Two native species found nowhere else on Earth are getting Government assistance to survive, with both facing the serious risk of extinction.
Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka said funding will help to create safe backup populations for Hamilton’s frog – whose main wild population has fallen by about 80% – and the white-bellied skink.
Under the Government plan, two hundred Hamilton’s frogs will be moved into new breeding facilities at Auckland Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park.
Hamilton’s frog – currently classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical – is the largest native frog, growing up to 5cm, and is nocturnal. It inhabits native forest rather than ponds like a typical frog.
It does not croak, and breeds on land. Eggs are laid under cover. Male frogs guard eggs and young froglets during their development. They can live for up to 45 years. The only remaining natural wild populations are found on two islands in the Marlborough Sounds: Te Pākeka/Maud Island and Takapourewa (Stephen’s Island).
“These species are part of what makes New Zealand special. Once they are gone, they are gone for good,” Mr Potaka said.
“This work will help breed more froglets and support the recovery of Hamilton’s frogs in the wild.”
The Department of Conservation says white-bellied skink may have fewer than 100 left in the wild. The new funding will establish a protected population at Orana Wildlife Park.
The species is found in Ō Tū Wharekai/Ashburton Lakes Basin, Canterbury where it lives in the steep screes that are common in the high country.
Despite decades of surveys, only three tiny wild populations of the species have been located.
The long-term goal of the white-bellied skink recovery work is to return captive-bred skinks to protected habitat within their natural range.
“This gives these rare frogs and skinks a better chance of being around for our children and grandchildren,” said Minister Potaka.
