Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of DOC's most commonly used herbicides. However, glyphosate-based formulations that also contain the surfactant polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) have been found to change skinks' thermoregulatory behaviour and possibly cause slower sprint speeds. Based on this research, it is recommended that glyphosate formulations containing POEA (e.g. Roundup) should not be used in areas that are inhabited by rare or threatened lizard species.

New species of skink found at Bream Head

Read all about New Zealand's 'newest' lizard species, found at Bream Head, Whangarei

www.breamheadtrust.org.nz/news/new-species-of-skink-found-at-bream-head/

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN: Wellington is home to eight species of gecko and skink but their numbers are thought to be in decline because of predators and a loss of habitat.

Wellington City Council has made a cold-blooded appeal to the public to contribute sightings of lizards for its census.

Article found here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/8344843/Lizards-alert-for-wildlife-census

The NZHS has been asked to aid DOC and MPI in detected and reporting an emerging fungal disease in captive reptiles, called CANV.

Please read this News Bulletin and the attached documentation to see how you can help.

A fungal disease (CANV) has recently been detected in New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) are working together to enhance surveillence efforts and collect information on the distribution and effects of the disease.

A snake which made its way into New Zealand from Vanuatu has been intercepted at a Manukau scrap yard. The boa was discovered dead inside a container of scrap metal last week, shortly after arriving in Auckland.

Full story here:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10859039