On Aotea, thirteen native lizard species (5 geckos and 8 skinks) have clung to survival thanks to conservation efforts, and the lack of possums, mustelids, hedgehogs and Norway rats. They are also pollinators and seed dispersers to many native plants through their consumption of nectar and fruits. These small predators eat insects and other invertebrates and are an important food source for native birds like ruru / morepork and kotare / kingfisher. Lizards play an important role in the functioning of native ecosystems. More than 75% are considered threatened or at risk and many are completely absent from mainland New Zealand due to habitat destruction and predators like cats, rats, mice and mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels). New Zealand has more than 110 species of native lizards (geckos and skinks) that are found nowhere else in the world. Skinks are more slender than geckos, with narrow heads and small eyes, a narrow neck which is nearly as wide as the head, and have smooth, shiny, fish-like scales on the surface of the skin. One of the chevron skinks at Kim and Frances’ property. New Zealand geckos are unusual in that they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs chevrons give birth to litters of up to eight. The female skink first ventured into their house last November, and after gentle persuasion, left the property, only to return the next day to the couch! Kim suspects she might have been ‘gravid’ – in other words, pregnant. Once they noticed the skinks, Kim also installed an ultrasonic cat-repeller.Ĭan you spot the second chevron skink? The skinks’ woodpile home on Kim and Frances’ property. By discarding wood offcuts in a pile next to the stream and making their property safe with relentless rat control, at least two chevrons moved in. So, what made Kim and Frances’ property an ideal place for chevron skinks to set up home? Well, to begin with, they inadvertently built them a home when building their own in 2008. And if that wasn’t enough, chevrons can hold their breath and retreat underwater if threatened by predators! Unlike other skinks, chevrons are capable of making noises and will often grunt or squeak on being disturbed. One of the chevron skinks at Windy Hill Sanctuary on Aotea / Great Barrier Island To add to their visual prowess, they also have a tear drop marking under each eye that varies from skink to skink. Masters of camouflage, chevrons can be found in dead tree fern fronds which provide the perfect cover for their grey to light reddish-brown colour and chevron pattern.
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They are excellent climbers, putting their prehensile tails to good use scaling trees when streams and creeks are flooded. They are commonly found near forested streams and damp places due to their susceptibility to dehydration.
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The chevron is our longest skink, sometimes measuring over 30cm. But for those who live on Aotea, where sightings are regular, they are affectionately referred to as “Chevvies”. This refers to the distinctive ‘V’ shaped markings on its back which also gives rise to their English name. The chevron skink is known to Māori as ‘Niho Taniwha’ meaning ‘teeth of the Taniwha’.
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The moment Kim and Frances found a chevron skink on their couch on Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Living up to the title of a ‘lounge lizard’, a chevron skink was found perching on the arm of their sofa, living la vida.
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But would you share your couch with our longest skink? Over on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, this happened to locals, Kim and Frances, thanks to local conservation efforts and a lack of certain predators. Imagine the day when we might share our lives and properties with endangered native birds, insects, and a lizard to two.