Otago Skink - Habitat

Habitat

Otago skinks are only found in very specific locations in Otago, and are typically limited to the large schist rock outcroppings found in that region. They can often be seen sunning themselves on these rocks and seek refuge in the deep crevices when alarmed, at night and on cold days. As of 2000, the range of the Otago skink has decreased by roughly 90% when compared to the estimated historic range. Although it was once widespread, land use change, particularly the intensification of farming, and the introduction of mammalian predators has led to a decline in the population. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) estimates that there are only 2,000 - 5,000 individual Otago skinks remaining and recent work suggests that the skinks are still in decline. Work to identify the causes of decline is ongoing, as are protection efforts through habitat protection, predator-proof fencing and predator control.