Atlas species information

Habitat

• Terrestrial, diurnal and avid sun basker.
• Coastal and lowland populations known from pingao duneland, shrubland, river terrace, outcropping rock, cliff edge and at least one small islet off Banks Peninsula.
• Inland populations inhabit tussock grassland and rocky habitats including talus, scree and eroding river terraces; usually with some shrubland cover.

Description

• Upper surfaces brown, olive-brown or olive-green and densely patterned with pale flecks edged with black.
• Upper surfaces separated from sides by pale brown stripe and dark brown band with pale flecking.
• Lower sides grey.
• Markings usually extend onto the tail.
• Belly uniform grey to bright salmon pink.
• Snout vent length 82-103 mm.

Distribution

• Restricted to McLeans Island, Banks Peninsula, mid-to-north Canterbury foothills and mid-Canterbury high country.

Notes

• Unresolved taxonomic issues: despite deep genetic divergence within members of this complex (Greaves et al 2007), Central Canterbury spotted skinks are virtually indistinguishable from South Marlborough spotted skinks.
• Notes about NZ threat classification (Hitchmough, et al 2007): Unresolved taxonomic issues; identification of Motunau Island population important.
• Classified as ‘HI’ (human induced) in Hitchmough, et al 2007.
• One monitored population on Kaitorete Spit appears to be in rapid decline (Lettink et al 2008); similar data for other populations are lacking.
• Notes about 2008-10 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles (Hitchmough et al 2010): Very dependent on identity of Motunau population (would move to Declining B (1,1) if this species) C 12 populations known - may actually be >15, but real concern about decline observed at Kaitorete Spit, Maclean's Island population probably not viable.
• Notes about 2012-14 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles: (Hitchmough, et al.
• 2012): Motunau population is not part of this species.
• May be fewer than 15 sub-populations.
• On Banks Peninsula and around Christchurch populations are declining (evidence from Kaitorete Spit), small population in predator exclusion fence on Banks Peninsula (that was damaged in Canterbury earthquakes, but has been rebuilt); small populations found in inland Canterbury (new sites).
• Potentially stable (small) populations on two rock stacks off Banks Peninsula that are predator free, but within swimming distance of rodents.