Mackenzie Skink

The Mackenzie skink is a green-toned dryland species confined to the central South Island’s Mackenzie country. Olive to green-brown upperparts bear pale and dark flecks, with a long tail and strong limbs for moving over rocks.

It occupies scattered rocky sites in the Mackenzie Basin and adjoining high country. It is a day-active basker that forages near rock cover for insects and fruit.

Mackenzie skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Known sites are patchy and protected; patient observation near sun-warmed rocks is required.