While skinks are found on sandy soil throughout southwestern Manitoba, this particular project involves locations on private land.  Krause Danielsen is currently monitoring eight different locations spread out between McGregor and Shilo.  She routinely monitors these sites and searches for skinks.   When they are found she captures them and documents a large amount of information such as the habitat type, ground cover and GPS coordinates.  She also takes a variety of measurements including weight, length and sex.  Then the skink is marked for future identification and released back where it was found.
 Normally these lizards are found in well vegetated sandy areas in prairie openings near tree cover, she explains. “We think the plant species isn’t as important as the structure of the skink habitat.”  
For example the percentage of ground cover appears to be more important than the actual plant species where the skinks are found. 
 Another aspect of the project is to interview landowners to document information about sightings on their property including habitat composition and a variety of other information.  This involves visiting and interviewing landowners near Carberry, Sprucewoods and the surrounding area.
 If you are aware of any locations where skinks are regularly found please contact Allison by email at: prairie.skinks@gmail.com. MHHC is currently buying conservation agreements (perpetual easements) on private land with suitable skink habitat.  If you want to play a part in ensuring the survival of this endangered species, and you have a block of sandy, mixed-grass prairie habitat then please contact MHHC’s Habitat Conservation Specialist in Minnedosa at (204) 867-6032 or Killarney at (204) 523-5522.