Study

Short-term success of a translocation of Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense) to Orokonui Ecosanctuary

  • Published source details Bogisch M., Cree A. & Monks J.M. (2016) Short-term success of a translocation of Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense) to Orokonui Ecosanctuary. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 43, 211-220.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Release reptiles outside of their native range

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Release reptiles outside of their native range

    A study in 2013–2014 in a man-made rock and shrub habitat in southern South Island, New Zealand (Bogisch et al. 2016) found that 63% of captive-bred Otago skinks Oligosoma otagense released outside of their known native range into a mammalian-predator-free fenced enclosure and provided with supplementary food survived at least 11 months and bred within 15 months. In total, 24 of 30 (80%) captive-bred Otago skinks survived at least three months and 19 of 30 (63%) skinks survived 11 months after release. The authors reported that 12 newborn skinks were observed in the enclosure 15 months after the skinks were released. Thirty captive-bred skinks were released into an oval outdoor enclosure (109 m2 with an 85 cm high wooden fence) in an ecosanctuary in November 2013. The habitat was created to mimic natural Otago skink habitat and included rocky tors planted with native grass and shrubs. Skinks were photographed prior to release to enable individual identification. Skinks were monitored by observation during November 2013–February 2014 and September–October 2014, and by time-lapse photography of the enclosure (pictures were taken every 10 minutes between 0600–2100 h). Skinks were provided with supplementary food of 100 crickets/week but could also feed on invertebrates and small lizards present in the enclosure. The ecosanctuary was surrounded by a predator-proof fence and mammalian predators had almost entirely been eradicated.

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

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