Kapitia Skink

The Kapitia skink is a rare West Coast species confined to a narrow strip of modified farmland near Hokitika. Glossy red-brown upperparts have darker and lighter flecks; the underside of the tail is blue-grey with salmon-coloured flecks.

It is known only from rank grass near Chesterfield on the West Coast. It uses a prehensile tail while moving through dense vegetation; detailed wild ecology remains poorly documented.

Kapitia skink is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification); its extremely small range makes habitat protection essential. The single small locality is sensitive and unsuitable for casual searching.