Conservation

The white-bellied skink (Oligosoma hoparatea) is also known as the Rangitata skink or pukuma skink. The scientific name comes from the Māori word hōparatea, translating to white-bellied.

The species was discovered in 2004 by renowned herpetologist Tony Whitaker, and was already in a critical state. Management was delayed by uncertainty over the species’ range and numbers. We now understand they are generally absent from suitable habitats that are apparently unmodified.

White-bellied skinks are scree loving and have probably only ever been found in the high country. They are larger than more common species you might find in gardens around Aotearoa New Zealand. They are adapted to life on alpine scree slopes, with long toes and strong claws for scrambling among loose rocks, and a modified scale above each eye that acts like a sun visor.

Very little is known about this species and its life history. In common with other alpine lizards, they likely take several years to reach maturity and have a low reproductive rate. This makes them more vulnerable to extinction from introduced predators. 

The historic range of the species is not well understood. They are currently known only from a small number of locations in the mountains of inland mid-Canterbury, but were likely more widespread prior to human arrival. There have been significant declines at some of the known populations. Scientists expect mice to be a significant predator, but rats, mustelids and cats will also be preying upon skinks.

Our work

In the early years after discovery, research was focussed on understanding their preferred habitats, which enabled more targeted surveys. With help from Auckland Zoo's Conservation Fund, these surveys confirmed that the species is genuinely rare at known sites rather than just cryptic (difficult to find).

Research is underway to better understand their life history, as well as the rate and causes of their decline. This will inform recovery methods for the species. Intensive mouse control is also being trialled at one known site to assess its effectiveness in protecting the remaining populations.

You can help