Western tree striped skink

Introduction: Western Three-Striped skinks (Mabuya occidentalis) are a large species, similar in appearance to the Cape skink, although not as fat as the latter. They are terrestrial and will run in open, sandy ground. Shelter at night is in a burrow dug in loose soil at the base of scrub bush. Their preferred habitat range includes dry savannah, karroid veld and desert. These skinks hibernate in winter.

Distribution: Throughout Namibia less for the north-west and Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). The range extends as far north as Opuwo and western Etosha National Park.

Diet: Insects.

Colouring: The colouration is more distinct than the Cape skink. The upper body is rich red-brown to olive-brown with 3 dark edged stripes. The sides are darker with a white stripe that runs from the lips to the groin. The belly is white.

Breeding: Little is known of their reproductive habits, but females can lay between 5 to 7 eggs.

Size: Max SVL 95mm.