New Zealand has 147 living native gecko and skink species (lizards) and new species are still being discovered. Of the 147 lizard species, 59 (40%) are classed as threatened; 68 (46%) are at risk; 16 (11%) are too poorly known to assess; and just four species (3%) are not threatened. Mr Reardon said 17 lizard species had improved in status since the last report in 2021, mostly due to better knowledge about them and management efforts. "In recent years, through focused research, we’ve tested new tools such as fenced enclosures, which are improving outcomes for some of our most threatened lizard species. "Sadly, we’ve seen a decline in Sinbad skinks, which are found in a single alpine gully in Fiordland.
