Shore Skink

The shore skink is a highly variable coastal specialist of the north-eastern North Island and its islands. Dune animals may be cream or brown with stripes and orange tails, while rocky-shore animals can be nearly black with bronze or green tones.

It occupies eastern Northland, Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coasts, including many offshore islands. It basks by day, sometimes dives into rock pools, and eats terrestrial and intertidal invertebrates plus small fruit.

Shore skink is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification). Undisturbed driftwood, dune edges and rocky platforms within its north-eastern range offer the best chance.