Latest news with #GemmaHunt
Miami Herald
18-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
With just 30 creatures left in world, experts rush to save New Zealand species
New Zealand wildlife experts said the work to save the Alborn skink from extinction is now 'urgent,' as their population continues to shrink. A recent survey showed the world's last known population, initially believed to be between 40 and 100 individuals, is actually at just 30 individuals, according to a July 18 news release from the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Experts said a stainless steel mesh fence around a five-hectare area near Reefton will now 'be built earlier than planned to ensure the species' survival' after the 'worryingly low' survey results. 'We might be playing all our cards now, but we need to go all in to make sure these skinks survive,' Department of Conservation ranger supervisor Gemma Hunt said. As a precaution, some of the skinks were moved earlier in the year to 'safe housing' at the Auckland Zoo, experts said. Despite reducing the number of mice — a natural predator of the Alborn skink — in the region, they've continued to be a 'constant threat,' re-invading and preying on the species, experts said. New Zealand's winter weather is making it hard for conservationists to find the skinks. 'When it's cold, the skinks burrow into the ground to protect themselves from extreme low temperatures and move very little,' Hunt said, adding that this unfortunately 'makes them easy prey for mice who can access these same burrows.' Predator-free fenced enclosures have successfully helped other endangered species such as the Kapitia skink begin to rebound, Hunt said in the release. 'We know fenced enclosures work.' 'We're aiming to complete the $700,000 fence and remove predators by November and are optimistic that the remaining skinks should be able to breed quickly in relative safety,' Hunt said. New Zealand has 4,000 species, including the Alborn skink, at risk of extinction, according to the release. 'Once these species are gone from here, they are gone for good,' Hunt said. The enclosure will be built on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, the only known habitat of the Alborn skink.
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Fenced enclosure to protect rare skinks
A new fenced enclosure is being built on the West Coast, aiming to protect the world's last known population of 30 critically endangered Alborn skinks. A recent survey of skink numbers shows the work is urgent and the fence, near Reefton, will be built earlier than planned to ensure the species' survival. Protecting a 5ha area, the fence will be constructed from a durable stainless steel mesh specially designed to keep mice, rats and stoats out. Department of Conservation (Doc) ranger supervisor Gemma Hunt said the fence would hopefully stop the population's decline. "Even though we reduced mouse numbers earlier this year through pest control, there has been a constant threat of mice reinvading from outside the treatment area and continuing to prey on the skinks," she said. "Long-term population monitoring by Doc and Auckland Zoo indicated there were between 40 and 100 skinks early last year, but more recent estimates suggest a worryingly low number of just 30. "We hope to find more skinks when we continue our surveys this spring but in the meantime a predator-proof fence is necessary to secure the population and prevent extinction. "Following the pest control operation earlier this year, we decided to move some skinks to safe housing at Auckland Zoo as a precaution," Ms Hunt said. Doc and zoo staff managed to find three skinks in late autumn before cooler temperatures prevented further collection and these were transferred to the zoo. "When it's cold, the skinks burrow into the ground to protect themselves from extreme low temperatures and move very little. This not only makes it harder for us to find them but makes them easy prey for mice, who can access these same burrows," she said. "New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world, with 4000 species, including the Alborn skink, at risk of extinction. Once these species are gone from here, they are gone for good." Other populations such as Kapitia skinks were doing well in the fenced enclosures Doc had built, she said. It is believed two or three baby skinks are born to females each year so, if those families can be protected from predators, their numbers will steadily grow. The Alborn skink was discovered in the 1990s and has been rarely detected since. Not much is known about them although they are extremely tolerant of moist habitat. Ms Hunt said the aim was to complete the $700,000 fence by November. "We're asking the public to support our work through donations to the New Zealand Nature Fund."— APL
Leader Live
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
MS for Wrexham explains the School Essentials Grant
MS for Wrexham Lower-income families in Wrexham could be entitled to up to £200 to help with essentials like school uniform, shoes, bags, stationery, sports kit and equipment. It's thanks to the Welsh Labour Government's School Essentials Grant and applications are now open for the upcoming academic year starting in September. Eligible families can apply for a grant of £125 per child per year. Families with children entering year 7 can apply for £200 to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school. Times are tough and rising living costs are taking their toll on many families who are constantly budgeting. This grant could be a real lifeline, reducing financial pressures and helping ensure pupils have the necessary equipment to attend and enjoy school. Approximately £62.5m has been spent since the scheme was introduced in 2018, and over 170,000 families have been helped in the last two years alone. Even if your child already receives Universal Primary Free School Meals, it is still important to check your eligibility. To find out more, visit the Schools Essentials Grant website. The 2025 to 2026 scheme is currently open and will close on 31st May 2026. Teams4U is a charity close to my heart and it is holding a fantastic family fun day at the Croes Howell pub in Wrexham this Saturday (19 July). There will be fun and games for the whole family and the event is being hosted by Gemma Hunt from CBeebies' pirate-themed show, Swashbuckle! Tickets cost £4 per person and there are two sessions taking place, with one starting at 10am and the other at 1:30pm. All the money raised will go towards a very worthy cause and the fun day promises to be the perfect way to start the summer holidays! Finally, many congratulations to local author, Samantha Maxwell, who recently organised an excellent 'Cake & Tea for CP' bake sale. It was a lovely event and, in total, Samantha managed to raise almost £600 for Cerebral Palsy Cymru. As always, if you're a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on 'X' (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham.
