Jewelled Gecko

The jewelled gecko is an eastern South Island green gecko named for the diamond-like markings on many individuals. Females are usually green and males may be green or grey-brown; rows of pale diamonds or stripes vary markedly between Canterbury, Otago and island populations.

Patchy populations extend from Banks Peninsula through South Canterbury, Mackenzie and Otago to Codfish Island/Whenua Hou. It basks in tussock, shrubs or trees and eats moths, flies, beetles, spiders, harvestmen, fruit and nectar.

Jewelled gecko is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification); habitat clearance, fire, weeds, introduced predators and illegal collection affect populations. Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary and suitable eastern South Island shrublands hold managed or wild populations.