Small-scaled Skink

The small-scaled skink is a robust central North Island skink named for its unusually fine scales. It is brown to olive with black and pale flecking, a sturdy head and numerous small body scales.

Known populations are centred in the central North Island, including rocky habitat around Lake Taupō and the upper Rangitīkei region. It basks near rocks and dense cover, eating invertebrates and fruit before retreating into crevices.

Small-scaled skink is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). The species is rare and its localities are sensitive; most records arise through monitoring.