This month as been great for groups in Hamilton City, who have been finding species they didn’t know were their neighbours. residents in Hamilton found this skink in the area where they have recently started predator control to supplement their plantings.
It is a copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum), one of the many native reptiles in Aotearoa New Zealand. Predator control is a crucial way of protecting these species in urban environments, where rats are abundant.
Another great piece of news is that Hamilton East School officially blessed and opened their newly restored planting area, Te Ara o Te Ngahere, on the school grounds. Predator Free Hamilton donated several traps to the project and they have been a great success. The school has recorded numerous catches.
Lets hope that there will be further plans to expand the project as natural areas are such a great education tool.
