25 October 2013

Critically Endangered Otago Skinks at Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is thrilled to welcome 27 Eastern Otago Skinks as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Programme.

The rare lizards are being housed at Wellington Zoo for a 30 day quarantine period, after which they will be released at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, north of Dunedin – providing a predator-free environment for the skinks to breed.

“All the skinks are happily settled into our quarantine facility and we have started doing health checks, including physical exams, diagnostic testing and confirming the sex for all the skinks,” said Dr Lisa Argilla, Veterinary Sciences Manager.
Otago Skinks are New Zealand's largest lizard species, also known as Giant Skinks. They are closely related to the Grand Skink but are the larger of the two species, growing up to 300mm (nose to tail tip) in length.
Both skinks are unique to the Otago region and are New Zealand's two rarest reptiles, with a threat status of nationally critically endangered – the same as the kākāpō. They give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs.
As a further protection for Grand and Otago Skinks, the Department of Conservation have implemented a conservation management plan, which includes zoos, in order to protect both skink species and maintain a reserve of genetic diversity.
“The Eastern populations of the Otago Skinks are increasing, so the focus is now on the declining Western population,” said Dr Argilla.

“These Eastern skinks have come from private collections and experienced wildlife breeding organisations from around New Zealand, including four from Wellington Zoo. Once they’ve completed the quarantine period they’ll be released into the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. We can then make room for the Westerns – take them in so that they can breed, and then eventually be reintroduced back into Otago.”

Wellington Zoo will house Western Otago Skinks from mid-December.

“We are delighted to collaborate with DOC on the Grand and Otago Skink recovery programme. Wellington Zoo is passionate about connecting our community with nature and this is a great example of conservation agencies working together to ensure the ongoing survival of an endangered New Zealand species” said Amy Hughes, Wellington Zoo General Manager Community Engagement.
ends

© Scoop Media