Species information
Scientific name: Plestiodon barbouri
Japanese name: バーバートカゲ
Chinese name: 巴氏石龍子
English name: Barbour's Skink
Origin: Okinawa Islands, Amami Islands
Ecology and description
This is a medium-sized skink distributed in the Okinawa Islands and Amami Islands. The specific epithet commemorates the American herpetologist Thomas Barbour. Juveniles have a dark brown body with 5 golden lines and a blue tail; some adults retain this coloration. This species is usually active in mountainous areas, whereas Okinawa Skink (Plestiodon marginatus) and Oshima Skink (Plestiodon oshimensis), distributed in the Amami Islands, are typically found near the coast and in lowlands.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
Barbour’s Skink moves swiftly and is not commonly seen in the northern forests of Okinawa. Even when spotted, it quickly hides. It can be encountered during the 【Forest Walk】 tour.
