Chalcides minutus

Chalcides minutus, or the small three-toed skink, is a species of skink found in northeastern Morocco, northwestern Algeria, and on the Spanish island of Melilla.
Recent molecular studies have revealed that C. minutus could be a composite of species with individuals from the type locality forming long-independent lineage and the remaining most closely related to Chalcides mertensi.

Description

Chalcides minutus is the smallest species of its genus, reaching in snout–vent length. Females of the species give birth to live young through ovoviviparity.

Habitat and conservation

Chalcides minutus is locally common. It is most often found in damp, sunny forests or grasslands with thick vegetation, but it can also be found in relatively dry areas, and its population is most likely decreasing. It is threatened by overgrazing and habitat destruction due to encroaching agricultural interests.