Wildlifeof New Zealand
Cloudy Gecko
GeckosMokopirirakau nebulosus
Basic stats
Habitat
Rakiura coastal forest, shrubland and rock
Range
Rakiura/Stewart Island and nearby islands
Size
Snout–vent length up to about 90 mm
The cloudy gecko is a large mottled gecko found only on Rakiura/Stewart Island and nearby islands. Cloud-like patches of grey, brown and cream cover the back and tail, with broad toe pads and mottled eyes suited to bark camouflage.
Its range is confined to Rakiura and associated southern islands. It hunts insects at night on trunks, rocks and shrubs and also takes nectar and fruit.
Cloudy gecko is At Risk — Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Night searches in Rakiura forest can reveal one, but its bark-like pattern makes detection difficult.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Cloudy Gecko live in?
- Rakiura coastal forest, shrubland and rock
- Where is the Cloudy Gecko found?
- Rakiura/Stewart Island and nearby islands
- How big is the Cloudy Gecko?
- Snout–vent length up to about 90 mm