In short:
Biologists have released four genetically modified Guthega Skinks into Victoria's Bogong High Plains.
It is hoped the new genetic mix of the lizards can adapt to climate change.
What's next?
Further observations will be made before the endangered lizards are released outside of the enclosure.
One of Australia's smallest skinks has undergone a big genetic change in an attempt to fight the risk of extinction.
Biologists bred and released four tiny genetically modified Guthega skinks in an outdoor enclosure on Victoria's High Country in December.
It is one step away before the tiny lizards are released into the greater wild when biologists are hopeful the offspring of the critters can be set free in about a year.
Guthega skinks are only found in Victoria's Bogong High Plains and on Mount Kosciuszko in NSW.
Low populations of the Guthega skink currently exist throughout the Victorian high country. (Supplied: Zoos Victoria)
The NSW skinks live longer and have better genetic health than the skinks in Victoria.
Snowline Ecology conservation biologist Zak Atkins said the genetic modifications aimed to make the animal more resilient to climate change.
"What we've been trying to do in captivity is introduce those beneficial genes from NSW into the Victorian population," Dr Atkins said.
"Those reproductive trials have been underway for multiple years now … and have been hugely successful in their breeding."
The biologists, including Healesville Sanctuary's Peter Comber and Ben Southorn, and Mr Atkins, will observe breeding and behaviour through winter within the enclosure before possibly releasing skinks into the wider Bogong High Plains.
Undertaking genetic rescue
The breeding program to improve the lizard's genetic diversity began in 2007, with zoologists bringing the skinks from the two different locations to a special breeding facility — or skink chalet — in Healesville, Victoria.
Previously, the two populations had lived separately for millions of years.
Biologists have released the skinks in an enclosure in Victoria's Bogong High Plains. (Supplied: Zoos Victoria)
Observations of the "genetic rescue" strategy since the four skinks were moved from the chalet to the outdoor enclosure have so far been positive.
The enclosure was also rehabilitated with rocks and local plants that are familiar to the lizards.
"They are out basking [in the sun], they're foraging," Â Dr Atkins said.
"They're using some of the artificial habitat we put in and also digging their own burrows."
Important totem for First Nations people
The Guthega skink is also one of the sacred totems of the Jaithmathang people.
Jaithmathang Traditional Ancestral Bloodline Original Owners Corporation chief executive Scott Allen said the species was deeply connected to the local Aboriginal people of the region.
"It goes to describing how we are represented in Dreamtime [and] it is sacred not only to our culture, but also sacred to the individual," he said.
A recovery program to grow the population of the Guthega skinks is underway. (Supplied: Zoos Victoria)
Mr Allen is optimistic but also cautious over the Guthega skinks that have been released in the enclosure, and would like more work to better understand the lizard and ensure its survival.
Jaithmathang people are working with scientists to collect environmental DNA — or genetic samples that are extracted from water in the local environment — to understand where the lizards have previously lived.
Mr Allen said if no action was taken to preserve habitats in the next seven to eight years, the region would go past a tipping point in saving the Guthega skinks.
"When we see the type of stuff that's going on in regards to the destruction of habitats, it's very personal for the Jaithmathang," he said
"It's a frightening view for us because … these are totems and scientists are telling us that we may be seeing them in a zoo and not in the environment.
"We need a balance … and in 50 years time when my little girl is on the top of a mountain, I still want her to ski as well as seeing a Guthega skink."
Protection from human development
Dr Atkins said reduced development through Victoria's High Country was also needed for Guthega skinks to survive a changing landscape.
"We need natural areas for these animals to persist in so we can do all the right research and applied conservation," he said.
"But if we don't have the habitat for these animals to go back into, that's going to be a major problem."
Peter Comber, Ben Southorn, and Zak Atkins will help observe the skinks. (Supplied: Zoos Victoria)
In January, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approved a planning permit for the Falls Creek Lakeside Development, which includes upgrading the local Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition shed into a cafe and information centre.
Concerns over what the development of the shed would do to the natural habitat of the Guthega skink were heard during proceedings prior to the permit being given.
The Guthega skink is a special totem for the local Jaithmathang people. (Supplied: Zoos Victoria)
An Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) spokesperson said Falls Creek Alpine Resort (FCAR) followed development guidelines and undertook consultation set out by the Victorian Planning Scheme.
"Highly qualified and experienced environmental consultants, Biosis, were engaged by ARV to undertake the assessment," the spokesperson said.
"FCAR also undertook extensive consultation with community and industry groups drawing on their valuable local knowledge and feedback to ensure a place-based, collaborative approach to this project."
The spokesperson said recommendations made from Dr Atkins's monitoring program will be "implemented to ensure the survival of this highly vulnerable species."