The Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis was declared extinct in the wild last year. Thanks to a breeding programme in two US zoos a population of the toads has been returned to Africa.
Development of a $20,000 lizard monitoring plan, by the Auckland Regional Council, will help assess the status of lizard populations across the entire Auckland isthmus.
The Auckland Regional Council, in association with Bioresearches Group Ltd and Ecogecko Consultants, have developed a long-term lizard monitoring programme that will be established in a number of Regional Parks. The aim of the project is to assess the current status of the gecko populations and measure any changes in lizard abundance over time, now that pest-control operations are underway.
A teenager has been sent to prison for three months after smuggling two small snakes into the country in his pants.
A teenager has been sent to prison for three months after smuggling two small snakes into the country in his pants.
"anybody who brings snakes into this country can expect to go to jail!"
Read more in "the press".
Three Otago skinks and five grand skinks from the high country near Wanaka were released into a predator-proof enclosure yesterday on the outskirts of Christchurch as part of a breeding programme.
The $100,000 purpose-built "skinkery" is part of Isaac Wildlife Trust's 1000-hectare Peacock Springs Wildlife Park at McLeans Island.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the skinks' move was a major step for the critically endangered species, which were among New Zealand's largest lizards.
For only the second time in more than 200 years, a baby tuatara has been spotted on the mainland, leading experts to believe there could be more breeding in Wellington.
EXCITING FIND: A baby tuatara at Zealandia is a breakthrough for the species' breeding on the mainland - it's believed to be the second seen in 200 years.
A major conservation project to protect some of New Zealand's most endangered species in a remote Milford Sound valley is proving an outstanding success, with the help of Californian twins Dave and Joe Newman.
See the full story in the Otago Daily Times.
7 forest geckos stolen on Monday night in Whangarei!!!
If you haven't already heard, 7 Hoplodactylus granulatus (Forest) geckos (6 females and 1 male) were stolen from a holding facility in Whangarei on Monday night. These animals were destined for island release for conservation purposes!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3866078/Fat-Albert-among-seven-stolen-gecko.
An interesting article in the news recently about the confiscation and destruction of 50+ Litoria caerulea (White's tree frog) in Auckland early this year.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/3840590/Illegally-traded-frogs-destroyed
Queen's Birthday honours
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Anthony Hume Whitaker for services to herpetology.
The NZHS congratualtes Tony Whitaker on the recognition of his work, which ranges from field work, photographing, writing identification books, classification of New Zealand species and advising on ways to improve habitat.
Read the full text of the changes to the Wildlife Act here.
Whale sharks, katipo spiders and all giant weta will now be absolutely protected under changes to the Wildlife Act, Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson announced today.
They are among 12 previously unprotected species of invertebrate and a number of marine species, including manta ray, giant groper and corals, which have had their protection status upgraded.