Coastal plains skink

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Coastal plains skink (Ctenotus ora)

What it is
The coastal plains skink is a small lizard found in southwestern Australia. It was identified as a separate species in 2012 by researchers from Australian National University and is closely related to the Lancelin Island skink.

Name and classification
- Binomial name: Ctenotus ora (Kay & Keogh, 2012)
- The genus name Ctenotus means “comb-ear,” and ora means “coast,” referring to its coastal habitat.

Where it lives
This skink has a very limited range, known from a small area of sand dunes on the Swan Coastal Plain, south of Perth, between Dunsborough and Mandurah. It is found in only low numbers.

What it looks like
It grows to about 6 centimeters in length from snout to vent. It is dark in color with a continuous white dorsolateral stripe along its side.

Why it’s at risk
The species is threatened by residential development around the Perth coast. Because of its small range and low numbers, conservation action is recommended.

Conservation status
IUCN lists the coastal plains skink as Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1).