Grand skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand skink |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
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| Species: |
grande
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The grand skink (Oligosoma grande) is a special kind of large skink. It is found only in the central Otago area of New Zealand. This amazing reptile is an endangered species, which means there are not many left in the world.
What Does the Grand Skink Look Like?
Grand skinks are quite big for a New Zealand skink. They can grow up to 11 inches (29 cm) long. That's about the length of a school ruler! Their skin has yellow-green spots. This helps them blend in perfectly with the rocks where they live. It's like natural camouflage! These skinks eat many different things. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes various insects and tasty fruits.
Where Do Grand Skinks Live?
Grand skinks live in very specific places in Otago. They prefer large rock areas called schist outcroppings. You can often see them warming up in the sun on these rocks. Sadly, the places where grand skinks live have shrunk a lot. Since the year 2000, their habitat has become about 90% smaller. This happened because of changes in how land is used, like more farming. Also, new animals that hunt skinks, like mammals, were brought to New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Conservation believes there are only about 2,000 to 5,000 grand skinks left.
Why Are Grand Skinks Endangered?
Grand skinks are classified as Nationally Endangered. This means they are at high risk of disappearing from New Zealand. This classification was last updated in 2012. It is very important to protect these unique reptiles. Efforts are being made to help their numbers grow again.
