Source: New Zealand Government
Two native species found nowhere else on Earth are getting help to survive, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Hamilton’s frog and the white-bellied skink are both at serious risk of extinction.
“These species are part of what makes New Zealand special. Once they are gone, they are gone for good,” Mr Potaka says.
The funding will help create safe backup populations for both species.
Two hundred Hamilton’s frogs will be moved into new breeding facilities at Auckland Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park. The frog’s main wild population has fallen by about 80 per cent.
“This work will help breed more froglets and support the recovery of Hamilton’s frogs in the wild.”
The white-bellied skink may have fewer than 100 left in the wild. Funding will establish a protected population at Orana Wildlife Park.
“This gives these rare frogs and skinks a better chance of being around for our children and grandchildren.”
Notes to editors:
Hamilton’s Frog
- Hamilton’s frog is classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical.
- It is the largest native frog, growing up to 5cm, and is nocturnal. It inhabits native forest (rather than ponds like your ‘typical’ frog).
- It does not croak, and breeds on land. Eggs are laid under cover. Male frogs guard eggs and young froglets during their development. They can live for up to 45 years.
- The only remaining natural wild populations are found on two islands in the Marlborough Sounds: Te Pākeka/Maud Island and Takapourewa (Stephen’s Island).
- The species has been successfully translocated to Motuara Island, Zealandia sanctuary and Nukuwaiata (Chetwode Islands).
- There are currently a small number of frogs in captivity at Orana Wildlife Park.
- New Zealand frogs/pepeketua: Reptiles and frogs.
White-bellied skink
- The white-bellied skink is one of New Zealand’s rarest lizards.
- It is classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical.
- The species is found in Ō Tū Wharekai/Ashburton Lakes Basin, Canterbury.
- They live in the steep screes that are common in the Canterbury high country.
- Despite decades of surveys, only three tiny wild populations of the species have been located.
- Predator control is carried out to protect the species’ main remaining population and improve its chances of survival.
- The long-term goal of the white-bellied skink recovery work is to return captive-bred skinks to protected habitat within their natural range.
- White-bellied skink
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/04/new-funding-protects-rare-frogs-and-skinks/