Chesterfield Skink Writing-Report

Chestfield Skink

WALT: research and present factual information

Chesterfield skink is one of the top ten most endangered species in Aotearoa/NZ.

Common name Chesterfield skink

Scientific Name Oligosoma salmo

Status: e.g at risk of extinction: The situation for the Chestfield skink is there are
animals that prey on them and want to make them their food.Since they are small
they can’t protect themselves.

Physical description: A skink is a lizard with legs, it is very small, looks like a small

snake, has a very long and strong tail to grip objects and climb.

Habitat (Location): They live in the West coast of New Zealand. They love dry
open areas with lots of space to hide.

Diet: They eat a range of small insects, different types of fruits. They search for
food during day time.

Current population numbers: There are fewer than 200 of the skinks left.

Reason species are endangered: Because animals such as rats, mice, mustelids, cats
and native weka’s prey on Chestfield skink’s and eat them. But there favoured by native wekas.

Conservation measures (what is being done to protect this species): There is an
intensive trapping and bait network within a fence that will hopefully protect the
chesterfield skinks from predators.

Future outlook: The future outlook depends on two things: increasing the number
of places for chestfield skinks to hide and reducing the number of mammal
predators.

Fun facts: When chestfield skinks are born they are left on their own and have
to look after themself. The life span for skinks is a vary of 5-20 years. Chestfield
skinks were discovered in the 1990’s but they were already in a critical state. They give birth to three to four babies every two years.