Green Gecko

(Naultinus elegans)

Live: Upper third of North Island of New Zealand, some Hauraki Gulf islands.

Habitat: The habitat of this gecko is forest or scrub, especially kanuka and manuka.

Diet and care:  In the Zoo the green gecko is fed live flies, nectar water and fruit puree. Fed several times each week, less in winter. Checked daily.

Breeding: Usually 2 young are born.
A pregnant lizard is referred to as 'gravid', whether carrying eggs or live young. All New Zealand gecko species give birth to tiny young.

Conservation status: Protected native species, endemic.

General: Usually a bright apple-green, this gecko may also be a bright yellow. It may be unmarked or have stripes, blotches or spots of yellow, pink or white. Inside the mouth is bright blue. It has excellent camouflage.This lizard is diurnal and arboreal, hunting and foraging mainly in trees and shrubs.

At Hamilton Zoo there are several geckos, now living in the new reptile enclosures.
You will probably find them motionless on a branch, basking as the other native geckos do.

Predators of this small lizard include birds of prey, kingfishers and many introduced animals such as magpies, cats, rats, ferrets, mice and hedgehogs.

Most geckos will lose their tails if threatened. Look to see if these geckos have regenerated tails. The tail is important for balance, grip and fat storage, so always take care not to hold any lizard by the tail. Once lost, although the lizard will recover, it is a serious loss of resource.