Trachylepis sp unidentified species
Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti Region, GhanaAugust 9, 2018
unidentified species (Trachylepis sp)
This small copper-and-brown skink was climbing a tree trunk at night, as if it were a friggin' house gecko. Dr. Adam Leaché identified it simply as "Trachylepis sp.". There are several candidates, which can't be distinguished from a single photo of this nature.
Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti Region, GhanaAugust 9, 2018
unidentified species (Trachylepis sp)
This teeny tiny skink crossed the dirt road later that night. The color pattern is similar enough to the previous skink that I can imagine it's a juvenile of the same species. Dr. Leaché would only admit to it being another "Trachylepis sp." However, another African herp specialist on iNaturalist< thought it was instead a juvenile Mochlus guineensis. I fear it shall remain an eternal mystery.
Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti Region, GhanaAugust 10, 2018
unidentified species (Trachylepis sp)
This one lacks the noticeably copper-colored head, though perhaps that is a variable trait even within the species. Whatever the species is. I suggested this might be Trachylepis albilabris, and Dr. Leaché countered with "maybe maculilabris".
Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ejisu-Juaben, Ashanti Region, GhanaAugust 11, 2018
unidentified species (Trachylepis sp)
This one, unlike the first two above, is doing what most sensible skinks do at night — sleeping. Looks likely to be the same species as the previous one. Dr. Leaché just called it "Trachylepis sp."