Lizards
In New Zealand there are only two kinds of lizards: Skinks and Geckos, although the Tuatara is often included in the ‘lizard’ family. Every kind of lizard in New Zealand is protected by the law.
Some lizards are diurnal and active during the day, while others are nocturnal and more active at night. Because they are cold-blooded, lizards sunbathe on sunny days to raise their body temperature.
Because of the threat posed by introduced predators like rats, cats and stoats, many species of native lizard live only on offshore islands or in conservation centres like Rainbow Springs.