Guthega Skink
The Guthega Skink is endangered nationally. In Victoria, it is only found on the Bogong High Plains.
Another population occurs in Kosciuszko National Park in NSW, but these two populations have not been connected for millions of years. This lizard lives in family groups in burrow systems in alpine tussock grasslands, heathlands, and snow gum woodlands. The female gives birth to one or two live young, and they can live for more than 10 years.
Major threats
The effects of climate change on sensitive alpine environments threatens the Guthega Skink. Habitat destruction and disturbance from development, and habitat degradation caused by deer, feral horses and recreational horse riding is a major threat to the Guthega Skink. Vegetation changes due to large bushfires can degrade habitat, and vegetation loss immediately after fire can leave skinks more vulnerable to predators.
The plan for fighting extinction
Along with our partners, we have bred Guthega Skinks at Healesville Sanctuary—a first for this species!
This breeding program will help us to rescue and recover Guthega Skinks if bushfire, or any other major threat, endangers the wild population. With our key partner Snowline Ecology, we support monitoring Guthega Skinks in the wild and are preparing the genetic mixing of wild Guthega Skinks.
How you can help
- Raise community awareness and support for the Guthega Skink.
- Visit our zoos to support our fighting extinction work.
- Donate if you can. As a not-for-profit organisation, all donations go towards our conservation work.
- Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for local wildlife.
Is your classroom learning about the Guthega Skink?
Browse through our collection of animal teaching and learning resources for students. These include animal toolkits, e-books, Ask a Zoo Expert resources, video showcases and real-world examples to support the VCE Study Design.
