The
Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary currently consists of a small (0.3 ha)
pest-proof fence designed to test the idea that a small group of
captive-bred Otago skinks can survive and breed in highly modified
habitat in inland Otago’s extreme climate.
In November 2009, the trust
introduced 12 Otago skinks inside the 2 m high fence. The fence is
designed to keep out all mammal species, including juvenile mice. Three
skinks immediately disappeared, which meant nine entered the winter of
2010. All nine have since been re-sighted, and in January and February 2011, three
baby
skinks were sighted (see photo above). These are very encouraging
results that pave the
way for the next phase of the work.
Over the next 12-24 months, we will
continue to monitor the population to ensure the population
grows. If so, we will look at introducing wild genetic stock to
outbreed the skinks. Our longer-term aim is to expand the sanctuary to
allow for other lizard species introductions. In anticipation of this
expansion, we are currently preparing 14 ha of habitat by building a
herbivore-proof fence, removing the herbivores,
removing the weeds and replanting native species.
