DOC's work with grand and Otago skinks
Grand skink and its butterfly lunch
For many years the Department of Conservation has been aware of the significance of grand and Otago skinks and their vulnerability to both predators and habitat loss.
The DOC recovery team's recent research showed that removing predators by either intensive trapping or holding them within a mammal-proof fence, was very successful. Protection of both species is being supported by the continuation of that work, along with some new and innovative projects.
Trapping at the Macraes Conservation Area, the main focus of the recovery team's field work, has been extended. The exclosure fences will continue to protect the populations within, and monitoring will continue over the warmer months.
Captive breeding area at Wellington
Zoo. Each compartment is for a
separate breeding pair
Captive management
As a further protection for grand and Otago skinks a captive management plan has been prepared and implemented. This is intended to protect both species against a catastrophic event, and also maintain a reserve of genetic diversity. The aim is that animals bred in captivity will be re-introduced into secure, wild habitat.
Several private breeders are involved, some with up to thirty years lizard breeding and keeping experience. As well, two experienced wildlife breeding organisations are involved. Wellington Zoo Trust has established a separate skink breeding area for both species, away from the public gaze. All the skinks are from the wild and housed in breeding pairs.
The other organisation is the Isaac Wildlife Trust at Peacock Springs, where a purpose built unit has been constructed for Otago skink breeding pairs. These were captured from the wild and are genetically important. They are from a conservation area near Hawea and represent the Otago skink's western population, which has a different genetic makeup.
Juvenile Otago skinks basking
Recovery plans
The original Department of Conservation Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Plan was approved in 1995. That plan set in place a series of steps to promote the recovery of both species.
The plan's long-term vision was: "To ensure the continued survival of wild populations of Otago skinks and grand skinks within their natural geographic range."
Those aims continue in the new draft recovery plan, circulated for formal consultation in September 2006. Many submissions were received analysed and reviewed by the recovery group. The agreed changes are included in the current version of the plan.
Draft Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Plan (PDF, 256K)
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