Step into the world of our giant / Duvaucel's geckos and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures
New Zealand’s largest geckos, growing up to 32cm long. They are nocturnal, sheltering during the day and hunting at night. Their senses of smell and hearing are better than their sight.
Geckos have a covering of scales, which tend to fit rather loosely. Sloughing ('sluffing') is the process of moulting old scales, usually in one complete layer. New scales will have grown under the old scales. Geckos are generally a dull brown or olive green, flecked with darker spots and streaks. This disruptive camouflage allows it to blend in extremely well!
Lizards are important pollinators of plants as they feed. They may also spread seeds in their droppings.
Fossil evidence suggests that they were once much more widespread, but predation by introduced mammals has ensured its range is now much reduced.
Quick facts
Distribution:
Islands in the Cook Strait and Hauraki Gulf
Habitat:
Forest
Conservation Status:
Near Threatened