Small-eared Skink

The small-eared skink is an eastern South Island dryland skink whose ear opening is notably reduced. It is brown or olive with fine dark and pale flecking, lengthwise side markings and a small external ear opening.

Populations occur locally in dry inland districts of Canterbury and Otago. It is active by day around stones and dense low plants, eating invertebrates and fruit.

Small-eared skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). It is rarely encountered outside targeted surveys of known dryland habitat.