Current challenges and future directions in lizard conservation in New Zealand

New Zealand's diverse lizard fauna is under threat, particularly from predation by invasive mammals and ongoing habitat destruction. Advances in genetic techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of the lizard fauna. Previously sparse island populations of species have recovered strongly following eradication of pest mammals and translocations of lizards to newly mammal‐free islands have boosted security for some species. Recent success with intensive predator control and predator‐proof fencing on the mainland shows promise for lizard populations in easily accessible sites. However, the plight of many species whose range does not include pest‐free islands remains precarious and taxonomic uncertainty means we do not yet understand the full suite of species in need of protection. Further advances in predator control techniques and increased funding for lizard conservation management are needed to prevent species extinctions.