Nevis skink explained

The Nevis skink (Oligosoma toka) is a nationally vulnerable species of skink native to New Zealand. It is named in honour of the location of its habitat, the Nevis valley.^[1]

Conservation status

As of 2012 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the Nevis skink as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.^[2]

Similar species

The Nevis skink can be mistaken for the more common northern grass skink (Oligosoma polychroma), though tends to have a heavier body build and a less-streamlined head.

External links

• Holotype specimen of Oligosoma toka held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
• Image of a Nevis skink

Notes and References

1. Web site: Oligosoma toka CHAPPLE, BELL, CHAPPLE, MILLER, DAUGHERTY & PATTERSON, 2011. The Reptile Database. The Reptile Database. 20 July 2015.
2. Web site: Hitchmough. Rod. Anderson. Peter. Barr. Ben. Monks. Jo. Lettink. Marieke. Reardon. James. Tocher. Mandy. Whitaker. Tony. Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012. Department of Conservation. The Government of New Zealand. 18 July 2015.