Distribution, status and conservation measures for lizards in limestone areas of South Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract

The limestone outcrops of South Canterbury are outstanding landscape features, and many contain remnant native flora and fauna. Three skink species and four gecko species have been found there in subfossil remains. In 2008 the limestone habitats were surveyed to find which lizard species were present and to index their abundance, based on visual observation, artificial cover objects, pitfall traps, and searches of retreat sites. Common skinks (Oligosoma polychroma), McCann's skinks (O. maccanni) and Southern Alps geckos (Hoplodactylus ‘Southern Alps’) were found. Though the jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) was not found in limestone areas, three small populations were located elsewhere in South Canterbury. The species with the widest distribution and the highest number of sightings was the Southern Alps gecko. The two skink species were not observed living sympatrically. Both were found in low numbers in isolated pockets of suitable habitat. Conservation measures that might benefit these native lizards include reduced grazing as well as retention or addition of rock piles.