Chevron skink

Chevron skink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Oligosoma
Species:
O. homalonotum
Binomial name
Oligosoma homalonotum
(Boulenger, 1906)
Synonyms[1]
  • Leiolopisma gracilicorpus Hardy, 1977
  • Lygosoma homalonotum Boulenger, 1906
  • Oligosoma gracilicorpus (Hardy, 1977)

The chevron skink (Oligosoma homalonotum; Māori: niho taniwha)[2] is a large species of skink that is endemic to New Zealand. Previously found across Northland and the northern Auckland Region, it is now found only on the Great Barrier and Little Barrier islands in the Hauraki Gulf. A cryptic forest dweller, it can hide underwater. The chevron skink is the longest species of skink in New Zealand, reaching lengths of up to 340 mm (13 in). It is under threat from introduced rats.

  1. ^ a b Hitchmough, R.; van Winkel, D.; Lettink, M.; Chapple, D. (2019). "Oligosoma homalonotum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T120190272A120192704. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T120190272A120192704.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ Barr, Ben (2005). "Chevron Skinks the shy locals of Great Barrier Island". Great Barrier Island Charitable Trust. Retrieved 4 February 2016.