Slight skink | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Scincidae |
Genus: | Oligosoma |
Species: | O. levidensum |
Binomial name | |
Oligosoma levidensum Chapple et al. 2008 | |
The slight skink (Oligosoma levidensum) is a skink of the family Scincidae, endemic to the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. The precise distribution is unknown; currently it is only known from localities in the Te Paki region of Northland. It closely resembles the copper skink, Oligosoma aeneum , and was considered to be a member of this species until recently when it was described as a new species using morphological, allozyme and DNA methods (Chapple et al. 2008). O. levidensum is difficult to distinguish morphologically from O. aeneum , which is probably why it had not been recognised until recently. The main distinguishing feature is the slighter overall body form of O. levidensum compared to O. aeneum. The limbs of O. levidensum are reduced compared to O. aeneum and O. hardyi , the other members of the O. aeneum complex. [2]
As of 2012 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the slight skink as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. [3]
Oligosoma is a genus of small to medium-sized skinks found only in New Zealand as well as Norfolk and Lord Howe islands. Oligosoma had previously been found to belong to the Eugongylus group of genera in the subfamily Lygosominae; the Australian genus Bassiana appears to be fairly closely related.
The Scree skink is a species of skink native to several sites throughout the South Island of New Zealand. A member of the family Scincidae, it was described by Geoff Patterson in 1997. It favours rocky habitats, particularly greywacke screes. Threats to scree skinks include predation by introduced mammals, weed encroachment, human interference and severe flood events.
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The copper skink is a skink of the family Scincidae that is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.
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The Aorangi skink is a species of lizards in the skink family. The species is native to New Zealand.
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The Burgan skink is a nationally endangered species of skink native to New Zealand. It was described from a specimen found near the Burgan Stream, in the Rock and Pillar Range, Central Otago.
The Eyres skink is a nationally vulnerable species of skink native to New Zealand. It is named in honour of the location of its habitat, the Eyres Mountains.
The cryptic skink is a nationally vulnerable species of skink native to New Zealand.
The Nevis skink is a nationally vulnerable species of skink native to New Zealand. It is named in honour of the location of its habitat, the Nevis Valley.
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The brown skink is a species of skink native to New Zealand.