Southern Grass Skink

One of our ecologists photographed this Southern Grass Skink while undertaking a lizard survey and salvage in Canterbury. 

This skink is found only in the Canterbury and Otago regions, and although it is listed in the most recent threat classification as 'At Risk - Declining', the species is not being actively managed. However, when land is developed, this species may be salvaged and relocated to suitable habitat.

As skinks go, southern grass skinks are a very frequently seen species because they are diurnal (active during the day) and enjoy basking in the sun. These reptiles inhabit a range of habitats and can even be found in developed rural and suburban locations.

To the untrained eye, most skinks look alike; but a lizard expert (herpetologist) is able to identify the species at a glance. Differences in the colour and placement of stripes, the shape of the snout and overall size of the skink are identifying characteristics.

Boffa Miskell ecologists undertake fauna surveys throughout the year, but lizard surveys happen in the warmer months. These need to involve suitably qualified herpetologists who have permission from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to survey lizards.