Survey and monitoring methods for New Zealand lizards

Abstract

ABSTRACTAccurate inventory and monitoring of any faunal group requires field methods that are logistically feasible and ethically acceptable in combination with robust sampling designs. In New Zealand, the development of effective methods for sampling native lizards (currently 99 taxa) required adaptations to techniques used internationally and the invention of novel devices. We summarise and review five standard field methods used for inventory and monitoring of New Zealand lizards (systematic searches, pitfall trapping, funnel trapping, artificial retreats and photo-identification) and acknowledge the influence of the late Tony Whitaker on their development. Tony pioneered the use of baited pitfall traps for capturing terrestrial lizards and binocular-mounted spotlights for locating nocturnal geckos. Recent development of funnel traps, artificial retreats and photo-identification (all used extensively overseas) for New Zealand lizards has resulted in a surge in their uptake here. Arboreal species and low-density populations present sampling challenges that require further attention.