Request for lizard sightings

Wellington City Council has asked the public to log any lizard sightings they make as part of a survey into the secretive reptiles. Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says that although we might not see the secretive reptiles very often, Wellington is actually home to at least eight distinct species of lizards – including the striking Wellington green gecko.

“Overall numbers have declined due to loss of habitat and predation by cats and other introduced mammals. This survey should help us get a better idea of the distribution of species. We can then work with local communities to look after them.”

Helpful observations include details about the location, a photo or description of the lizard – such as its colour, size and species – and the date and time it was seen.

To log a sighting, go to www.ecogecko.co.nz/ards.php or call 021 190 1918.

You can make your garden a more lizard-friendly habitat by:

• providing crevices where lizards can hide
• planting dense, prickly shrubs and native grasses where lizards can escape predators
• minimising use of insecticide and herbicide sprays
• planting berry and nectar-producing plants to give lizards year-round food
• making ‘lizard hotels’ with corrugated iron