Conservation Projects > Otago Skink

Otago Skink

Oligosoma otagense

The Otago Skink is listed as critically endangered by the Department of Conservation and it's survival is now dependant upon conservation efforts.

Here at Willowbank we hold two adult males and one breeding pair. Our breeding pair produced four live young this season as well as one live baby in 2005.

It is rare for them to have four babies at once so this is a real boost to captive breeding numbers as there was only 24 recorded as being in captivity at the end of 2004.

These skink are unusual in that their eggs hatch inside the female who then gives birth to live young.

It is essential that enough are bred in captivity to be able to set up new colonies in Otago to ensure the survival of this species.

We are hoping to get mates in the future for our two males to boost our breeding capacity.

If you are interested in supporting the work done to prevent the extinction of this unique species please contact us


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