A striped skink found at the Mt Messenger Bypass construction site. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
Vulnerable striped skinks encountered at the Mt Messenger Bypass construction site in Taranaki now have a new home Rotokare Scenic Reserve, near Eltham.
A taonga species, the scarcely sighted striped skinks are known for their lightning-quick movements and distinctive pale markings.
Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust, Waka Kotahi and Te Ara o Te Ata - Mt Messenger Bypass project have formed a partnership to protect the lizard with the support of project partner Ngāti Tama and local mana whenua Ngāti Tupaia.
A team has constructed a temporary holding area at the 230-hectare sanctuary for any striped skinks discovered during construction of the project on State Highway 3.
So far three striped skinks (Oligosoma striatum) have been found at Mt Messenger and they were cared for at Auckland Zoo before being transferred to Rotokare.
Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust conservation manager Fiona Gordon said the holding area would provide a safe environment where the skinks could acclimatise to their new surroundings before exploring the broader reserve through the treetops.
Striped skinks hadn't been found during formal lizard surveys at Rotokare, but it was believed they were once present as they've been located in pockets around South Taranaki, Gordon said.
"We are excited to offer a safe home for this at-risk skink species in a space completely free of rodents, one of their main predators."
Any further striped skinks found by the project would be transferred directly to Rotokare.
The Trust was also working with the Department of Conservation to secure a permit to transfer further striped skinks from other locations across Taranaki if needed.
"It's hoped that skinks will flourish in their new home, creating a secure population in South Taranaki," Gordon said.
Native to New Zealand, striped skinks were usually found in lowland forests, farmland, and swamps, where they lived everywhere from the forest canopy to leaf litter on the forest floor.
They are currently listed on the Department of Conservation's Threat Classification System as 'At Risk - Declining,' however, accurate population monitoring remained a challenge due to their secretive habits.
The Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust was a community-led conservation organisation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of native biodiversity within the predator-free sanctuary, located in South Taranaki.
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