Facts about cyclodina skink

Copper skink

The Cyclodina group of lizards contains more rare species than any other group of New Zealand lizard. The group is also notable for containing the smallest indigenous skink - the copper skink (120mm) - and the largest - the 'presumed extinct' Northland skink (350mm).

Conservation status

The species contained in the Cyclodina group are listed below.

Not threatened

• Copper skink

At risk

• Poor Knights skink
• Robust skink
• McGregor's skink
• Poor Knights marbled skink
• Southern marbled skink
• Mokohinau skink

Chronically threatened

• Ornate skink

Acutely threatened

• Whitaker's skink

Extinct

• Northland skink

Population and range

All species are confined to the North Island and islands immediately offshore. The geographic range of these species has greatly declined since the arrival of humans in New Zealand.