Terror Skink
The terror skink (Phoboscincus bocourti) is a species of skink found only on the Isle of Pines, a small islet off the coast of New Caledonia. First described in 1876, it was considered extinct until being rediscovered in 1993, and in December 2003, a specimen was found by some specialists from the French Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Further individuals have been discovered in 2009 and 2013.
The teeth of P. bocourti are long, curved and sharp, suggesting predatory habits unusual for a large skink; most skinks are omnivorous. Its diet might include larger invertebrates, other lizards, young birds, and eggs. It is about 20 inches long. It is presumed to be diurnal and mainly terrestrial, but may be partially arboreal.With such a small area of occupation, this skink is subject to threats such as habitat loss through a typhoon or wildfire, and the possibility of predatory animals being introduced to the island.
