The Te Kakahu skink is classified as ‘‘nationally critical’’ because of its numbers and the fact it occupies such a small area. Photo: DocTe Kakahu skink have a new home in Fiordland. The rare species of skink, only discovered in 2002, have previously just populated a 50m by 50m scrubby cliff site on predator-free Chalky Island in Preservation Inlet in Fiordland National Park. The decision was made last week to relocate 99 Te Kakahu skink to Anchor Island, further north in Dusky Sound, as a ‘‘backup’’, she said. Home to a wide variety of endangered native species, including mohua, saddleback, little spotted kiwi and kakapo, Anchor Island is not known to have any other skink species present.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2018 21:00 UTC