Brief Description –

Acontias rieppeli, commonly known as the Woodbush Legless Skink, is a species of legless lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to South Africa, and is is primarily associated with montane habitats, specifically the Grasslands of the Wolkberg, at elevations of 1,600–2,000 meters above sea level. The type locality of the Woodbush Legless Skink is Mpome, Transvaal. The species can often be found sheltering under rocks embedded on grassy slopes and ridges, but also up to 20–50 cm below the surface in reddish-brown soil. The Woodbush Legless Skink has a slender, elongated body, with grey/brown and yellow stripes running the length of its back. This burrowing species has no limbs, giving it a snake-like appearance. The body scales are smooth and shiny, and the head is slightly distinct from the neck. The main threats to Acontias rieppeli are urbanization and afforestation, which have heavily impacted at least half of its range. This is suspected to have a negative impact on gene flow and connectivity between subpopulations. Although occasional observations have been made on the edges of plantations, these are not considered representative of viable subpopulations. Acontias rieppeli is listed as Endangered (IUCN) due to its small range, significant historical decline in extent and quality of habitat, and suspected ongoing decline in population.