In the depths of beech forest near Reefton, the Alborn skink clings to survival in a small pākihi wetland—its last refuge. First discovered in the 1990s, it has since vanished from other locations, leaving just this one fragile population.
With numbers remaining estimated between 40 to 100 individuals, the skink is facing a perilous future.
The problem is not just survival in isolation; it’s the invasive threat posed by introduced predators. Mice, in particular, are a twofold menace—they not only prey on the skinks but also compete for the same food, leading to a devastating imbalance. When the beech trees “mast”—producing large amounts of seed—mouse populations explode, fueling the destruction. It’s during these masting years that the future of the Alborn skink looks most bleak.
Without immediate action, this rare skink could disappear forever. We need to build a predator-proof fence to protect their remaining habitat, and give this species a fighting chance. This project will provide valuable insights into developing new, low-cost ways to manage mouse populations, helping not only the Alborn skink but other vulnerable species struggling against these same pressures.
Why one skink? Why one lizard? Because once a species is gone, it never returns. Extinct is forever. The Alborn skink, small as it may seem, plays an essential role in the biodiversity that is unique to our whenua. Losing this species would mean erasing a part of our natural heritage, a delicate balance that connects all living things in our ecosystem.
New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF) has committed to raising $1.58 million over the next five years to assist the Department of Conservation (DOC) with its shovel ready project to save the Alborn skink. The first stage of this project is to create a 5 hectare safe haven for the skink in the Victoria Forest Park by building a predator proof fence around the perimeter. Once the fence is erected the focus will be on removing mice and other predators from the area.
DOC and NZNF are working together to help save the Alborn skink. You can donate directly to this project through New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF). We are the charitable trust responsible for funds donated to this project.
