Blenheim Forest and Bird Talk - Plague Skinks

Plague skinks are an invasive species of lizard that is now found in colonies in Blenheim and Havelock. Simon Litchwark is part of a local team of DOC rangers concerned with plague skinks as they threaten our native skink and gecko species.

"Marlborough has a high level of endemism of species, meaning many native skinks and geckos are found here and nowhere else in the world."

Simon says the threat from plague skinks comes from their ability to breed prolifically and reach high population densities in a relatively short time. They compete directly with our native lizard species for food, habitat and space.

Potting mix in potted plants is a favoured breeding habitat and plague skinks will spread rapidly into bush, urban and even industrial areas. It is likely the colonies detected in Riverlands and Havelock came accidentally via vehicles from the North Island.

Part of Simon's work is to raise public awareness about plague skinks and how to limit their spread. Plague skinks can be identified from their generally smaller size, their iridescent colouration and having one large scale on the top of their head - instead of the two smaller scales found on New Zealand native skinks.

Simon Litchwark will be talking about Marlborough lizards, why they are so important and how people can help eradicate plague skinks at this month's Forest and Bird public talk at Blenheim School Hall.