Species information
Scientific name: Plestiodon oshimensis
Japanese name: オオシマトカゲ
Chinese name: 大島石龍子
English name: Oshima skink
Origin: Amami Islands (excluding Yoron Island and Okinoerabujima), Tokara Islands (Takarajima, Kodakarajima, Suwanosejima)
Ecology and description
This species has a total length of about 20 cm, with a snout-vent length of 6-11 cm. It resembles Okinawa Skink (Plestiodon marginatus) which is distributed in the Okinawa Islands, Yoron Island, and Okinoerabujima. It was previously considered a subspecies of Okinawa Skink. The species name oshimensis is derived from Amami Oshima.
Oshima skink typically inhabits coastal areas. Along the coastal roads of Takarajima, many individuals can be seen, but they are very alert and quickly hide in the roadside bushes before anyone can get close. On some islands, their numbers have drastically reduced or they have even become extinct due to introduced Small Indian mongoose or Japanese weasels.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
