Species profile
About this species
The elegant skink is a slender, smooth-scaled lizard native to south-eastern Australia, particularly found in Victoria, New South Wales & Tasmania. It displays a distinctive bronze-brown colouration with dark lateral stripes running along its body, giving it an elegant, streamlined appearance. This viviparous species favours areas with dense ground cover & is often seen basking in dappled sunlight.
Rocky grasslands, open woodlands & heath with abundant leaf litter, logs & dense low vegetation in south-eastern Australia.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Elegant skink with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late morning on warm spring & summer days when skinks are most active basking in sunlight, particularly between September & February in Australia.
Approach slowly & from a low angle to avoid startling the skink, as they are quick to retreat into leaf litter. Use a macro lens or close-focus wide-angle lens to capture fine scale detail while retaining habitat context. Patience is essential - wait quietly near basking spots & allow the skink to settle before composing your shot.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Elegant skink
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.