Kingdom Animalia Family Scincidae Scientific name Trachylepis seychellensis Rank Species | Class Reptilia Genus Trachylepis Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Wright's skink, Trachylepis, Trachylepis consis, Trachylepis gravenhorstii, Trachylepis boettgeri | ||
Seychelles skink eating cheese
The Seychelles skink (Trachylepis seychellensis) is a species of skink in the Scincidae family. It is endemic to the Seychelles.
Contents
Distribution and habitat
The Seychelles skink is endemic to the Seychelles where it is found on islands of Mahé (and nearby islets), Silhouette, Praslin, North, Aride, Cousin, Cousine, Curieuse, La Digue, Grande Soeur, Petite Soeur, Félicité, Frégate and some other islands. It has been introduced into the Amirantes Islands in the southern Seychelles. It occurs from sea level to elevations of up to 550 m (1,800 ft). It is common in woodland, shrubby areas, plantations, parks, gardens, mangroves and urban locations.
Ecology
Skinks are similar in appearance to other lizards but lack necks and have long tails that are easily shed. The Seychelles skink feeds on such insects as flies, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars. This species reproduces by producing clutches of eggs.
Status
The Seychelles skink is a very adaptable species, able to utilise the many habitats available on the Seychelles. Although its total area of occupancy is less than 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 sq mi), it is a common species with no particular threats being recognised, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern". It is present in several national parks and protected areas.