Cryptic skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cryptic skink |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
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| Species: |
inconspicuum
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| Synonyms | |
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The cryptic skink (Oligosoma inconspicuum) is a small lizard. It is a type of skink that lives only in New Zealand. It gets its name "cryptic" because it can be quite hard to find! This special skink is currently considered a vulnerable species. This means its numbers are getting smaller, and it needs our help to survive in the wild.
Why is the Cryptic Skink in Danger?
The cryptic skink faces challenges in its home country. In 2012, the Department of Conservation (DOC) checked on how many of these skinks were left. They decided to classify the cryptic skink as "At Risk."
What Does "At Risk" Mean?
Being "At Risk" is part of the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This system helps scientists and conservationists understand which animals and plants need protection. For the cryptic skink, "At Risk" means its population is getting smaller. This decline could be slow or fast. It means the species needs attention to prevent it from becoming even more endangered.
