Chalcides bedriagai

What is Bedriaga's Skink?

Chalcides bedriagai, commonly referred to as Bedriaga's skink, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. This reptile is native to the Iberian Peninsula, with its distribution primarily in Spain and Portugal, though it also inhabits several islands off their coasts. It is characterized by its small head, an elongated, cylindrical body, and notably short limbs, each possessing five digits. The species typically reaches a total length of up to 17 cm, with its tail accounting for at least half of this measurement, and it has a distinctive pale brown, yellowish-brown, or grey coloration marked by numerous small, black-edged eyespots.

Habitat and Behavior

Bedriaga's skink thrives in sandy environments characterized by sparse vegetation or more densely vegetated sandy areas. It can also be found in open woodlands, clearings, scrubland, and rocky hillsides, extending to altitudes of approximately 1,750 meters. This lizard exhibits diurnal behavior, being active during both the day and dusk. It is known for its timid and secretive nature, often basking in the sun from concealed locations and quickly burrowing into loose soil or seeking refuge in dense undergrowth when threatened. During the breeding season, males display territorial behavior and engage in fights.

Reproduction and Conservation

A notable characteristic of Chalcides bedriagai is its reproductive strategy; females are viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The gestation period lasts for about eleven weeks, after which one to six juveniles are born, each measuring around 6 cm at emergence. The species faces several threats, including habitat modification due to increased afforestation and coastal development, as well as potential impacts from growing wild boar populations. Consequently, Bedriaga's skink is listed as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN, with its populations believed to be in decline, particularly in some island populations.