The common skink (Oligosoma polychroma), also known as the northern grass skink,[1] is a species of skink native to New Zealand. Although historically classified as a subspecies of Oligosoma nigriplantare, it is likely to be given separate species status as data suggests it is a distinct species.[2][3]
| Common or northern grass skink | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Oligosoma |
| Species: | O. polychroma
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oligosoma polychroma (Patterson & Daugherty, 1990)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Distribution
editThe common skink is widespread in New Zealand from Stewart Island to the middle of North Island.[2]
Conservation status
editIn 2012 the Department of Conservation classified the common skink as Not Threatened under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Northern grass skink," Department of Conservation. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
- ^ a b "Oligosoma polychroma". Department of Conservation Atlas. Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- ^ "Oligosoma polychroma Common skink". Landcare Research NZ Lizards Database. Landcare Research. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- ^ Hitchmough, Rod; Anderson, Peter; Barr, Ben; Monks, Jo; Lettink, Marieke; Reardon, James; Tocher, Mandy; Whitaker, Tony. "Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012" (PDF). Department of Conservation. The Government of New Zealand. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
External links
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Wikispecies has information related to Oligosoma polychroma.
Media related to Oligosoma polychroma at Wikimedia Commons- Image of the holotype specimen of the common skink held at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
