Ablepharus rueppellii (Gray, 1839)

Common Name and Native Range

Ablepharus rueppellii, commonly known as Rüppell's snake-eyed skink, is a species of skink native to the Middle East.

Taxonomic History

It was previously classified as a subspecies of Ablepharus kitaibelii, but is now recognized as a separate species.

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The group currently classified as A. rueppellii may actually consist of two distinct species.

Confirmed Distribution

This skink occurs across northern and central Israel, Lebanon, western Jordan, and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Unconfirmed Distribution

Its presence in Syria is unconfirmed.

General Population Status

Across most of its confirmed range, the species is generally uncommon.

Habitat Preferences

It inhabits leaf litter in forested or shrubby areas; in Egypt, it typically occurs near oases. It is highly restricted to densely vegetated locales.

Population Status in Israel

In Israel, the species is common, and can even be found within cities.

Aleppo Pine Habitat Adaptation

It is one of the few reptile species able to live in areas planted with Aleppo pine, which are very widespread across Israel.