To promote awareness & interest in amphibians and reptiles and their conservation - New Zealand Herpetological Society


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Sick, injured or dead reptiles

It is unfortunate that most of the skinks and geckos we see are those 'brought in by the cat'. Many reptiles drop their tails as a decoy and escape.

If you find an animal has not been badly injured then it is best to release it into the area nearby. Providing crevices for skinks to hide, dense bush for geckos and open areas across which lizards may see predators is helpful.

Should the animal need veterinary attention, or be dead, call the Department of Conservation. All native reptiles are 'absolutely protected species' and are the responsibility of DOC.

Native animals - call DOC

See the DOC website

After hours -  the Department of Conservation (DOC) emergency hotline
0800 DOCHOT line 0800 362 468

During office hours - your local DOC office.

Exotic animals, pets, livestock

Call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Contact details available on the SPCA website.

Or you can contact your local council. Contact details on the Local Government website.

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