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A conservationist group says claims that a nocturnal Asian lizard could treat Aids have led to a sharp boom in illegal smuggling of the reptile.
An Evening with the Frogs
The evening includes an educational talk by a Hamilton Zoo keeper, followed by a visit to the nocturnal frog house to meet the cryptic nocturnal native Hochstetter’s frogs. This is a rare chance to see these unique animals up close and personal.
Foreign skink intercepted in Hawke's Bay
Rainbow skinks, an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, are yet another threat to our declining native lizard populations.
DOC wants people to contact them on 06 834 3111 or 0800 362 468 if they see one. If possible, capture it, keep in a safe container and take a photo to help with obtaining the correct identification.
Habitat enhancement
Habitat enhancement and pest control are vital for our native lizards.
These resources may help with some ideas and suitable plants for your area of New Zealand.
Wairapapa - predator proof area; Ponatahi Lizard Sanctuary.
Fact Sheet 'Wildlife Friendly Areas' Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
For information about New Zealand native plants visit the NZ Plant Conservation Network
Pest Control
Rodents
How to control mice in your garden
Weed Control
Warning- think of lizards when poisoning unwanted insects or weeds:
A herbicide like Roundup is known to kill goldstripes and skinks. If you need to control pampas or invasive exotics, first vigorously work in the bush to encourage the departure of the lizards. If animals are found afterclearing activites, relocate them in some nearby dense foliage such as a ponga, or flax.
If you intend to clear areas of the garden, construct some lizard-friendly habitat first - with layered dead wood and logs, rocks and some dense planting to provide cover from predators.
Pest Insects
Avioid insecticides like Ripcord - it is highly toxic to bees and fish. Synthetic pyrethroid. 100mls/10L is quite a strong brew.
Cardboard roach traps have variable success. For non-toxic methods try http://www.essortment.com/home/roachcockroach_sdxs.htm .... simple, humane roach trap. First, soak some bread in beer. (American Roaches are born inebriants and love all things alcoholic. If you're not trying to catch American Roaches, then use a daub of peanut butter, instead.) Next, put it in a glass jar and then coat the inner lip of the jar with some cooking oil. The roach will be drawn to the food, climb into the jar, and after engorging itself, won't be able to escape. It will constantly slip on the oil, falling back into the jar. Tricky trap, huh? And simple: Just toss the roach outside, and you're problem is gone. Repeat until roaches stop appearing in the jar. At that point, your house is finally roach free.
Also see http://www.ghorganics.com/Cockroaches.html - sugar and baking soda.