An unexpected discovery: Canterbury spotted skink

Canterbury spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) is a rare (Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable) species of skink found within the wider Canterbury region. There are few known populations of the skink, which distribution ranges from Mt Grey in the north, to the Rangitata River in the south, and Banks Peninsula, including one population which Boffa Miskell ecologists discovered recently on a project in the Canterbury high country. Spotted skinks are typically found in dry river cobbles, scree, amongst rock out crops and in coastal scrubland.

The population we found was previously unknown and, as a result, added an unexpected hurdle to the project we were working on. It was important to ensure we could avoid disturbing the population and allow the client to complete their project. After working together with DOC and the client, we have been able to protect the skink habitat and population on the station, and enhance their habitat with extra rock piles. The new population we discovered extends the knowledge and distribution of this species.

Surveys for these species requires knowledge of their behaviour and habitat, and includes using funnel traps, baited with pear; and some quiet “glassing” (searching) of habitat with binoculars.

All lizard capture and handling requires a special Wildlife Act Authority (permit) from DOC, which ensures ecologists in the field are qualified to carry out the work without harming lizards.

All lizards are cold blooded and require heat transfer either from an object or from the sun, which the Canterbury spotted skink does by basking. However, they are very shy and cryptic, meaning they prefer to spend time near their refuges and retreat sites, rather than basking in the full sun like other smaller skinks do (the ones you commonly see in your garden), which means they can be incredibly hard to spot.

Skinks and geckos are the only two native families of lizard found in New Zealand (note: tuatara are not lizards). The Canterbury spotted skink is large for New Zealand lizards, (adults are at least 180 mm snout to tail) and has an incredible green colouration with spotted markings.

This skink is so large that it will consume other smaller skink species!

For further information please contact Katherine Muchna

Ecologists work together with clients and the Department of Conservation to protect vulnerable reptiles.