Trends in lizard translocations in New Zealand between 1988 and 2013

Published source details Romijn R.L. & Hartley S. (2016) Trends in lizard translocations in New Zealand between 1988 and 2013. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 43, 191-210.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate reptiles away from threats: Snakes and lizards Action Link
	Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards Action Link
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Lizards Action Link

Translocate reptiles away from threats: Snakes and lizards

A review published in 2016 of lizard mitigation translocation projects in New Zealand during 1988–2013 (Romijn & Hartley 2016) found that most projects found evidence of breeding following release, but only one found evidence of population growth. Nine of 28 (32%) mitigation translocations had some post-release monitoring. One found evidence of population growth (more lizards found than released), eight found populations were smaller than the number released, and none resulted in complete failure (no lizards found). Only one mitigation translocated was monitored for >5 years, and breeding was observed in this population. Published and unpublished literature were searched, and key people associated with each translocation were identified and contacted for further information. Mitigation translocations were considered those motivated by removing lizards from anthropogenic threats at the donor site, including habitat destruction and illegal collection.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards

A review published in 2016 of lizard translocation and release projects (some involving captive-bred animals) in New Zealand during 1988–2013 (Romijn & Hartley 2016) found that most projects found evidence of breeding following release, but few found evidence of population growth. Forty-five of 53 (85%) translocations/releases motivated by conservation had some post-release monitoring. Seven found evidence of population growth (more lizards found than released), 33 found that populations were smaller than the number released, at least 16 found evidence of breeding after release, and five resulted in complete failure (no lizards found). One translocation (of Oligosoma infrapunctatum) was later discovered to be to a location outside the species historic range. Some translocations/releases involved wild animals and others captive bred animals (project success vs source of animals not stated). Published and unpublished literature were searched, and key people associated with each project were identified and contacted for further information. Translocations/releases were considered to be motivated by conservation if the primary focus was to benefit the species or recipient site.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Lizards

A review published in 2016 of lizard translocation projects in New Zealand during 1988–2013 (Romijn & Hartley 2016) found that most projects found evidence of breeding following release, but few found evidence of population growth. Forty-five of 53 (85%) translocations motivated by conservation had some post-release monitoring. Seven found evidence of population growth (more lizards found than released), 33 found that populations were smaller than the number released, at least 16 found evidence of breeding after release, and five resulted in complete failure (no lizards found). One translocation (of speckled skinks Oligosoma infrapunctatum) was later discovered to be at a location outside the species historic range. Some translocations involved wild animals and others captive bred (project success vs source of animals not stated). Published and unpublished literature were searched, and key people associated with each translocation were identified and contacted for further information. Translocations were considered to be motivated by conservation if the primary focus was to benefit the species or recipient site.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)