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Reptiles · Sulawesi · Bali

Emerald Tree Skink

Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina). The emerald tree skink is a bright green arboreal skink; green colour alone cannot distinguish it from other green lizards.

Updated Facts checked Lamprolepis smaragdinaEditorial standards

Compiled from the listed sources with AI assistance. How we prepare and review content

Photograph of Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina).
Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Emerald Tree Skink at a glance

The Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina) is a reptile in the family Scincidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi. Diet: mainly an insect-eater (insectivore), occasionally a little fruit or flowers; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Emerald Tree Skink
Scientific nameLamprolepis smaragdina
GroupReptiles
FamilyScincidae
Observation recordsWest Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi
Taxonomic groupSquamata
GBIF records259 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — mainly an insect-eater (insectivore), occasionally a little fruit or flowers · Marwell Wildlife
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database
ActiveDiurnal (active by day) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Emerald Tree Skink?

Emerald Tree Skink refers to Lamprolepis smaragdina, in the genus Lamprolepis, family Scincidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Emerald Tree Skink?

The emerald tree skink is a bright green arboreal skink; green colour alone cannot distinguish it from other green lizards.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Emerald Tree Skink?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 259 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Emerald Tree Skink?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Emerald Tree Skink with Common Sun Skink, Pacific Bluetail Skink, Tokay Gecko. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Emerald Tree Skink

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyScincidae
GenusLamprolepis
SpeciesLamprolepis smaragdina

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Emerald Tree Skink

What is the scientific name of the Emerald Tree Skink?

The scientific name of the Emerald Tree Skink is Lamprolepis smaragdina, in the family Scincidae.

What kind of animal is the Emerald Tree Skink?

The Emerald Tree Skink is a reptile in the family Scincidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a mainly an insect-eater (insectivore), occasionally a little fruit or flowers.

Where does the Emerald Tree Skink live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Emerald Tree Skink summarised in this guide mainly come from West Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Emerald Tree Skink eat?

The Emerald Tree Skink is a mainly an insect-eater (insectivore), occasionally a little fruit or flowers. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Marwell Wildlife.

How does the Emerald Tree Skink reproduce?

The Emerald Tree Skink reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.

Is the Emerald Tree Skink nocturnal?

The cited source records the Emerald Tree Skink as diurnal (active by day). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Emerald Tree Skink?

Scientific classification of the Emerald Tree Skink: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Scincidae, genus Lamprolepis, species Lamprolepis smaragdina.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Emerald Tree Skink endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Emerald Tree Skink is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Emerald Tree Skink is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. Marwell Wildlife ↗
  6. Reptile Database ↗
  7. ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Emerald Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lamprolepis-smaragdina/

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