Shore skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shore skink |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
|
| Species: |
smithi
|
The shore skink (scientific name: Oligosoma smithi) is a small lizard. It is also called the short-tailed skink or Smith's skink. This skink lives in the northern part of New Zealand's North Island. It belongs to the skink family, called Scincidae.
Contents
Where Shore Skinks Live
Shore skinks love living near the ocean. You can often find them close to the shoreline. They like open areas, especially around driftwood. This is often found where the high tide reaches on the beach.
What Shore Skinks Eat
Shore skinks mostly eat insects. They will probably eat anything small that moves and fits into their mouth.
How Shore Skinks Behave
Shore skinks are active during the day. This means they are diurnal. They spend most of their time hunting for food. They also like to bask in the sun to warm up.
About Shore Skinks
The shore skink is a small lizard. It can grow to about 8 centimeters (3 inches) long, not including its tail. This measurement is called its snout-to-vent length (SVL). Shore skinks are very good at hiding. Their skin colors can vary, sometimes even appearing almost black. Like many skinks in New Zealand, they give birth to live young. This is called being viviparous.
Conservation Status
The Department of Conservation (New Zealand) checks on animals in New Zealand. As of 2012, they have classified the shore skink as "Not Threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Why It's Called Smith's Skink
The scientific name smithi honors a British naval officer. His name was Lieutenant Alexander Smith. He collected the first skink specimens in the 1840s. He then gave them to his uncle, John Edward Gray, who officially described this new species.
