Abstract
Natural habitat is not always available for translocations due to habitat modification or pressure from introduced predators. We followed the release of 30 captive-bred Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense) into a 109 m2 outdoor enclosure of artificial habitat at Orokonui Ecosanctuary in southeastern New Zealand. We evaluated the short-term success of the translocation by assessing visibility and survival of the skinks over the 3 summer months following release in spring 2013, plus survival the following spring. Skinks were visible most days, especially in warm, dry conditions. Survival was high over the first summer; 80% of skinks were seen at least once during February 2014. The following spring 63% of skinks were resighted during three surveys and breeding has since been reported. Thus, it is feasible to maintain captive-bred adults of this Nationally Endangered skink in artificially constructed, outdoor habitat in a coastal location. However, to avoid predation of juveniles by adult skinks, future translocations should avoid releasing juveniles close to adults.