8legs: Alpine national park, australia

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Nursing a skink: endangered alpine lizard numbers set to rise after Omeo falls pregnant in Victoria

Zoos Victoria released 11 captive-bred guthega skinks into a field enclosure in Victoria's Alpine National Park, aiming to boost local population.
Omeo, a female skink, is expected to birth in March, potentially increasing the cohort to 13.
The release supports genetic diversity by mixing origin in the captive-bred cohort from Victorian and NSW colonies.
Guthega skinks live in alpine burrows and hibernate for about five months, relying on high-country refuges during climate shifts.
Conservation specialist Zak Atkins notes the alpine zone is retreating with warming climate, reducing habitat options for skinks.
The project includes a designed enclosure with rocks and plants like alpine mint bush to mimic natural conditions.
Scientists emphasize protecting habitats and cutting emissions are essential to shield alpine species from climate impacts.
Experts describe guthega skinks as forming family groups with shared burrows and long lifespans.
Australia’s alpine skinks are among few of their kind, making captive breeding crucial for conservation.
The program follows a broader effort to conserve wildlife amid climate-linked threats and bushfire risks.

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