Scelotes poensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scelotes poensis |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scelotes
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| Species: |
poensis
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The Scelotes poensis is a special kind of small skink, which is a type of lizard. This skink is found only in the coastal forests of Bioko island, near places like Malabo. When an animal is found only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place. Some people think this skink might also live in the coastal forests of Cameroon.
This skink is also known by another name: the Fernando Po Burrowing Skink. Fernando Po was the old name for Bioko island.
About the Scelotes Poensis
It's quite interesting, but scientists don't have any real pictures or even a physical example of the Scelotes poensis to study! This makes it hard to learn more about them.
Even though its name suggests it "burrows," meaning it digs into the ground, scientists aren't sure if it lives mostly on land (which is called being terrestrial) or if it spends most of its time digging and living underground (which is called being fossorial).
What we do know is that an adult Scelotes poensis weighs about 9.77 grams. That's about the same weight as two quarters! We also know that this skink does not have any front or back legs. It moves around without them!
Where it Lives
The Scelotes poensis lives in the Cross–Sanaga–Bioko coastal forests. These are special forests found along the coast of Bioko island. These forests are very important because they are home to many unique plants and animals, including this rare skink.
Images for kids
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Another skink belonging to the Scelotes genus
See also
In Spanish: Scelotes poensis para niños
