Consumption of non-toxic baits by grand (Oligosoma grande) and otago (O. otagense) skinks

Abstract

Three bait types that are commonly used in pest mammal control programmes were tested for their attractiveness to wild grand (Oligosoma grande) an Otago (O. otagense) skinks, and their potential prey. This was assessed through observations and video recordings in the skinks' natural habitat in north Otago, New Zealand. Both skink species have been assigned a threat status of Nationally Critical. Non-toxic samples of RS5 cereal baits, carrot and FeraCol paste (peanut butter flavoured) were presented in two sizes to free-ranging animals during late March 2006; cereal baits were also presented wet or dry. All bait types were sampled (licked, nudged or bitten) by both species of skink, but large baits (both wet and dry) appeared to be less attractive and were not consumed. Both species of these threatened skink were observed consuming small pieces of wet cereal baits and FeraCol paste. Of the potential prey species, one McCann's skink (O. maccanni) was observed consuming a small piece of carrot, and one worm, ground weta (Hemiandrus sp.) and flies consumed wet and dry cereal baits.