Spotted skink

The spotted skink (Carinascincus ocellatus), sometimes called the ocellated cool-skink or ocellated skink, is a skink endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It is a ground-dwelling, viviparous species, usually found in rocky habitats, and widespread in the northern and eastern parts of the state, as well as in the eastern Bass Strait islands. It is often found at Arthurs Lake in the Central Highlands of Tasmania.[2][3]

Spotted skink
Spotted Skink at Cataract Gorge in Tasmania, Australia

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Carinascincus
Species:
C. ocellatus
Binomial name
Carinascincus ocellatus
(Gray, 1845)
Synonyms
  • Leiolopisma ocellata
  • Niveoscincus ocellatus

Spotted skink populations are distributed along an altitudinal gradient, with variations in thermal conditions along the gradient affecting body temperature regulation and reproductive activity. Skinks in low to mid altitudes achieve their optimal body temperature year-round and predominantly undergo vitellogenesis and ovulation in spring and gestation in summer, while skinks occupying higher, subalpine altitudes struggle to maintain their preferred temperature in the autumn months, and typically undergo ovulation and parturition one month later than other members of the species. [4][5]

References
  1. Chapple, D.C, Michael, D., Robertson, P., Clemann, N. & Wapstra, E. 2018. Niveoscincus ocellatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T109480680A109480700. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T109480680A109480700.en. Downloaded on 03 September 2018.
  2. TPWS: Wildlife of Tasmania – Spotted Skink
  3. Cogger, H.G. (1979). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed: Sydney. ISBN 0-589-50108-9
  4. https://www.publish.csiro.au/ZO/ZO99038
  5. http://www.publish.csiro.au/ZO/ZO18014
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