Te Kakahu Skink

The Te Kākahu skink is an island endemic named for Chalky Island/Te Kākahu in southern Fiordland. It is a medium brown skink with dark lateral bands and pale flecking, plus a tail longer than the body.

Its known populations are confined to predator-free islands in the Chalky Inlet area of Fiordland. It is active by day near rocky refuges and dense vegetation, feeding on invertebrates and fruit.

Te Kakahu skink is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification); its restriction to a few islands makes biosecurity critical. The islands are remote conservation reserves rather than regular public wildlife sites.