Home / Environment / Rare Skink Finds Safe Haven in NZ Sanctuary
Rare Skink Finds Safe Haven in NZ Sanctuary
2 Oct
Summary
- A new predator-proof sanctuary was built for critically endangered northern spotted skinks.
- Four skinks were released into the 676-square-metre enclosure in April 2026.
- The sanctuary aids a $37.4 million stormwater project impacting native habitat.
A new 676-square-metre pest-proof sanctuary has been established in Napier, New Zealand, to protect the critically endangered northern spotted skink. This purpose-built enclosure, completed in late 2025, welcomed its first four residents—two males and two females—on April 18, 2026. The move aims to safeguard the remaining population and provide a secure space for breeding.
The sanctuary is situated on Marine Parade and features a 2-meter-high fence designed to exclude predators like mice, rats, and cats. Its habitat includes rock piles, logs, driftwood, and vegetation, creating a suitable environment for the skinks. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the species, especially as major stormwater improvements are underway nearby.
The northern spotted skink (Oligosoma kokowai) is regionally critically endangered in Hawke's Bay, with the Napier population being genetically distinct and vital. Habitat destruction and introduced predators have severely impacted their numbers. The establishment of this sanctuary is a crucial step in preventing extinction, with plans to potentially house up to 300 skinks over many years.
The creation of the enclosure was necessitated by a $37.4 million stormwater infrastructure project that would have affected skink habitat. By building the sanctuary, Napier City Council ensured that the essential infrastructure work could proceed while guaranteeing permanent protection for this rare reptile.
