Skink, Lisa de Boavista (Chioninia spinalis boavistensis)

This member of the family Scincidae has a total snout-vent length of 52-81 mm, with a mean value of 69.2 mm. The back has irregular dark patches dotted over paler lines, which contrast with the dominant pale bronze. The tail is long and the snout is rounded. As in other species of the genus Chioninia, the legs (particularly the hind legs) have long toes indicating fast movement, which is usually more characteristic of lizards. C. spinalis is endemic to Cape Verde and found on Sal, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Boavista, although the subspecies C. boavistensis is exclusive to Boavista. Abundant and well-distributed, especially in rocky areas and stone walls, it can also live on sand dunes. Curiously, it is also present on the islets of Sal Rei and Curral Velho. It mainly shelters under rocks, is active by day and feeds on a diet of small insects. Very little is known of the biology of this and other species of the genus, which is native to Cape Verde. It is not considered endangered.