Open Bay Islands skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Open Bay Islands skink |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
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| Species: |
taumakae
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The Open Bay Islands skink (scientific name: Oligosoma taumakae) is a special kind of skink. It's a small lizard found only in New Zealand. These skinks were first discovered on the Open Bay Islands. These islands are off the west coast of the South Island.
Scientists identified this skink by looking at its body features. They also used special DNA tests. The Open Bay Islands skink is related to other New Zealand skinks. These include the Fiordland skink and the Otago skink.
Sadly, this skink faces a big threat. A bird called the weka hunts them. Wekas are native to New Zealand. But they were brought to the Open Bay Islands. This makes it hard for the skinks to survive.
For a long time, these skinks were only known from the Open Bay Islands. This includes Taumaka and Popotai Islands. But recently, more skinks were found. They were discovered on two rocky islands near Barn Bay. These new places seem to be safe from predators.
What Does the Open Bay Islands Skink Look Like?
The Open Bay Islands skink is a small lizard. The longest one ever measured was about 7.8 centimeters (3.1 inches) long. This measurement is taken from its snout (nose) to its vent (a small opening near its tail). Scientists call this the "snout–vent length" or SVL.
Why is the Open Bay Islands Skink Endangered?
The Open Bay Islands skink is a very rare animal. In 2012, New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) listed it as "Nationally Endangered." This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever from New Zealand.
The main reason it's in danger is the weka. Wekas are birds that eat skinks. They were brought to the Open Bay Islands. This made it very difficult for the skinks to survive there. Finding new groups of skinks on other islands gives hope for their future.
