New Zealand: Land of Lizards

Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, could also be confused with the land of reptiles. New Zealand has more than 110 species of lizards that are found nowhere else in the world (endemic). This list continues to grow, as DNA analysis and new field discoveries provide up-to-date information.

Marlborough is home to a vast array of lizards ranging from one of the rarest, the stricken gecko of Cook Strait. Skink of South Marlborough grass.

Geckos are distinguished by tiny scales giving the appearance of a soft, velvety skin, while the skin of a skink contains larger, shiny scales that are tight on the body and smooth

The skink has small eyes and flashing eyelids, while the geckos have a large translucent protective membrane that they keep clean with their tongue.

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differences, the two types of lizards share common traits. As a defense mechanism, both can lose their tail at the base, providing the precious milliseconds needed to escape before regenerating the appendix to fight another day.

With a variable climate, most species, such as Marlborough's Green Gecko, have evolved. advantage of our summer days are longer and are active during the day (daytime). In doing so, they have become masters of camouflage and avoid unexpected predators.

Incredibly, all but one of our lizard species breed, giving birth to a young live birth (ovoviviparous). The skink (oddly enough) spawn is the only one to lay eggs. Often producing twins, their bodies can more effectively regulate the temperature of their embryos during the colder months than they were locked in an eggshell exposed to the elements.

Skinks are generally carnivorous, although they are known to swallow strange berries, while geckos are omnivorous, which includes a diet of fleshy fruits and flower nectar. They play a vital role in our ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal and pollination of many native plant species, such as mnua, kanuka, kawakawa and flax, to name a few.

Loss and fragmentation of their habitat from vast expanses of predators such as cats, hedgehogs, mice, rats and ermines, all leading to their decline. Poaching of private collections is also becoming a growing threat, especially in Europe.

The next time you see a native bush shrub or bush, think about the importance this could have for lizards. Look for lizards in your garden by planting native species and make sure there are lots of hiding places. Laying chicken wire on a known lizard habitat can create a protective screen against cats, hedgehogs and perhaps larger rats and birds.

If we want to enjoy and protect all our taonga species for future generations, take responsibility. It would be an inferior world without our scaly friends and indeed other species of flora and fauna that are interdependent on each other.

More information can be found on the DOC website, containing relevant information, how to report an observation guide in creating a lizard garden: www.doc.govt .nz / nature / native-animals / reptiles-and-frogs / lizards /

Marlborough green gecko (photographic credit unknown)

South Marlborough grass skink (Photo credit – Tom Heather)

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