Chevron Skink

Great Barrier Island

Help save New Zealand's rarest lizard

from a brochure by:

Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai



The "big" skink

The chevron skink is New Zealand's largest lizard. and one of its most endangered. Today the chevron skink is found only on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands. However it may once have been present in other parts of the North Island, and it has been linked with accounts by 19th century Maori of a giant lizard (kawekaweau) in the northern North Island.

Lost for 60 years

First scientifically described in 1906, this big skink was then "lost" for over 60 years before being seen on Great Barrier Island in the mid 1970s. Sightings have since occurred in over 20 locations - all but one on Great Barrier Island. The exception was a single sighting on Little Barrier Island in 1992.

Water lovers

The skink lives in forested areas along watercourses in very damp areas of bush. Although chevron skinks have been seen lying out in the sun, scientists believe they don't actually bask like most lizards as an essential part of their metabolism. Rather, water and dampness seem to most suit the lifestyle of the chevron skink.

Edging to extinction

The chevron skink is close to extinction. The reason that it has survived on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands is probably because these islands are free of problem pests like possums, wallabies, mustelids, deer and Norway rats.
Photo: C.R.Veitch

Spotting a chevron

The chevron skink is a rare sight in the wild. The skink bears on its back the distinct alternating brown and white arrowhead markings which give the "chevron" part of its common name. Also distinctive is the white "teardrop" marking under each eye. And it's noted for the chirps and grunts it makes when disturbed or handled. It can grow to a total length of 30cm.

The big threats

Cats, rats and pigs

Cats and rats, already present on Great Barrier Island. eat lizards including the chevron skink. Pigs can also eat lizards.

Forest destruction

Degradation or destruction of the skink's forest habitat bv goats, pigs or humans threaten the skink's survival on the island.

Release of new predators

The accidental escape, or intentional introduction, of new predators that are not on Great Barrier at present - such as possums wallabies, ferrets, deer, Norway rats, and weka - would have disastrous consequences for the chevron skink. Browsing animals such as possums, deer or wallabies would irreparably damage Great Barrier's lowland broadleaf forest, favoured by the chevron skink.
If Norway rats get to Great Barrier Island, they could tip the scales against the endangered chevron skink. So could stoats or ferrets. Any escape of the ground-feeding weka would also endanger the skink.

ESPECIALLY BEWARE THE NORWAY RAT!

Because of its watery habitat, the chevron skink is particularly vulnerable to the Norway rat. This type of rat, like its ship rat and kiore cousins, eats lizards. The Norway rat is a particular threat because it colonises watercourses and damp places.

Map: Confirmed reports of chevron skink on Great BarrierIsland 1977-1988

Towards recovery

The Department of Conservation has prepared a recovery plan for the chevron skink to assist its survival into the future. The goal of this plan is to maintain and enhance populations of the skink on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands through such measures as pest prevention and wild animal control. This will involve working closely with local authorities and local landowners to improve the skink's habitat and to eradicate and control goats, pigs and wild cats in some parts of Great Barrier Island.

The future of the chevron skink, New Zealand's largest lizard, hangs in the balance. Found only on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands, this skink is highly endangered, and needs your help to save it from extinction.

For further information:

Department of Conservation
Tel 09 4290044 Port Fitzroy
09-307 9279 Auckland

Cover photo: Tony Whitaker

Published by Department of Conservation Auckland Conservancy: June 1996