Electronic Atlas of the amphibians and reptiles of New Zealand
Research priorities for North Island skinks
The reptiles
Lizards belong to the group of animals known as reptiles. This group includes crocodiles, turtles, snakes, tuatara and lizards.
There are many different types of lizards in the world, but in New Zealand we only have geckos and skinks.
Lizards can thrive in suburban gardens and rural properties if you meet their needs for food and shelter.
The chevron skink is one of New Zealand's rarest lizards.
The Cyclodina group of lizards contains more rare species than any other group of New Zealand lizard. Find out more here.
Find out more about the geckos of New Zealand.
Grand and Otago skinks are two of New Zealand's most impressive and distinctive lizards, and grow as long as 300 mm.
The distinctively marked striped skink is one of New Zealand's least known and rarely seen lizards.
Skinks and geckos factsheet (PDF, 220K)
Lizards in your garden factsheet - How to create habitats for lizards in Wellington gardens.
Watch a video:
Video about New Zealand's lizards/mokomoko
Video about Kaitorete's lizards
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
