Scientific name: Eulamprus kosciuskoi
About
The alpine water skink scares easily and is thought to use burrows created by crayfish to escape danger. It may also hide under moss at the edge of wetlands.
Unlike lowland reptiles, alpine lizards and snakes rarely lay eggs because conditions are too cold. Instead, they give birth to live young during the warmer months.
The alpine water skink grows to a length of about 20 cm and has distinctive dark stripes along its olive brown body. This distinguishes it from the southern water skink, also found in the area, which has a spotty appearance.
Where they are found
The alpine water skink is found only in wet alpine bogs and heaths and is critically endangered in Victoria.
Page last updated: 21/04/26