Zoo births a boost for skink on the brink
We’re delighted to share news about the recent birth and progress of two tiny Alborn skinks here at the Zoo
New Zealand Skinks and Geckos
News and conservation stories about New Zealand’s lizard species.
There are more than 140 species of lizards / mokomoko in Aotearoa New Zealand – and our lizards are split into two groups: geckos and skinks.
How can you tell them apart? Geckos have loose skin, small scales, and are unable to blink (which is why they lick their eyes to keep them clean!), while skinks typically have small legs, no visible neck, long tails and smooth skin.
New Zealand lizards are particularly amazing as all but one species (the egg-laying skink) gives birth to live young.
The Australian rainbow skink is the only non-New Zealand lizard to have become established here and is the skink you see the most often in urban areas. More than 90% of our native lizard species are threatened and at risk of extinction, which is why conservation efforts are so important.
You can help to support lizard habitats in your own backyard by planting native shrubs like Coprosma and Muehlenbeckia that provide kai and refuge, or you can create rock and log piles within sunny spots in your garden for basking.
We have a whole myriad of lizards you can visit at the Zoo such as the moko kākāriki/elegant gecko, Duvaucel’s gecko, rough gecko, grand and Otago skinks. We care for even more behind-the-scenes for breed for release and conservation recovery programmes with the Department of Conservation.
Read more about New Zealand skinks and geckos in these stories.
Searching for endangered awakōpaka skinks
Cobble skinks beat the odds and fly home
Auckland Zoo and Department of Conservation sign new strategic partnership
Celebrating Aotearoa New Zealand’s endemic lizards
Emergency mahi underway for endemic skink on the brink
Searching for the Ōkārito skink
Exciting study underway for the rare Northern striped gecko!
Celebrating Sonja – a passionate zookeeper and woman in science
Boosting our support for the critically endangered Korowai gecko
Celebrating two rare New Zealand skinks - grand and Otago!
Auckland Zoo marks Endangered Species Day with announcement of conservation …
Zoo celebrates milestone for Kapitia skinks
Creating an ectotherm experience in the Waitākere Ranges!
Exciting news for Zoo's rough geckos
The Northern Striped Gecko – Studying a Cryptic Taonga
Using science to understand the habits of rare New Zealand lizards
Conservation research on-going for the rare Alborn skink
A beachfront home and a new name for this rare native skink!
Searching for the elusive Muriwai gecko
This World Lizard Day we're celebrating wins for Aotearoa’s skinks!
Critical fieldwork for New Zealand's northern striped gecko!
Back from the Brink – 11 Inspirational Stories where Conservation is Key!
Coordinating fieldwork conservation at Auckland Zoo
