Skinks are lizards belonging to the family Scincidae. In Seychelles, there are five species.
The Seychelles skink Trachylepis seychellensis (top photo) or Lezar Mangouya in Creole is an endemic, slim lizard that has a distinct black stripe with a chequered appearance. It is found on almost all islands in the granitic group and some small coral islands. This efficient climber can be found clambering up coconut trees to a height of several metres. It occurs in woodlands, gardens and houses from sea level to mid-altitudes. It lays its paired eggs underground.
Wright’s Skink – Photo Credit: Christopher Mahoune
Seychelles Skink – Photo Credit: Jovani Simeon
The Wright’s skink Trachylepis wrightii or Teng Teng in Creole is a large bulky endemic, which is today restricted to predator-free islands in the granitics like Cousin especially those that are home to large colonies of seabirds. Here they occur in large numbers on the forest floor. they feed on dropped fish and squid, fallen seabird eggs and chicks, other skinks, insects, fruit and food scraps.
The Burrowing Skink (Lezar Later) is a small elongated skink with very reduced limbs. It is also endemic to the Seychelles. It occurs in forest habitats from sea level to mid-altitude on many islands but is rarely seen as it burrows in leaf litter and soil. It’s diurnal (active during the day) on Praslin and nocturnal (active at night) on other islands.
A similar related species, Janetaescinvus braueri is found on Mahe, Silhoutte and Fregate.
Bouton’s Skink which is native to Seychelles is small and slim and is found on raised coralline islands and the Farquhar group, where it is the only skink species. It occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific region and is found in a range of habitats. It feeds on land invertebrates, crustaceans and sometimes fish.