One of Australia’s most endangered reptiles is the subject of a new program aiming to increase population size and diversity.
The Nangur spiny skinks are only found in South East Queensland, in the country of the Kabi Kabi and Wakka Wakka people. They were first discovered in Nangur National Park in 1992, and since then extensive surveys have estimated that roughly 1,000 adult skinks exist in an area of around 850 hectares.
The Nangur spiny skinks are an important part of their ecosystem. As prey, they serve as a valuable food source for native predators. As predators, they feed on insects and keep the population in balance. The skinks also live in small burrows, turning over the soil as they dig and promoting healthy ecosystems.
Sadly, these small creatures are threatened by introduced animals including cats, foxes and cane toads, as well as habitat loss and climate change. This has resulted in the Nangur spiny skink becoming one of Australia’s most endangered reptiles. In fact, there was a 60 percent decline in population between 2015-2019, with experts now estimating that only 50 individuals remain in Nangur National Park, one of their main habitats.
In response to this alarming fact, the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species has partnered with the Queensland Department of Environment and Science to introduce a captive breeding program.
At the end of 2025, ten skinks were translocated from Oakview National Park to a new facility in Wratten’s National Park. The aim was to reduce inbreeding and maximise long-term resilience. Already, several juvenile skinks have been born from natural breeding, suggesting that a population can be established with support.
The project is scheduled to take place across three years, with research, monitoring and translocation efforts to continue as the population builds resilience. Most recently, scientists moved 35 skinks between different genetic clusters to slow genetic decline. The team is also trying to develop vital disease surveillance to create an early-warning system against fungal threats.
Fascinated by the Nangur spiny skink? To read about three unusual animal discoveries in Australia, click here.