Ocellated skink

Description:

Medium size lizard with a body that can reach 20cm in length and tail that does not exceed 15cm. Smooth back with yellow-brown coloration where fine white spots are clearly distinguished surrounded by black discs. The ventral surface has a pale white color without visible spots.

Basic biology:

Mainly located in areas with soft sandy substrate such as bushes and cultivated areas in lowland areas. It is considered a semi-cryptic species as it is usually hidden in burrows underground. It feeds mainly with terrestrial arthropods such as insects and snails. Reproduce takes place during spring and summer. Females usually lay from 3-11 eggs that are hatched after a period of 2-3 months.

Distribution at Cyprus:

From the coast to an altitude of 600m.

Global distribution:

Central and north Africa, Middle East to Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula, southeastern Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta.

Condition:

Common

Protection status:

• Protected by European Directive 92/43/EC (Annex IV)

• Protected by the Cyprus Law 153 (I) 2003 (Annex III)

• Protected by the Bern Convention (Annex II) 

Map of confirmed presence: