A rare alpine skink Oligosoma pikitanga n. sp. (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Llawrenny Peaks, Fiordland, New Zealand

Abstract

A new species of alpine skink, Oligosoma pikitanga, is described from the Llawrenny Peaks, Fiordland, New Zealand. This species is diagnosed on the basis of strong morphological, ecological, and genetic differentiation from the following relatives O. acrinasum, O. infrapunctatum, O. otagense, O. taumakae and O. waimatense. The species is characterized by a shiny black base colour with bright green dorsal blotches, lateral pinkish spots and a vivid orange belly. It appears this new taxon is extremely rare, and at enhanced risk from introduced mammalian predators.