Taumaka Skink

The Taumaka skink is restricted to the Open Bay Islands off the South Westland coast. It is a robust brown skink with pale and dark flecking and a long tail, adapted to dense coastal cover.

The known natural range is centred on Taumaka and Popotai in the Open Bay Islands. It forages by day around coastal vegetation and debris for invertebrates and fruit, retreating into protected crevices.

Taumaka skink is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification); the tiny island range leaves the species vulnerable to invasive mammals and chance events. The Open Bay Islands are protected and difficult to access, so public encounters are unlikely.