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Type: Article
Published: 2023-05-16
Page range: 271-292
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Oligosoma aureocola sp. nov. (Reptilia: Scincidae) from the northern Southland high country of Aotearoa/New Zealand

57 Bute Street; Ranfurly; New Zealand
149 Mairangi Road; Wilton; Wellington; New Zealand
School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton; Victoria 3800; Australia
Reptilia Oligosoma aureocola sp. nov. Mataura skink Scincidae Reptilializard alpine Southland Murihiku New Zealand

Abstract

A species of diurnal skink from the Mataura Range and Mid Dome in central northern Southland, Aotearoa/New Zealand is described as Oligosoma aureocola sp. nov. It is a small species, coloured mid- to dark brown with smooth longitudinal stripes, and lives along rocky alpine ridges, low-stature shrublands, and tussock grasslands. This skink is a conspicuous species, easily sighted basking and foraging in talus or alpine plants such as golden spear grass (Aciphylla aurea).

 

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