Raising the prospects for a forgotten fauna: a review of 10 years of conservation effort for New Zealand reptiles

The native terrestrial reptile fauna of New Zealand comprises the last representatives of the Sphenodontida — two species of tuatara (Sphenodon) — and about 60 species of lizards in four endemic genera: Hoplodactylus and Naultinus (Gekkonidae), Cyclodina and Oligosoma (Scincidae). The entire fauna is strictly protected by legislation, but both species of tuatara, one quarter of the geckos and half of the skinks are now regarded as requiring urgent conservation action. The most widespread problem appears to have been predation by introduced mammals. Tuatara and many resident species of lizards on islands now have prospects of expanding in range and abundance following successful campaigns to eradicate introduced predatory mammals, especially rodents. In addition, 12 species of lizards and both species of tuatara have been reintroduced to islands within their former range once predators were eradicated. Habitat destruction and introduced predators remain as particular problems to lizards in the mainland North and South Islands. Solutions to habitat loss and predation may come from targeted predator control and innovative new approaches to ecosystem management.