Predator control allows critically endangered lizards to recover on mainland New Zealand.

摘要: Two conservation tools have been developed over the last 10–15 years for species on New Zealand mainland that are vulnerable to introduced mammalian predators: landscape-scale predator trapping networks, and eradication of predators within mammal-proof exclosures. We tested whether these would allow population growth critically endangered grand skinks (Oligosoma grande) Otago (O. otagense) three years. Skink populations were subjected one treatments: (1) near-eradication inside a fence; (2) suppression by 2100-ha area; (3) unmanaged populations. Monitoring non-invasive photo–resight methods, data analysis using program MARK, showed greatest increase in abundance both occurred at centre treatment fence. For skinks, there was little or no change size periphery. At sites, skink underwent catastrophic decline whereas stable. A grouping clearly distinguished from other treatments based survival rate. Results suggest that: predation mammals is key driver episodic events may be component this process; use fences intensive control large enough area should recover.