A promising discovery has been made in a forested area of Auckland’s Puketāpapa – in the form of a “significant” population of ornate skinks.
As ornate skinks are highly vulnerable to rat and hedgehog predation, their survival in Puketāpapa is in part thanks to years of pest control work from Auckland Council and volunteers.
Throughout 2023 and 2024 an Auckland Council contractor carried out a survey of the skink and gecko populations across the Manukau coastal reserves network in the Puketāpapa Local Board area, for Auckland Council.
The survey found that the reserves have a “significant” population of ornate skinks (Oligosoma ornatum). The survey also found the reserves potentially hold a “locally, if not regionally, significant population” of the rare species of indigenous skink.
The Puketāpapa Local Board have played an important role in this success story - fully funding the survey and pest control work.
Local Board Chair Ella Kumar says she’s thrilled with the discovery of the ornate skink population.
“It’s extremely heartening to know that a significant population of ornate skink has been found in Puketāpapa, especially as the species is classified as At Risk - Regionally Declining.
“It’s great to see the conservation efforts paying off for a forested area much loved by the local community.
“This area is one of the largest pockets of bush in the Auckland isthmus, so it’s important that we look after it and try and preserve and enhance its biodiversity.”
The coastal reserves provide a connected forested corridor along the Manukau foreshore from the Waitākere Ranges to State Highway 20 and are likely to form an important corridor for fauna species, such as the ornate skink.
The significance of the ornate skink population was based on comparisons with other known populations in Auckland.
Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities, praised the conservation efforts of those involved.
“Protecting and helping boost endangered species is essential for healthy biodiversity across Auckland Council’s parks and reserves.
“Pest management initiatives across the region, such as this, play a critical role in conservation efforts in Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The discovery of a significant population of ornate skinks is testament to the mahi put into pest control by volunteers from the community and council staff.”
Reptiles are declining in New Zealand. They play an important part in the natural ecosystem in terms of pollination, seed dispersal and to fulfil their roles as prey and predator in the food web.
Keeping your cat well fed and indoors at night can help limit their impact on local skink and bird populations. Selecting breeds of companion cats that are happier indoors, such as rag doll breeds, can also help protect native species.
Ornate skinks can be identified by a white or yellowish teardrop shaped markings edged with black, below each eye.
If you see a lizard, you can report it to the Department of Conservation’s Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS).
There will be more survey work across the same reserves network that will improve knowledge of the area’s lizard populations and inform ongoing conservation work.
