Vaillant's mabuya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chioninia vaillantii |
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| Vaillant's skink in the Prague Zoo | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Chioninia |
| Species: |
C. vaillantii
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| Binomial name | |
| Chioninia vaillantii (Boulenger, 1887)
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| Synonyms | |
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The Vaillant's skink (scientific name: Chioninia vaillantii) is a type of lizard called a skink. It belongs to the Scincidae family. This skink is special because it only lives in the Cape Verde Islands, which are off the coast of Africa. There are two main types, or subspecies, of Vaillant's skink. It is also known as Vaillant's mabuya.
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Protecting Vaillant's Skink
The Vaillant's skink is in danger. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says it is an endangered species. This means there are not many left, and their homes are getting smaller or less healthy. Their populations are spread out and broken into small groups.
Where Vaillant's Skinks Live
You can find Vaillant's skinks on a few islands in Cape Verde. They live on the islands of Fogo and Santiago. They also live on a small island called Ilhéu de Cima.
Vaillant's Skink Habitat
Vaillant's skinks like to live in shrubland. This is a type of natural home with many bushes and small trees.
Reproduction
Vaillant's skinks are viviparous. This means that the mother gives birth to live young. The babies grow inside the mother's body, just like many mammals do.
Types of Vaillant's Skinks
There are two recognized types, or subspecies, of Vaillant's skink. They are:
- Chioninia vaillantii vaillantii (Boulenger, 1887)
- Chioninia vaillantii xanthotis Miralles, Vasconcelos, Perera, Harris & Carranza, 2010
What's in a Name?
The name vaillantii was given to this skink to honor a French scientist. His name was Léon Louis Vaillant, and he studied reptiles and amphibians.
 | William Lucy |
 | Charles Hayes |
 | Cleveland Robinson |
