Maori know this rare lizard as ‘Niho Taniwha’ meaning ‘teeth of the Taniwha’ in reference to the very distinctive v shaped markings on it’s back. These chevron like patterns also give the lizard its common name.

They are currently only known to be found on Great Barrier Island / Aotea and Te Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. There have only been around 500 sightings reported since it was first described in 1906.

Facts

• They are New Zealand's longest lizard, capable of growing to over 30 cm from the nose to the tip of the tail.

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• Dark bands extend down the face of the chevron skink from below the eye to just under the lower lip. Between these two bands is a distinctive pale coloured "teardrop" shape. These patterns are unique to each chevron skink and can be used to identify individuals. Chevron skinks are capable of making noises and will often grunt or squeak on being disturbed.

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• Female chevron skinks give birth to live young in mid to late summer, and can have up to 8 at once. It is not known if chevron skinks breed every year.

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• Chevron skinks are good climbers and have been shown to climb trees during periods of heavy rain to avoid flooding in the streams and creeks in which they live.

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• Most sightings of chevron skinks have been in close proximity to forested streams or other damp places especially in summer. This is thought to be due to their susceptibility to dehydration. Despite this, some adults have been known to turn up well away from streams over winter.