Bougainville's skink (Lerista bougainvillii) is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. This species is also commonly called the south-eastern slider and Bougainville's lerista.

Etymology

The specific name, bougainvillii, and the common names, Bougainville's skink and Bougainville's lerista, are in honour of French naval officer Hyacinthe de Bougainville.

Geographic range

L. bougainvillii is found in south-eastern Australia, including north-eastern Tasmania and many Bass Strait islands.

Description

Bougainville's skink has very reduced limbs and moves in a snake-like manner.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of L. bougainvillii are forest and shrubland. However, it is seldom seen, as much of its life is spent beneath leaf-litter, loose sand, and thin stone slabs.

Reproduction

The mode of reproduction of L. bougainvillii varies. Some populations are oviparous, but other populations are viviparous.