Our Tonkin + Taylor ecologists have been undertaking important work, relocating skinks from Mount Messenger and Tāhunanui Back Beach project sites to their safe and humble new abodes.
Returning Striped Skinks to Mt Messenger
In Taranaki, our team celebrated the translocation of three striped skinks to predator-free Rotokare sanctuary.
The skinks were caught during vegetation clearance and held at Auckland Zoo for 10 months while the team waited for a translocation permit from the Department of Conservation.
Sam Mulcock, Ecology Consultant, initially found the skinks and was pleased to escort them to their new home.
“The big deal about these lizards is that they’re quite rare. Fewer than 150 have ever been sighted so they’re not often encountered in the wild. Being able to recover these lizards is a big success for us, as we fulfil one of the project goals in creating a sanctuary for the species, supporting the wider conservation strategy,” Sam said.
“These skinks have been taken care of by the zoo for some time now. Their health has been monitored, and they’ve grown. It’s great to be able to move them back down to their home in Taranaki.”
Whetu o Te Rangi, a representative from Ngāti Tama Iwi, said returning these Taonga to their home was an important kaupapa (principle) to be part of.
“These lizards haven’t been seen for a while. What’s great is that we’re taking them home, where we hope they will multiply, and be put back in the ngahere (forest) where they belong.”
A New Abode for Northern Grass Skinks
Our Nelson team successfully relocated 88 Northern Grass Skinks alongside iwi representatives from Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Rarua to support Nelson City’s Council’s work to remove contaminated sawdust from Tāhunanui back beach.
Ecological management has been a large focus of these project works following the discovery of native lizards and Katipō. Our ecologists carefully captured and recorded data and relocated these protected critters to a nearby site, installing lizard exclusion fencing to keep them safe and out of the works area.
Alongside our team, Nelmac assisted with habitat enhancement to ensure a new home was cosy. Further improvements through native planting and pest, animal, and weed control work are coming soon.
Ashleigh Johnston, Marine Ecologist at Tonkin + Taylor, says the project work was well coordinated and carried out by everyone involved.
“We were grateful for iwi assistance during lizard salvage works and the cultural learnings they shared. Nelmac completed the lizard fencing and vegetation removal with minimal disruption. With 88 Northern Grass Skinks safely relocated, the project was successful.”
Read more about the relocation of these three striped skinks
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At Tonkin + Taylor, our Marine, Freshwater, Wetland and Terrestrial Ecology experts provide a comprehensive range of Ecology and Water Science services to support sustainable development and the management and preservation of our natural environment.
Read more about their services and contact our consultants and scientists.
