Grand Skink

Grand skinks are only found in very specific locations in Otago, and are typically limited to the large schist rock outcroppings found in that region. They can often be seen sunning themselves on these rocks. As of 2000, the range of the grand skink has decreased by roughly 90%. Although it was once widespread, land use change, particularly the intensification of farming, and the introduction of mammalian predators has led to a decline in the population. The New Zealand Department of Conservation estimates that there are only 2,000 to 5,000 individual grand skinks remaining.