DIY LIZARD HOUSE
Attract geckos and skinks to your garden by creating a habitat with the food and shelter they need
YOU WILL NEED: Any combination of these materials that you may find lying around in your garden: rocks, rotting logs, bits of old bark, terracotta tiles, corrugated iron pieces, planks of wood, firewood and old concrete slabs
Lounging lizards love to bask in the sun. Explore your backyard to find the perfect spot to establish your lizard habitat. Prime locations include warm, dry and sunny areas. If you already have shrubs with low intertwined branches and rocks in your garden, you’re off to a great start.
Lizards enjoy hiding between cracks and under cover so any natural or found objects will provide great opportunities for designing your lounge. Stack any of the items listed above loosely so there are plenty of cracks and holes for lizards to squeeze into.
Lizards appreciate their privacy so choosing a spot that has thick groundcover will help them feel right at home.
Lizards are vulnerable to mammals and, while backyard visitors such as hedgehogs, stoats and ferrets present danger, your own pets might pose the biggest threat. To keep your lizards nice and safe put netting over your lounge creation.
While it’s tempting to stroke or pat your new scaly friends, it’s important to give lizards their personal space and observe from a distance.
Winter is tough for cold-blooded creatures. Without warmth from sunlight, lizards move more slowly, making them more vulnerable to prey. Provide plenty of safe retreats to ensure your guests stay happy over the winter.
Keep your lizards hydrated by placing water bowls in their lounge.
Lizards are very loyal, and once they’ve found their favourite spot it’s likely they’ll be with you for many years to come!
Tell the Department of Conservation about your lizard lounge at kiwiguardians.co.nz and you’ll receive a Toyota Kiwi Guardians medal in the post! The Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme encourages kids to participate in family activities at parks and reserves, or become weed warriors and pest detectives in their own yards. More details at kiwiguardians.co.nz.