Otago skink
Grand and Otago skinks are two of New Zealand's most distinctive and impressive lizards. Known as giant skinks, they are our largest lizards, with Otago skinks growing up to 300mm in length and grand skinks 230mm.
Both species are unique to Otago,and are two of New Zealand's rarest reptiles.
Grand and Otago skinks are not only unique to Otago, they are two of New Zealand's rarest lizards.
Introduced predators and habitat loss are the main threats faced by the highly endangered grand and Otago skinks.
Future plans for the conservation of grand and Otago skinks.
How you can be involved in the conservation of grand and Otago skinks.
The Central Otago high country is home to one of New Zealand’s giant lizards – the Otago skink. However these lizards are threatened with extinction. This video explains how the community is trying to protect them.
Grand and Otago skinks are only found in Otago. Learn how DOC's scientists are using a mammal-proofed fence to save these precious reptiles.
Get detailed information using either the common or scientific name of the species you are interested in.
Skinks and geckos factsheet (PDF, 220K)
Lizards in your garden factsheet - How to create habitats for lizards in Wellington gardens.
The New Zealand Herpetological Society www.reptiles.org.nz
The diet of grand skinks and Otago skinks in Otago seral tussock grasslands www.rsnz.org
Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Plan (PDF, 256K)
Grand and Otago Skink Captive Management Plan 2007-2014 (PDF, 97K)
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
