Atlas species information
Introduction
Detailed species information from your search of the Atlas.- Scientific name:
- Oligosoma tekakahu
- Common name:
- Te Kakahu skink
- Naming authority:
- Chapple et al., 2011
- Bio status category:
- Indigenous (Endemic)
- IUCN threat status:
- ** Not Classified **
- NZ threat classification:
- Nationally Critical
Refer to www.doc.govt.nz/nztcs for NZ threat classification system details.
Te Kakahu skink
Habitat
- Lives among open scrubby habitat on coastal cliffs.
Description
- Upper surfaces of back are chestnut-brown, either uniform, with vestigal dark mid-dorsal stripe, or with sparse irregular black flecks.
- Sides with broad dark brown stripe above bordered by thin pale stripes, the lower of which is often broken up, and below this light grey-brown.
Distribution
- Te Kakahu (Chalky) Island in South west Fiordland, Southland.
Notes
- Notes about NZ threat classification (Hitchmough, et al 2007): Stable or increasing population at one site on Te Kakahu (Chalky Island).
- Very similar to the Southern and Cryptic skinks but genetically well separated, suggesting a prolonged reproductive isolation.
- Notes about 2008-10 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles (Hitchmough et al 2010): One blow-out area on Te Kakahu Island, stoats removed.
- Notes about 2012-14 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles: (Hitchmough, et al.
- 2012): No new data; CD - island biosecurity required; may be increasing, but no information, and may be limited by habitat specificity.
Statistical information and distribution map
| Before 1988 | Since 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Specimen | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 0 | 12 |
Live or dead specimen or shed skin
Bone or fossil
