Seychelles Skink

The Seychelles skink (Mabuya sechellensis)is a reptile endemic to the Seychelles, found on most of the granitic and coralline islands. Skinks are similar in appearance to other lizard species; however, they don’t have a neck and are able to shed their tail when under threat.

Like most reptiles, this species is diurnal which means it is active mainly during the day and can often be seen feeding on insects, fallen fruits and/or seabird eggs. This species of skink is smaller (about 107mm) and slimmer than the Wright’s skink, which is also found on Cousine Island, and can be distinguished from the latter by distinct black stripes along its sides.

This reptile is an efficient climber, able to climb up trees and coconut palms to reach the various food sources that are available. It has been estimated that there are more than 16 500 Seychelles skinks present on Cousine, which is one of the highest lizard densities found in the world. Due to this high number they are readily encountered on any outing around the Island, and they are even known to climb onto unsuspecting guests to hitch a ride along the way.