Date:  15 August 2017

DOC’s Threatened Species Ambassador Nicola Toki says DOC staff were called to the Gardens last Friday after two international tourists found the container in the bamboo area and handed it to staff. 

On closer inspection, 58 lizards were stuffed into the small lunch container wrapped with duct tape.  Only four of the lizards were still alive and are now being looked after by DOC. 

“We are still identifying the lizards, but they are thought to include spotted, McCann’s, and southern grass skinks, and Waitaha and jewelled geckos. All are fully protected and most are threatened or at risk,” says Ms Toki.

The lizards and the lunchbox they were found in

A lizard found in the lunchbox

“These precious lizards were found in horrific conditions and we need the public’s help to find out who put them there.” 

“Someone might have seen the box being left at the Gardens or suspicious activity at possible lizard sites in the South Island. They might have seen someone turning over debris or looking intently at one site for a long time,” she says. 

We encourage anyone with information to phone 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or the Christchurch DOC office +64 3 341 9100. 

Treating our native species in this way is the sort of activity that DOC takes seriously. The Department recently announced it is stepping up its compliance and law enforcement work throughout the country.

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