Pet owners are being warned not to dump exotic animals on conservation land following the discovery of an Australian water dragon — which is an invasive species — at scenic park near Levin.
Kelly Hancock, DOC Manawatu operations district supervisor said in a statement that water dragons are an invasive species that "wreak havoc on our ecosystems if released into the wild".
"We think this one may have been at large in the reserve for a while, so removing it is a big win. The native wildlife will be safer now the invasive dragon has been caught."
The rogue water dragon was removed from Papaitonga Scenic Reserve near Levin and "humanely euthanized" by DOC staff.
The incident has prompted a warning from DOC not to dump unwanted pets at local parks.
"Letting a pet go in your local reserve might seem like the humane option, but many pets aren't equipped to survive in the wild or can cause damage to the ecosystem if they do."
Hancock advised all lizard owners who can no longer care for their pets to find a new home for the animal, or contact your local SPCA.
"Don't ever release exotic lizards anywhere," Hancock said.
"New Zealand weather is too cold for most species of lizards, so they will likely die during winter if outdoors, but if they do manage to survive, they may spread diseases and prey on native plants and animals."
She said they could prey on endangered species, compete with them for food, or transmit diseases to native lizards, which have no natural immunity.
"Animal welfare organisations like your local SPCA can give advice on how to surrender unwanted pets. This is kinder, not just for the pet, but for our taonga native species as well."
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