Around 380 rare Canterbury lizards have found a new home in the northern Kaiapoi lakes area.
The Canterbury grass skinks were forced to give up their homes to make way for the Woodend Bypass.
The NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi completed an ecological survey of the designated route for the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass, before entering into negotiations with the Waimakariri District Council last year.
The agency then engaged Wildlands Consultants Ltd to prepare a lizard management plan, which was required for Department of Conservation approval.
The council’s biodiversity team leader, Dr Bex Dollery, said some enhancement work including creating rock piles and wood piles has been carried out to establish a habitat for the lizards.
‘‘Wildlands did a survey and found there was a population of lizards already living in the Kaiapoi lakes, but they found the two populations could co-exist together,’’ Dr Dollery said.
But with NZTA picking up a share of the cost, Dr Dollery said there would be some savings to the council.
To date the council has spent around $100,000, including seats, willow control, planting and signage, while NZTA has spent around $120,000.
The council’s climate change and sustainability portfolio holder Cr Niki Mealings said she was pleased with the outcome.
‘‘As a lifelong lover of lizards, I think this is a pretty great outcome. And the council comes out better off on the balance sheet.’’
Populations of the Canterbury grass skink have been found on the north Canterbury coast and in inland areas.
They grow to 85mm long, with the tail being equal to or slightly longer than the body length.
The species has been listed as at risk: declining.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
