MASSEY NEWS (Massey U, New Zealand) 20 November 06 Lizard relocation part of conservation study
With many New Zealand lizard species threatened or declining in numbers, Massey conservation biologists are mounting a study to add to the slender body of knowledge on these little creatures.
The Auckland based Ecology and Conservation Group, led by Associate Professor Dianne Brunton is launching a study on lizards and how they fare after translocation. New Zealand has more than 60 species of lizards – either geckos or skinks – all of them protected.
Studies of animal dispersal and recovery within New Zealand have provided important information on survival rates and social organisation but have been mostly based on birds.
Under the supervision of Dr Brunton, masters student Chris Wedding is now preparing to re-locate a group of shore skinks from Tawharanui Regional Park near Leigh to Tiritiri Matangi and Motuora islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
Mice are a predator of skinks and the study will work to determine the impact mice have on the re-located populations and how well the skinks can establish themselves in new homes. The outcome of the study is expected to be valuable to ecologists in future design of reptile translocations.
Three sites will be set up, two with mouse control in the form of traps and poison.
Lizard relocation part of conservation study