Whiskas Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 ok i realise these aren't really NZ aquatic animals but i wasn't sure where to ask My cat must have found a stash of brown skinks as for the second day in a row she has caught one - this time i was able to get to it before she killed it. It is in a icecream container at the mo to give it time to recover (i put in a little lid with some water and sugar mix in it for him to drink but i really have no idea what they like!) - but what should i do with it? I dont really want to let it go in the garden cos there isn't much cover and i dont want the cat to finish it off! What kind of environment do they like? So i can hoefully find a place in the wairarapa suitable to relocate him to. Or does anyone on here have a license to keep native skinks etc that would like to give him a home? He still has his tail and just has a small wound on his back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 www.reptiles.org.nz Its illegal to take them from the wild. Um they eat bugs. Try honey water and mashed banana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 colar with bell for the cat may help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskas Posted January 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 I realise that it is illegal to take them from teh wild - but i also thought it may be illegal to kill them, which is what will happen if i re-release him at home and as much as they creep me out i dont want them to die! I have contacted the herpetology (sp?) people via the website you have given - thanks for that The cats have bells but they are pretty wiley!! If i can find where the skinks are hanging out i can fence it off or cover it to protect them - but they are soooo hard to find and they may be living in the derelict, abandoned house next door! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 your local DOC office could be useful. They might know what type it is an of a nearby safer population to move it to. They should also be able to advise on how to keep it alive for the moment. DON'T just release it anywhere. There can be many different species within an area and also different genetic groups within one species, moving htem around could screw up the genetics. (I know this is highly relevant for native fish, I am assuming as much for lizards) Don't worry, DOC will be pleased that you saved it rather than annoyed you took it from the wild! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supasi Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Post up a photo if you can and we can try ID it for you. I used to keep several Rainbows(oz Invader). They are egg layers and mine laid twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskas Posted January 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 I think the poor lil fellow died The injury may have been worse that i first thought. I put him in the wood shed yesday (no way for the cats to get in there!). But this morn he is still there. Maybe he needs to warm up before he moves or something - but i haven't seen him take a breath when i have checked on him. Thanks for the idea - if she catches another skink i will contact my local DOC office - didn't think of that before!!! :roll: I will take a pic when i get home and post it so you guys can take a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskas Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 here a pic: (quality not best as took it with cellphone) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supasi Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 I think that is a Common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma) Although it not as common as I remember it to be. Used to find them all over the place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.