NZ Reptiles

In New Zealand there are two lizard species - Geckos and Skinks. They have adapted to cold weather. Geckos and Skinks bask in the sun to get warm so they can catch their prey.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Geckos have broad feet with microscopic hairs that help them climb up walls and trees. Skinks can drop their tails off so they can get away from their predators. Their tails then regrow (and they can drop off again). Geckos have soft velvety skin. The gecko’s skin sloughs off in large pieces. Skinks skin comes off in small pieces. Geckos clean their eyes with their tongue. Skinks don’t need to clean their eyes because they have moveable eye lids.

FOOD

Skinks and geckos eat insects and smaller animals. Their favourite food is insects and spiders. They eat berries and fruit as part of their diet. Geckos and skinks are omnivores.

HABITATS

Skinks fight each other over sites to bask in. Skinks bask in the sun. Skinks and geckos live in small burrows, but geckos also live under strips of bark off trees.

ENDANGERED STATUS

Some species of Geckos and skinks are found in New Zealand. They might become endangered because there are not many of them in this country, due to the number of predators that have been introduced. Their predators are rats, cats, dogs, mice, stoats, Tuatara and ferrets.

CONCLUSION

These two reptiles are special to New Zealand. We need to help protect them from predators. We can help stop predators by clearing forests and bushes of their enemies.

By Kitione T