Higher classification Naultinus | Phylum Chordata Family Gekkonidae Scientific name Naultinus gemmeus Rank Species | |
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Similar Naultinus, Reptile, Northland green gecko, Wellington green gecko, Rough gecko | ||
Jewelled geckos
The jewelled gecko, Naultinus gemmeus, is a species of gecko endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. There are two main subgroups of jewelled geckos: those living in Otago and those living in Canterbury. There is also a small Southland population. One obvious difference is that some of the males of the Canterbury geckos are grey or brown with yellow, purple and white markings; whereas all Otago geckos are green with yellow and white markings. The Southland population are solid green.
Contents
Their diet mainly consists of insects and moths, but they also enjoy berries of certain plants, and the nectar of certain flowers.
These and other New Zealand geckos are highly protected and it is illegal to capture or disturb them. Jewelled geckos are often targeted by wildlife smugglers.
Conservation status
In 2012 the Department of Conservation reclassified the jewelled gecko as At Risk under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It was judged as meeting the criteria for At Risk threat status as a result of it having a low to high ongoing or predicted decline.
