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.