MABUIA (SKINK)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Mabuia (Skink)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Skinks (Mabuia) are a diverse group of lizards belonging to the family Scincidae, encompassing over 1,500 species distributed worldwide. They are known for their elongated bodies, smooth scales, and varying limb sizes, with some species even being limbless. Skinks thrive in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban environments. Their adaptability and unique features make them an integral part of ecosystems, as well as a fascinating subject for herpetology enthusiasts.

Classification of Mabuia (Skink)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Iguania (Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids movable.)
Family :- Scincidae (Scales Smooth.)
Genus :- Mabuia

Geographical distribution

Mabuia is commonly found in India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China.

Habit and habitat

Mabuia is adapted for burrowing life and consequently head contains small eyes.

General Characteristics

Commonly called as Skink.
It is, at first look, mistaken for small snakes.
Body is reddish-brown in colour, vermiform, and divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
Body is covered with smooth and round margined cycloid scales with dermal ossifications beneath.
Head has sub-cutaneous eyes. Tongue with scale-like papillae and indentate tip.
Forelimbs and hind limbs have delicate toes.

Ecological Importance

Insect Population Control:
- Skinks are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of pests such as beetles, ants, and termites, helping maintain ecological balance by controlling insect populations.
Prey for Other Species:
- As small reptiles, skinks serve as an essential food source for birds, snakes, and mammals, playing a significant role in the food web.
Seed Dispersal:
- Some skink species consume fruits, aiding in seed dispersal and contributing to plant regeneration in their habitats.
Soil Aeration:
- Burrowing skinks help aerate the soil, improving its fertility and aiding plant growth.
Indicator of Environmental Health:
- Skinks are sensitive to habitat changes, making their presence an indicator of environmental health and biodiversity.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status:
While many skink (Mabuia) species are classified as Least Concern, some are endangered due to habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species. For example:
- The Solomon Islands skink (Corucia zebrata) is listed as vulnerable.
- The blue-tailed skink (Cryptoblepharus egeriae) from Christmas Island is extinct in the wild.
Threats to Skinks:
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion destroy their natural habitats.
- Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect their ability to survive.
- Invasive Predators: Predation by introduced species like cats and rats poses a significant threat.
- Pet Trade: Certain skink species are collected for the exotic pet trade, leading to population declines.
Conservation Efforts:
- Protected Areas: Many skink species thrive in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Captive Breeding Programs: Breeding endangered species in captivity helps boost their populations.
- Habitat Restoration: Efforts to restore degraded ecosystems benefit skinks and other wildlife.
- Public Education: Raising awareness about the ecological importance of skinks helps reduce human-induced threats.

Special features

This diapsid lizard Mabuia shows retrogressive convergent evolution.
Autotomy (Tail Shedding):
Skinks can detach their tails when threatened by predators, using this as a decoy to escape. The tail regenerates over time, although it may differ in appearance from the original.
Smooth, Shiny Scales:
Their smooth, overlapping scales reduce water loss, making them well-adapted to dry environments.
Limb Diversity:
Some skinks have fully developed limbs, while others are limbless, resembling snakes. This variation is an evolutionary adaptation to different habitats.
Varied Reproduction:
Skinks exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including oviparity (egg-laying) and viviparity (live birth).
Thermoregulation:
Skinks are ectothermic and adept at regulating their body temperature by basking in the sun or seeking shade, depending on environmental conditions.
Camouflage:
Many skinks possess coloration that blends with their surroundings, offering protection from predators.