Seychelles skink

The Seychelles skink (Trachylepis seychellensis) is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is endemic to the Seychelles.

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 . 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 , 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.

References

Category:Skinks
Category:Endemic fauna of Seychelles
Category:Reptiles described in 1839
Category:Taxa named by André Marie Constant Duméril
Category:Taxa named by Gabriel Bibron
Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot