Island paradise for skinks

Ulva Island has new residents, after the Department of Conservation moved 40 skinks to the pest-free sanctuary near Stewart Island.

The common skinks were this week successfully moved to the island during ongoing restoration of "reptile fauna", DoC said.

Rats had wiped out every species of skink on Ulva Island.

"Reinstating the island's reptile fauna is a key step in the ongoing restoration of this island sanctuary," said Stewart Island's biodiversity manager, Brent Beaven. "The real test is how they cope with the weka."

- NZPA