Mokomoko (copper skinks) were welcomed to their new home at Cambridge’s Pukemako Reserve last week.
Nine mokomoko were caught during the first afternoon of lizard relocation, part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) work to protect the native lizards ahead of construction of the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere.
Many more mokomoko are expected to be relocated to Pukemako over the coming months.
Representatives from Ngāti Hauā, the Pukemako Reserve Joint Board, Waipā District Council, NZTA and engineering firm WSP attended the release.
Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust representative Makoha Pene led a karakia to bless the site and welcome the mokomoko to their new home.
Ngāti Hauā chair and Pukemako Reserve Joint Board chair Lisa Gardiner said the release was a positive example of organisations working together to protect native species, while supporting the natural environment.
“Pukemako is a special place, and it is meaningful to see mokomoko being welcomed into a protected environment where they can thrive. We’re looking forward to seeing these mokomoko settle in and become part of the reserve and its wider ecosystem.”
Mayor Mike Pettit enjoyed being part of the release. “It’s awesome to see these little mokomoko getting a new home here at Pukemako. It’s something different, and it’s great that we can be part of it.”
Copper skinks are the smallest native skink in Aotearoa and are classified as At Risk – Declining by the Department of Conservation.
The mokomoko will be monitored following their release, with surveys planned at two and five years to assess the success of the relocation.
It comes after more than 200 mokomoko have already been relocated to Warrenheip Sanctuary, Waikato, with Pukemako providing a secondary release site to support the ongoing relocation programme.
The Pukemako Reserve Joint Board approved the use of the reserve as a release site, subject to conditions including cultural monitoring during the early relocation work.
