In the face of widespread biodiversity decline, species recovery programs are one method of mitigating species loss. Species recovery programs often include techniques such as habitat rehabilitation or conservation translocations to areas where threats can be mitigated. However, for these types of conservation interventions to be successful, we first need to have a robust understanding of the focal species’ habitat requirements. Habitat selection studies are one way of determining high-quality habitats for threatened species. The Bojer’s skink (Gongylomorphis bojerii) is a Critically Endangered species endemic to Mauritius. Although once widespread over Mauritius Island and several offshore islets, the skink is now confined to only 8 offshore islets due to threats such as invasive species and habitat loss. This includes three small islets on the southeast coast which are known to be genetically distinct from the populations on northern islets. I undertook a habitat selection study using habitat data and 10 years of monitoring data collected by the Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme to determine whether Bojer’s skinks on the southeastern islets are selecting certain habitat types. Using habitat layers in QGIS, I compared the distribution of skinks to a null hypothesis of random distribution across the island, as well as tested whether body condition (weight, with size as a covariate) differed between habitat types. Results of exact binomial tests revealed that skinks are found more often than expected in grassy habitats, but body condition results are equivocal. My study indicates that grassy habitats may be important for Bojer’s skinks, but more research, including fitness measures in these habitats, may help highlight whether these habitats confer a fitness benefit to the species. Our understanding of habitat use and selection for threatened species is critical if we are to make informed conservation decisions for declining populations. 

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