September 19th, 2024
In a triumphant tale of survival and cooperation, 21 critically endangered Kapitia skinks have been successfully relocated from Auckland Zoo to their native habitat on the West Coast. The skinks, found only in a one-kilometer coastal strip near Hokitika, were taken into safekeeping by Auckland Zoo following the devastating impact of Cyclone Fehi in 2018, according to a Department of Conservation media release issued on Thursday.
Community effort to save skinks
The Department of Conservation (DOC), along with the support of Ngāti Waewae, local landowners, Westland District Council, and Air New Zealand, worked together to establish the Kapitia Scientific Reserve as a sanctuary for these unique creatures. The reserve has been instrumental in protecting the skinks from habitat damage and predators such as rats and mice.
Auckland Zoo played a crucial role in the skinks' journey to recovery. The zoo not only provided a safe haven for the skinks but also facilitated their breeding, nearly doubling their numbers in just five years.
Bittersweet farewell
The final release of the Kapitia skinks from Auckland Zoo marks a bittersweet moment for the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the species' survival. Richard Gibson, head of animal care and conservation at the zoo, reflects on the incredible progress made in just half a decade: "Seeing them return to the West Coast in just five short years – a blink of an eye in conservation terms - is remarkable and a testament to what dedicated and focused partnership can achieve."
Brighter future for Kapitia skinks
This relocation marks the third and final translocation of the Kapitia skinks, with the previous releases taking place in November 2021. The skinks' distinctive salmon-colored underside and prehensile tail, which allows them to grip objects and climb trees, make them a fascinating addition to New Zealand's native wildlife.
Thanks to the collective efforts of various organizations, the Kapitia skinks now have a chance to thrive in their natural habitat once again. Their homecoming serves as a reminder that collaboration and dedication can make a real difference in preserving our planet's most vulnerable species.