Cobble skink
| Cobble skink | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Oligosoma |
| Species: | [not named] |
The cobble skink, a currently-undescribed species of Oligosoma in the family Scincidae, is a skink species endemic to New Zealand, found only on a single small stretch of stony beach at Granity, on the West Coast. In 2016 it was on the brink of extinction, with declining numbers and a threatened habitat, and all known individuals were captured and taken to Auckland Zoo.
The cobble skink is part of the speckled skink (Oligosoma infrapunctatum) complex, and was first listed as a distinct species in a field guide in 2008, based on morphological differences, although at the time there was no genetic evidence to support this. Subsequently, its distinct status has been confirmed by a genetic analysis, and a formal species description is in preparation.
Cobble skinks are small (60–65 mm snout–vent length) lizards that resemble speckled skinks: medium brown above, with a darker central stripe bordered by lighter spots, dark brown stripes on a cream background along their sides with lighter notches and flecks, and a murky yellow underbelly varyingly spotted with black. They are smaller than most speckled skinks and their back is generally a more uniform brown.
Initially the species was noted as occurring at a beach in northern Westland, and just north of the Grey River. Subsequent surveys revealed that cobble skinks were found only on a short stretch of coast at Granity – literally, “behind the Granity Pub” – living alongside typical speckled skinks. They inhabit deep cobblestones just above the high-tide mark, at the point where the native groundcover pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa) meets the beach. This habitat was likely once much more widespread along the West Coast, so cobble skinks were probably once abundant.
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Wikipedia