The ornate skink is in gradual decline, and needs our help to protect it.
Image courtesy of Windy Hill Sanctuary
The ornate skink is a threatened species, classified as being in “Gradual Decline”—populations are declining over several generations. It is thought that the decline in some places on the mainland may be partly offset by increases on predator-free offshore islands. The survival of this species in the urban environment is uncertain without considerable assistance from people.
Ornate skinks can be identified by the attractive markings around their face with a white or yellowish “teardrop” edged with black below each eye. The toes of ornate skinks are relatively short compared to other skinks.
Read More at the Department of Conservation
Source: Department of Conservation and licensed by greatbarrierisland.nz for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/