June 2026: Over summer, we repeated population counts of schist geckos, McCann’s skinks, and southern grass skinks both inside and outside the sanctuary. Previous counts were made in 2014 before the fence was built, and in 2020, so we’re able to see how these pre-existing species have responded to being in a mammal-free sanctuary. 

Preliminary counts of schist geckos found in Onduline retreats inside the sanctuary have increased nearly 8-fold since 2014, compared with only marginal changes outside the fence. Tracking rates of geckos and skinks, and sightings of skinks along transects, have also increased substantially. 

A big thank you to Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and the Sargood Bequest Trust for funding this hugely encouraging research.