Long-toed skink explained

The long-toed skink (Oligosoma longipes) is a species of skink of the family Scincidae, endemic to New Zealand. It was first described by Geoff Patterson in 1997.^[1] It is only known from a few sites in the South Island of New Zealand and little is known of its habits. It seems to prefer dry, rocky habitats, usually eroding stream terraces or scree slopes. It is diurnal and heliothermic. Maximum snout-vent length is about 70 mm.

Conservation status

As of 2012 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the long-toed skink as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Patterson. G. B.. South Island skinks of the genus description of n. sp. with redescription of (McCann) and (McCann). Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. December 1997. 27. 4. 439–450. 10.1080/03014223.1997.9517547.
2. Web site: Hitchmough. Rod. Anderson. Peter. Barr. Ben. Monks. Jo. Lettink. Marieke. Reardon. James. Tocher. Mandy. Whitaker. Tony. Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012. Department of Conservation. The Government of New Zealand. 18 July 2015.