Rough Gecko

The rough gecko is a green gecko of north-eastern South Island forests named for its unusually raised dorsal scales. Green, grey or mottled upperparts carry enlarged domed scales and pale stripes, diamonds or blotches; belly colour ranges from pale green to brown-grey.

It occupies forest and shrub habitats around Kaikōura and the northern Canterbury ranges. It lives above ground in shrubs and trees, moving slowly through foliage and taking insects and fruit.

Rough gecko is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification). It is cryptic in foliage and should be looked for only where access and wildlife rules permit.