Cryptic skink

Oligosoma inconspicuum

At Risk - Declining

 

The cryptic skink – as its name would suggest – is quite the hidden gem. These inconspicuous reptiles occur throughout the rocky shrublands of western Otago and Southland, but are scarcely observed by people. 

Quick Facts:

  • Body length (snout-to-vent) up to ~86 mm.
  • These stylish skinks are usually coloured dark brown or reddish, often with dark markings and scattered flecks.  
  • The Latin name inconspicuum means “not clearly visible” – a nod to the cryptic skink’s secretive behaviour and superb camouflage.
  • They are sun-loving skinks that spend much of their time basking in dense vegetation or amongst rock piles.

We’ve located several cryptic skink populations locally and are determined to help them. This means preserving complex native shrublands and tackling exotic predators — including mice.

DOWNLOAD A GUIDE

Back to: Biodiversity | Lizards

Cryptic skink © Samuel Purdie

Where they’re found

From the lowlands right up to at least 1825 m in habitats such as grasslands, shrublands, herbfields, wetlands, and rocky areas. Known from several locations around the Whakatipu basin including Tree Island, The Remarkables, and Queenstown Hill.