McGregor's Skink

McGregor’s skink is a large nocturnal skink restored to several predator-free northern islands. A dark brown body with pale marbling, a broad head and an orange-toned underside separate it from smaller island skinks.

Populations are confined to protected islands off Northland and in the Hauraki Gulf, including restored sites. It emerges at night to take invertebrates, fruit and seabird-derived food and shelters in burrows or deep litter.

McGregor's skink is At Risk — Recovering (NZ Threat Classification); island pest eradications and translocations underpin recovery. The species is mainly on conservation islands where landing and night access may be restricted.