Kalahari tree skink

Introduction: As the name suggests, the Kalahari Tree skink (Mabuya spilogaster) is an aboreal species, common in Acacia trees in dry river courses. It is a medium-sized skink that is found in a dry savannah type habitat.

Distribution: Central Namibia, Fish River Canyon, Windhoek, Spitzkoppe, Brandberg Mountain, Erongo and the Kalahari Desert. The northern range extends through Kaokoland as far north as the Kunene River area around Epupa Falls.

Diet: Small insects.

Colouring: An upper dark brown body has broad, pale dorsal stripes and there are scattered spots and stripes between the stripes. A white belly has irregular dark speckles.

Breeding: Females give birth to between 3 and 5 babies.

Size: Max SVL 83mm.