DOC's work with striped skink
Research and recovery
Striped skink, Toko
Research and strategies for the conservation of striped skinks are covered in the North Island Oligosoma recovery plan. This is a multi species plan managed by the North Island skink recovery group.
The ecology, biology, and true range of the striped skink are poorly known, and the species has proved very difficult to find. This is partly because survey and monitoring methods typically applied to skinks in New Zealand have not been very successful with striped skinks possibly due to their arboreal nature.
Research into effective detection methods for this species remains the number one priority so that trends in populations can be monitored and managed for recovery.
Potential for recovery
Striped skinks have proved adaptable to modified environments in some cases and tenacious in the presence of predators although it is unknown how long they can maintain this.
Hauturu/Little Barrier Island may become a safe haven for striped skinks now that the rats have been eradicated leaving the island completely free of all mammalian predators. Mainland islands may also contribute to their improved survival by protecting forested lowland areas and reducing or eliminating predators.
Comments welcome
The Department of Conservation welcomes any comments or suggestions you may have about the conservation of the striped skink. These can be directed to the North Island Oligosoma Recovery Group lizard.research@doc.govt.nz.
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings