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 edit
The common skink is widespread in New Zealand from Stewart Island to the middle of North Island.[2]
Conservation status edit
In 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 edit
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
