Rare spotted skink spotted for the first time in half a century excites conservationists

NZ Herald10 Aug, 2026 04:00 AM3 mins to readNZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Hato Hone St John responds to high 111 calls, and iwi leader supports Green Party proposal | Monday, August 10, 2026. Video / NZ HeraldA rare Canterbury spotted skink, not sighted in more than 50 years, has scientists hopeful it may mean the start of a new population for the nationally endangered reptile.

There are thought to be fewer than 1000 of the species left, with a previous stronghold population having collapsed at Kaitorete