Emoia samoensis

Description

Emoia samoensis is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is found in the South Pacific, including Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Skinks in the genus Emoia are generally small lizards with smooth scales that live in warm, tropical environments. Species in the E. samoensis group can be told apart by differences in size, scale patterns, and color.

Taxonomy

Emoia samoensis
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Emoia
Species:	E. samoensis
Binomial name
Emoia samoensis (Duméril, 1851)
Approximate distribution (Samoan Islands)   Range

Emoia samoensis is part of a group of closely related skinks often called the E. samoensis species group. Studies of this group have helped scientists better understand how these species are related and how they can be distinguished from one another.

Research on Pacific island skinks shows that populations on different islands can become different over time because they are separated from each other.

Distribution and habitat

This species is found in the Samoan Islands and the Cook Islands.

Like other species in the genus Emoia, it lives in tropical island environments.

Evolution and biogeography

Scientists have studied the Emoia samoensis group to understand how these lizards spread between islands. Some populations may have been on certain islands for a long time, while others may have arrived more recently.

These studies help explain how island species form and change over time.

Conservation status

Emoia samoensis is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Because it is only found in a limited area, it may be at risk from environmental changes and other threats to island habitats.

See also

• Emoia
• Scincidae