Forest Gecko

The forest gecko is a mottled endemic climber spread through much of the South Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island. Grey, brown or olive upperparts carry irregular lichen-like blotches; the eyes are mottled and the broad toe pads grip bark.

It occurs in forest and shrub habitats across western and southern South Island districts and on Rakiura. Mostly nocturnal, it climbs trunks and foliage for insects, nectar and fruit and shelters beneath bark or in hollows.

Forest gecko is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification); introduced predators affect forest populations. Night searches in suitable forest can reveal animals on trunks, but they are well camouflaged and protected.