauraki Gulf, including translocated populations. It forages in litter and around rocks for invertebrates and fruit, often close to seabird colonies.

Hauraki skink is At Risk — Recovering (NZ Threat Classification); mammal-free island refuges and translocations support the increase. Accessible pest-free Hauraki Gulf islands provide the best chance, though the skink is secretive.