Scree skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scree skink |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
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| Species: |
waimatense
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The Scree skink (Oligosoma waimatense) is a type of skink, which is a kind of lizard. These small reptiles live in several places across the South Island of New Zealand. They belong to the family called Scincidae, which includes many different kinds of skinks. The Scree skink was first scientifically described by Charles McCann in 1955.
Scree skinks love to live in rocky areas, especially places with greywacke scree. Scree is a pile of broken rocks that have fallen from a cliff or mountain. Greywacke is a type of hard, dark rock.
Unfortunately, Scree skinks face several dangers. These include being hunted by introduced animals like stoats or cats, plants growing where they shouldn't (called weed encroachment), and people disturbing their homes. For skinks living near rivers, big floods can also be a threat.
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What is a Scree Skink?
Scree skinks are small lizards, usually growing up to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long, not including their tail. They have smooth, shiny scales and can be different shades of brown or grey, often with patterns that help them blend in with the rocks. This camouflage helps them hide from predators.
Like other skinks, they are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature changes with their surroundings. They often bask in the sun to warm up.
Where Do Scree Skinks Live?
Scree skinks are found only in the South Island of New Zealand. They prefer specific habitats:
- Rocky Slopes: They are often found in areas with lots of loose rocks, especially scree slopes. These rocks provide many cracks and crevices for them to hide in and find shelter.
- Riverbeds: Some populations also live in rocky riverbeds, where they can find similar hiding spots among the stones.
- High Altitudes: They can live quite high up in the mountains, in places that might seem too cold for reptiles.
These specific habitats are important for their survival, as they offer protection from predators and harsh weather.
What Do Scree Skinks Eat?
Scree skinks are insectivores, which means they mainly eat insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet can include:
They are active during the day, hunting for food in their rocky homes.
Conservation Status
The Scree skink is a species that needs protection. As of 2012, the Department of Conservation (DOC) in New Zealand has classified the Scree skink as "Nationally Vulnerable."
What Does "Nationally Vulnerable" Mean?
Being "Nationally Vulnerable" means that the Scree skink is at a high risk of becoming endangered or even disappearing from New Zealand if steps are not taken to protect it. This classification is part of the New Zealand Threat Classification System, which helps scientists and conservationists understand how much help different species need.
Threats to Scree Skinks
Several things make life difficult for Scree skinks:
- Introduced Predators: Animals like stoats, ferrets, weasels, cats, and rats were brought to New Zealand by people. These animals hunt and eat native wildlife, including skinks, which are not used to such predators.
- Weed Encroachment: Non-native plants (weeds) can grow in the skinks' habitat, changing the environment and making it harder for them to find food or safe places to live.
- Human Interference: Sometimes, human activities can disturb their habitats. This might include building, mining, or even just people walking through their sensitive areas.
- Floods: For skinks living in riverbeds, very strong floods can wash away their homes and even the skinks themselves.
Conservation efforts are important to help these unique New Zealand lizards survive and thrive.
