On the tail of Christchurch’s endangered lizards

There are five species of lizards that like to live in Christchurch. Photo: CCC

As the self-proclaimed ‘lizard lady’, city council herpetologist Chris McClure’s job is not your average 9 to 5.

McClure’s work day consists of relocating endangered lizards away from city council construction sites, keeping them out of harm’s way and promoting the species survival.

There are five species of lizards that like to live in Christchurch, with some hiding in greenfield and industrial areas and others camouflaged in the residential red zone.

The locations often double as sites for infrastructure like stormwater basins, bridges and roads, or development projects in the Port Hills and Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.

That’s where McClure steps in.

“We’re lucky enough to have the incredible lizard species that we do here in Christchurch, but these special guys need a lot of help,” she said.

“While some of these sites may look like the perfect lizard habitat, we want to give these endangered creatures a better chance at survival. And we can do that by taking them to safe relocation spots that are approved release areas.”

Chris McClure. PHOTO: CCC

McClure’s work starts by completing a desktop survey with aerial maps of the soon-to-be construction sites, looking for areas of habitat she thinks the little creatures may be hiding in.

Once lizards have been confirmed at a site, she works with the Department of Conservation to obtain a permit to handle and move the lizards.

McClure is then deployed to the sites and sets traps to safely collect and relocate the lizards to sites that can legally never be built on or damaged, providing them with a forever home.

“We take care of them from then on, monitoring the site for a number of years to keep track of the populations to see how the little guys are surviving,” McClure said.

All of New Zealand’s lizards are protected by the Wildlife Act 1953. McClure said the public can help lizard populations by reporting a sighting on the DOC website.

“Keep an eye out for lizards in the wild and if you come across one, pop through a record to the DOC. This helps us understand where lizards are located and what’s going on with their species, meaning we can better help them survive.”