Sinbad skink

Sinbad skink
Sinbad skink
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species: O. pikitanga
Binomial name
Oligosoma pikitanga
Bell, Patterson; 2008

The Sinbad Skink, Oligosoma pikitanga is a rare species of medium sized skink endemic to New Zealand where it lives in an alpine habitat in Sinbad Gully, in Fiordland National Park. It is one of two species of New Zealand Skink found in the Fiordland region of the South Island that lives exclusively in the alpine zone, the other being the closely related and morphlogically similar Barrier skink, Oligosoma judgei. The species was only discovered in 2004 and was formally described in 2008 - the Sinbad skink is thought to be very rare and is viewed to be at risk of extinction as a result of the predations of invasive mammalian species such as rats and stoats.

The specific epithet means mountain climber in maori and is a reference to the vertiginous alpine habitat of the species.[1] The species was only discovered in 2004- by New Zealand herpetologist Tony Jewell - and it was formally described in 2008; the expedition which discovered this species also found another species of skink (the as yet undescribed "Mahogany Skink") and several new species of invertebrates in Sinbad Gully; all completely new to science. The Sinbad Skink is a medium to large sized skink and may grow to an SVL of 91mm with a total length of up to 200mm.[2] The toes and tail are very long and the upper surface colouration is black on the back with prominent green speckles, varying to predominantly green with black mottling.[2] The sides are black and spotted irregularly with pink or grey and the belly is a vivid orange colour[3] - the last feature provides easy distinction from other, similar skink speces found in southern NZ. [2]

It is thought to be vivaparous (give birth to live young) like almost every other Oligosoma species.[1] Sinbad skinks are agile and fast moving and are thought to be diurnal and avid sun baskers.[2] Despite this, individuals can be hard to find, keeping a low profile amongst low vegetation and seldom venturing out into the open.[3] The elongate body shape and relatively high scale counts suggest a saxicolous (rock dwelling) existence similar to that seen in closely related species with similar features such as the Grand skink and Scree skink. The striking green colouration also suggests a strong association with the vegetation of its habitat.[1] Very little is known about the Sinbad Skink[3][2] and the incredibly harsh weather conditions in Sinbad Gully - which has an annual rainfall up to 12 metres a year and an average year round temperature of just 6.5 degrees celsius[1] - as well as the dangerous nature of this skink's cliffside habitat mean that its behaviour is very poorly known.[2] A DOC meeting in 2007 classified the species as being of "high regional priority" and as requiring urgent surveys, research and conservation action.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "A rare alpine skink Oligosoma pikitanga n. sp. (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Llawrenny Peaks, Fiordland, New Zealand", Trent P. Bell, Geoff B. Patterson, Zootaxa number 1882, 2008, pp 57-68
  2. ^ a b c d e f Tony Jewell and Rod Morris, "A photographic guide to the reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand, New Holland, 2008
  3. ^ a b c Allison Ballance and Rod Morris, "Rare Wildlife of New Zealand", Random House, 2008


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