Saving Skinks

Skinks, these remarkable creatures, are in peril! Let’s rally to safeguard them. But first, what exactly is a Skink? Enter the Common Five-lined Skink, an esteemed member of Ontario's Species at Risk, residing within the rocky expanses nestled at the southern fringes of Muskoka. Here, they are affectionately referred to as the “Southern Shield” population.

The Common Five-lined Skinks hold the distinction of being Ontario's sole native lizard species, though they often evade our gaze with their swift movements and adept camouflage. Juveniles and certain adults boast five cream-colored stripes traversing their green-black bodies, a trait that fades as they mature into a more uniformly bronze hue. Notably, hatchlings and juveniles sport vivid blue tails.

These enigmatic creatures can attain lengths of up to 21 cm, resembling salamanders in body shape, yet distinguished by their scales and claws. Within Muskoka, Skinks favor forest clearings, particularly large rocky outcrops, where they seek refuge beneath rocks or tree stumps. Come early summer, females lay clutches of 8-10 eggs in secluded nests, often beneath covers like rotting logs. They bask in the sun, returning to their nests to incubate the eggs, which hatch in late summer, producing hatchlings approximately three cm long.

On brisk summer mornings, one might chance upon Skinks sunning themselves, though more commonly, they lurk beneath a protective cover. They forage amidst leaf litter and are known to ascend trees to evade predators. A fascinating adaptation of the Five-lined Skinks is their ability to shed their tails, which, when grasped by a predator, thrash about momentarily, providing a crucial distraction for their escape. While the tail regenerates over time, the Skink loses vital fat reserves essential for surviving winter hibernation. 

Principal threats to Ontario's Skinks include habitat loss and disturbance due to burgeoning development and human activity in cottage country. The disruption of cover objects, notably rocks and woody debris, poses a particular hazard to the Southern Shield population, affecting nesting success and brooding females. Illegal pet trade, vehicular collisions, and heightened predation exacerbate these challenges.

So, what can we do? Safeguard the rock-barren habitats of Five-lined Skinks by advocating against development and minimizing disturbances in these delicate ecosystems. Maintaining natural cover objects like rocks and logs is a simple yet impactful step. When venturing outdoors, let's remember to respect wildlife's need for space.

• Refrain from constructing inukshuks along hiking trails
• Keep pets leashed
• Preserve natural habitat around your property
• Consider fostering Skink-friendly environments by incorporating cover boards or brush piles
• Refrain from disturbing known nesting sites

For those inclined to document wildlife sightings, consider utilizing the iNaturalist app to catalog your encounters, including those with the Five-lined Skink. Your contributions aid citizen scientists and environmental professionals alike.

Should you capture a glimpse of these remarkable creatures, share your sightings widely. Education and awareness play pivotal roles in nurturing their continued existence. Together, let's champion the cause of these captivating creatures, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.