Copeoglossum aurae, commonly known as the Greater Windward Skink, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. It is native to the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, specifically found on the islands of St. Vincent, Grenada, and several islands within the Grenadines.
Taxonomy and Etymology
The species was formally described in 2012 by herpetologists S. Blair Hedges and Caitlin E. Conn as part of a major taxonomic revision of Neotropical skinks in the subfamily Mabuyinae. The genus name Copeoglossum honors the American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, combined with the Greek word "glossa" (tongue). The specific epithet aurae is derived from the Latin word for "breeze" or "wind," referencing its distribution in the Windward Islands.
Description and Biology
Copeoglossum aurae is characterized by its relatively large size compared to other regional skinks and a distinctive color pattern typically consisting of dark lateral stripes and a bronzed or brownish dorsal surface. Like other members of the Mabuyinae subfamily, it is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs, and possesses a complex placenta to provide nutrients to developing embryos.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is endemic to the Lesser Antilles. Its historical range included the Grenada Bank and St. Vincent. It typically inhabits tropical dry forests and scrublands, though it has also been observed in modified habitats such as plantations and gardens.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed Copeoglossum aurae as Critically Endangered. The species has faced significant population declines primarily due to predation by invasive species, most notably the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata), which was introduced to the islands in the late 19th century. Habitat loss and predation by domestic cats and rats further contribute to its vulnerability. On several islands within its former range, the species is feared to be extremely rare or potentially extirpated.
