In the Cook Islands of the South Pacific, where the eyed skink was introduced many years ago, its native name is Mōtukutuku (Mo-too-KOO-too-koo). It's usually found along island beaches and inland swamplands, and can also be spotted on the beaches.
The eyed skink belongs to the most diverse group of lizards - there are more than 1,200 different varieties of skinks. At first glance, skinks can be mistaken for lizards. A closer look reveals that most skinks have a thicker, shorter neck and smaller legs than lizards. Some types of skink have no legs at all. Others have only partial limbs - when they move, they are often mistaken for a snake. Skinks usually have long, tapering tails that can be shed and regenerated.
Adult eyed skinks can grow to 8-12 inches in length. They have small, pointed noses, thick necks, and plump, round bodies supported by short legs with five-toed feet. Their colors vary; its glossy scales are usually yellow or light brown with black and white-centered spots, which resemble eyes.
Found in the desert areas of Northern Africa and in the grasslands and dry climates of Southwestern Asia.
The eyed skink eats insects, lice, crickets, and will dig for worms when available. The skink mainly gets its liquid from food, so it doesn’t need to drink.
Eyed skinks are secretive creatures. They burrow in leaf litter, but in suitable habitat they can easily be found by turning rocks and wood. Males can be territorial, and spend much of the cooler months buried in the sand. Like many reptiles, they spend a lot of time basking in the sun, warming their bodies.
Often caught and captured for the pet trade - it is unknown how many eyed skinks are protected in parts of Africa. Since its numbers are diminishing, some countries offer limited permits to collect it.
In captivity, they can live up to 10 years.