Navigation
- 1: Welcome
- 2: NZ Reptiles
- 3: Images and ecology
- 4: News
- 5: Regulations and Husbandry
- 7: Members
- 8: Habitat enhancement
- 9: Public Display
- 10: Glossary
- 11: FAQ
- 12: Links
Current page is 16: Sick, injured or dead reptiles
- 24: Education Resources
- 25: Public Forums
JOIN NZHS HERE
CLICK TO EMAIL US
Latest News
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.
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
After hours - the Department of Conservation (DOC) emergency hotline
0800 DOCHOT line 0800 362 468
During office hours - your local DOC office.
If you are a keeper with an ill animal then take it to a veterinarian quick!
There are two registered practices in New Zealand that have funding to work on native wildlife.
1) Auckland Zoo - Contact: Dr. Richard Jakob-Hoff or or Dr. John Potter
2) Massey University (Palmerston North) Contact Dr. Brett Gartrell
Exotic animals, pets, livestock
If there is a case of ill treatment to an animal - 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.