Jim O'Malley is a local conservationist supporting the development of the Wairarapa Lizard Strategy which includes a region-wide survey of our lizard populations. The strategy and survey is a partnership between Wildlands Consultants, Wairarapa Pūkaha to Kawakawa and like-minded individuals. Rural landowners and catchment groups can help play a part in surveying and protecting our local lizard populations.
Why New Zealand Lizards are Important
New Zealand lizards are important for several ecological, cultural, and conservation-related reasons. Their unique characteristics and roles in the ecosystem make them a critical part of New Zealand's biodiversity.
Here's why they are so significant:
Pest Control
Many native lizard species help control insect populations. For instance, they feed on a wide range of insects, including moths, beetles, and ants.
Endemic Species
New Zealand is home to a high number of endemic lizard species, (126 species) meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Our native geckos and skinks as reptiles should lay eggs to produce young but with the exception of one species, they bear live young making them globally irreplaceable.
Cultural Significance; Māori Cultural Values
In Māori culture, reptiles like lizards, especially the tuatara, hold spiritual and symbolic significance. They are often regarded as symbols of endurance and survival, due to their long evolutionary history. Their conservation is closely tied to the concept of "kaitiakitanga" (guardianship or stewardship).
Conservation Value and Ecological Restoration
Conservation of native lizards is an important part of broader ecological restoration efforts in New Zealand. By protecting these reptiles, efforts also help safeguard other native species that share their habitats.
In the Wairarapa we have 9 lizard species including two species which are quite rare in our region – the Northern Spotted Skink and the Speckled Skink.
Our Lizards are in Trouble
Predation by Introduced Species
Introduced predators such as rats, stoats, and possums are a major threat to native lizards. Many lizard species in the Wairarapa are ground-dwelling or use low-lying vegetation for shelter, making them particularly vulnerable to predation by these non-native animals.
Habitat Loss and Degradation
As human development expands in the Wairarapa region, lizard habitats are being cleared or fragmented over time which disrupts lizard ecosystems.
Invasive Plant Species
Non-native plant species, such as blackberry, gorse, and other aggressive weeds, can take over lizard habitats. These plants often outcompete native vegetation and reduce the availability of the open, sunny spaces that some lizards prefer.
Climate Change
Changes in temperature and weather patterns due to climate change can have serious effects on lizard populations. Many lizard species are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperature depends on the external environment. If temperatures fluctuate too drastically, it can affect their survival, reproductive success, and feeding patterns.
How You Can Help
Rural landowners in the Wairarapa can play a crucial role in the conservation of native lizards by taking a variety of actions to protect their habitats and reduce threats to their survival.
Here are some ways rural landowners can help with lizard conservation:
Preserve Natural Habitats
Native lizards thrive in undisturbed natural environments, such as native bush, scrublands, wetlands, and coastal areas. Landowners can protect these habitats from development or degradation by creating conservation areas and reducing land use that negatively impacts lizard populations.
Revegetation and Planting
Planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses can restore habitats for lizards by providing shelter, food sources (like insects), and safe passageways. This is especially important in areas that have been cleared for farming or urban development.
Controlling Introduced Predators
Landowners can help by implementing pest control programs to reduce predator populations on their land. This can include using traps, bait stations, and other tools to target predators.
Reporting Sightings
Reporting lizard sightings to conservation groups or local authorities can help build a more accurate picture of where lizard populations are located, and what conservation actions may be needed. If you see a lizard and take a photo of it, please send it to Jim O'Malley at omalleyjim70@gmail.com.