Moko skink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species:
O. moco
Binomial name
Oligosoma moco
(Duméril & Bibron, 1839)
Synonyms
  • Leiolopisma moco

The moko skink (Oligosoma moco) is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae (skinks)[1] that is endemic to New Zealand. Moko is the Māori word for lizards in general.

Distribution

It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the northeastern part of the North Island, though it is most common on the islands off the east coast of the North Island.[2] To help protect the species, 50 skinks were released into the Rotoroa Island sanctuary in January 2014.[3]

Description

The colour and patterns are variable, but the overall colour is coppery or olive brown and it usually has an even edged dark brown stripe along the side, bordered cream or white on the top and bottom. Some individuals are very dark. It has distinctive long toes and tail and grows to a maximum of 18 cm.[4] The very long tail can make up over half the total body length.[5]

Ecology

Moko skinks are generally found in coastal environments. They are active mainly by day and are often seen basking on warm rocks. They are also found under logs and stones and in clay banks. They eat small insects, spiders and similar invertebrates.[4] They often emerge from vegetation edges to hunt on beaches and open rocky areas.[5]

Reproduction

Like most of the New Zealand native skinks, the moko skink gives birth to live young, rather than laying eggs. This appears to be an adaptation to living in a cool climate, where life is marginal for reptiles. Litters of up to eight are born around February.

References

  1. ↑ Patterson G, Daugherty C (1995). "Reinstatement of the genus Oligosoma (Reptilia: Lacertilia: Scincidae)". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 25 (3): 327–331. doi:10.1080/03014223.1995.9517493.
  2. ↑ Hare KM, Daugherty CH, Chapple DG (2008). "Comparative phylogeography of three skink species (Oligosoma moco, O. smithi, O. suteri; Reptilia: Scincidae) in northeastern New Zealand". Mol Phylogenet Evol. 46 (1): 303–15. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2007.08.012. PMID 17911035.
  3. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/events/294797780730468/ retrieved 12 June 2015
  4. 1 2 "Moko Skink - Tiritiri Matangi Project". www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz. Archived from the original on 2012-03-10.
  5. 1 2 "Moko skink, this curious little lizard with its incredibly long tail". www.wanderingherpetologist.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.


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