chevron skink, habitat use, <i>Oligosoma homalonotum</i>, radio-tracking, Scincidae<BR><BR>Published on-line: 27 November 2006

Habitat use of the endangered chevron skink (Oligosoma homalonotum) was investigated between 1997 and 2002 at three sites on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Habitat preferences were determined by pitfall trapping and radio-tracking studies, and a comparison of catchments with and without chevron skinks. Over the course of the research, 88 skinks were encountered. Significantly more skinks were caught in pitfall traps set in stream habitat than in alluvial terrace, boulder bank or ridge habitat.