Abstract
Abstract During 1984 an unsanctioned farm road was constructed through the known range of McGregor's skink (Cyclodina macgregori) on Mana Island (217 ha). Monitoring of the island's lizard populations commenced in 1986 to assess the effects of habitat changes caused by the construction of the road. Between 1987/88 and 1988/89 the capture rate (pitfall traps) for McGregor's skink declined significantly. This decline is attributed to increased predation by mice (Mus musculus) following a buildup of mouse numbers after cattle (the only stock then present) were removed from the island in 1986. In August 1989 a successful programme to eradicate mice was implemented, and no mice or their sign have been seen since February 1990. Since then, the capture rates have increased significantly for C. macgregori, the gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), and the Cook Strait giant weta (Deinacrida rugosa) (Orthoptera). Even though individual C. macgregori show strong site fidelity and are potentially long‐lived (10+ years), only three of 64 caught to April 1988 have been recaptured since the last mouse was trapped. Adults appeared more vulnerable to predation than juveniles. All captures of McGregor's skink on Mana Island were made within a small area (<5 ha) along the north‐east coast; within this area, shrub cover is increasing relative to that of grasses and herbs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
