The NZHS provided funding to support habitat creation in a pest-free sanctuary for Napier's northern spotted skinks.
The northern spotted skink (Oligosoma kokowai) is regionally critically-endangered in the Hawke's Bay. They survive at just one location in Napier, and are known to be genetically distinct from other populations of northern spotted skinks (i.e. populations in the Wellington region and northern South Island).
Northern spotted skink (Oligosoma kokowai) in Napier. (image credit: Nick Harker)
Historically, spotted skinks would have been abundant through parts of the upper South Island and lower North Island. However, following the arrival of humans, a combination of habitat destruction and invasive pests (e.g. rats, mice, cats etc.) has pushed them towards extinction in the North Island - where they now only survive on just three pest-free islands (all in the Wellington region), and three small mainland populations (two in the Wellington region, and one in the Hawke's Bay). The mainland populations have experienced significant declines, and all are close to extinction. The Napier/Hawke's Bay population is significant, as it is the northernmost population of this species, and genetically distinct from populations further south.
In Napier, spotted skinks were once common living among coastal vegetation such as Muehlenbeckia, until much of this was cleared and converted into mown lawn sometime during the 1960's-1970's. The population was assumed to have gone extinct, until 2006 when a small population was rediscovered living in modified habitat.
Between 2006 and 2007, a number of skinks were caught for a captive breeding programme at the Napier Aquarium. However, this was unsuccessful, and most of these animals perished. By 2019, only one old female remained in captivity.
Surveys during the early 2020's confirmed that the population persisted in low numbers, but was at high risk of extinction without conservation intervention. At the time, it was estimated there might be less than 25 spotted skinks remaining in the Napier population, and they were considered at imminent risk of extinction.
Northern spotted skink (above) and northern grass skink (below) from Napier. Northern spotted skinks are much larger and more heavily patterned compared to northern grass skinks - which are still present at many locations in Hawke's Bay. (image credit: Nick Harker)
In 2025, Napier City Council provided funding for a dedicated sanctuary on the foreshore reserve, to protect the local population of northern spotted skinks. This funding was provided as mitigation for upgrades to some stormwater infrastructure which will impact skink habitat.
The Sanctuary was built in late 2025 and has a footprint of 676 square metres. The fence is two metres tall with a metal cap to prevent pests like cats from jumping over or climbing in. It was also constructed using a fine mesh which prevents baby mice from getting in (as mice are known to be significant lizard predators). It's believed that the sanctuary may eventually have capacity to support up to 300 spotted skinks. However, with so few skinks remaining and the species being slow-breeding, it is likely to take many years before the sanctuary reaches capacity. Ongoing surveillance will ensure that the sanctuary remains pest-free.
Napier spotted skink sanctuary sign. (image credit: Nick Harker)
As the sanctuary was built on the mown foreshore reserve (for logistical reasons), habitat for spotted skinks needed to be created from scratch. This involved creating several deep rock piles, the addition of large logs, plants to provide food and shelter, and driftwood). Funding for this came via donations from several local schools and community groups (including the NZHS).
Napier spotted skink sanctuary habitat. (image credit: Nick Harker)
On Saturday 18th April 2026, the first four northern spotted skinks (two males and two females) were released into the sanctuary following a small ceremony.
The skinks inside the sanctuary will continue to be monitored, in order to track their survival and any breeding that occurs. Each skink has unique individual markings, and was photographed prior to release. So, by comparing these photos with skinks which are caught in future, the team will be able to distinguish between the founders and any new skinks which are born in the sanctuary.
It's hoped that additional spotted skinks will be found and relocated to the sanctuary in the near future, to provide valuable genetic diversity for the population. With so few skinks remaining, every individual is important to the population's survival.
The first northern spotted skink being released into the Sanctuary in April 2026. (image credit: Nick Harker)