Atlas species information
Introduction
Detailed species information from your search of the Atlas. Note that this information is longer maintained. Information may be out of date and images may not display.- Scientific name: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
