Join the kids of Macraes Moonlight Primary School as they learn about NZ's largest lizards, which live right on their doorstep.
The Central Otago high country is home to one of New Zealand's giant lizards - the Otago skink. However these lizards are threatened with extinction. This video explains how the community is trying to protect them.
Grand and Otago skinks are only found in Otago. Learn how DOC's scientists are using a mammal-proofed fence to save these precious reptiles.
Watch a video about Grand and Otago skinks - two of New Zealand's largest and most endangered lizards.
Skinks and geckos factsheet (PDF, 220K)
Lizards in your garden factsheet - How to create habitats for lizards in Wellington gardens.
Threatened species classifications
The New Zealand Herpetological Society www.reptiles.org.nz
The diet of grand skinks and Otago skinks in Otago seral tussock grasslands - on Royal Society website
Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Plan (PDF, 256K)
Grand and Otago Skink Captive Management Plan 2007-2014 (PDF, 97K)
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
Contacts