Most reptiles found in Otago are threatened with extinction, and several species are more threatened regionally than at the national level, a new report from Otago Regional Council (ORC) has found.

ORC has just released its Regional Threat Assessment for reptiles - the first in a series of threat assessments for indigenous species around Otago.  

“Knowing who is in 'residence' helps us keep track of the status of our reptile populations,” ORC terrestrial ecologist Dr Scott Jarvie said.

“This allows us to work to manage threats and restore environments so our species can flourish.” 

New Zealand is home to an incredible diversity of reptiles, with more than 120 species identified - and counting. 

Rockhopper skink (Oligosoma “rockhopper”).

ORC ecologists (working with University of Otago’s Dr Jo Monks, Department of Conservation’s Dr James Reardon, and independent consultant Carey Knox) identified 34 reptile species in Otago, of which 32 are mainly land-based: comprising 18 skinks, 13 geckos and tuatara.  

Eight of these species are only found in Otago, including the Burgan skink, grand skink, Kawarau gecko, orange-spotted gecko, Otago skink, Oteake skink, schist gecko, and short-toed gecko.  

The number of reptile species in Otago is amongst the highest of any region in New Zealand, and this region is a national stronghold for 24 species of resident reptiles (more than 20 percent of the national population). 

In recent years, surveys for reptiles in Otago have resulted in the discovery of new species, including the orange-spotted gecko in 1998 and rockhopper skink, alpine rock skink, and hura te ao gecko in 2018, and new populations including the orange-spotted geckos.  

ORC science manager Tom Dyer said the conservation status undertaken provides “a baseline as to the presence of reptiles in the region and allows us to monitor over the coming years whether numbers are stable, increasing or in decline”.

“Reptiles play a key role in our ecosystems and are part of the wider food chain,” Tom said.

“They can eat insects and fruit and can act as pollinators for our native plants. They are also a food source for native species, including birds.” 

Find more information on the conservation status of reptile species in Otago in this report.

PHOTOS: Carey Knox