Oligosoma notosaurus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oligosoma notosaurus
Conservation status
Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Oligosoma
Species:	O. notosaurus
Binomial name
Oligosoma notosaurus Patterson & Daugherty, 1990
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The southern skink (Oligosoma notosaurus) is a cool type of lizard called a skink. It belongs to the family of lizards known as Scincidae. This skink is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally nowhere else in the world!

Where Do Southern Skinks Live?

These skinks live only on a few islands south of New Zealand's South Island. You can find them on Stewart Island and Codfish Island. They also live on Betsy Island, which is part of the Stewart Island group. Southern skinks can be found from the beach (sea level) all the way up to high places, about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level.

How Are Southern Skinks Protected?

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in New Zealand keeps an eye on many animal species. In 2012, they looked at the southern skink. They classified it as "Not Threatened" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This is good news because it means the southern skink is one of the most common lizard species living on Stewart Island and its nearby islands.

What Kind of Homes Do Southern Skinks Like?

Southern skinks are quite adaptable and can live in many different places. You might find them in sandy areas like sand dunes or in open grasslands. They also live in wet areas like wetlands and in bushy scrubland. Sometimes, they even make their homes in rocky spots or in clearings within forests.