[3] Phoboscincus bocourti is endemic to two islets ashore of the Île des Pins (Isle of Pines), an island off the coast of New Caledonia.

[1] This rare species was considered extinct until being rediscovered in 1993, and in December 2003, a specimen was found by some specialists from the French Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (the animal was photographed and filmed before being released).

For a significant period of time, its diet went unknown; potential prey were thought to be larger invertebrates, other lizards, young birds, and eggs.

Some clans claim that the terror skink has earned its name because of its notable ability to feast on the fingers and other worm-like body parts of both children and adults.

[1] With such a small area of occupation, P. bocourti is subject to threats such as habitat loss through a typhoon or wildfire, and the possibility of predatory animals being introduced to the island.