Aupori green gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aupori green gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
 Gradual Decline (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification |
The Aupori green gecko (Naultinus flavirictus) is a special type of gecko. It is also known as the North Cape green gecko or the yellow-lipped green gecko. This amazing creature belongs to the family called Diplodactylidae.
Even though people knew about this gecko for many years, scientists officially described it in early 2021. Before that, its scientific name was Naultinus 'North Cape'. Now, it is officially known as N. flavirictus.
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Where It Lives
The Aupori green gecko lives only in one specific place. This place is the Aupouri Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand. When an animal or plant lives only in one area, it is called endemic.
Its Home Environment
This gecko is active during the day. It likes to live in areas with scrubland and forests. You can often find it among the leaves of trees. It especially likes mānuka and kānuka trees.
What Makes It Special
The Aupori green gecko has a unique feature. It has bright yellow color at the corners of its mouth. This yellow color helps scientists tell it apart from other geckos.
How It Got Its Name
The scientific name for this gecko is Naultinus flavirictus. The "flavirictus" part of its name comes from Latin words. "Flavus" means yellow, and "rictus" means the opening of the mouth. So, its name literally means "yellow-mouthed," which perfectly describes its special feature!
Conservation Status
The Department of Conservation looks after New Zealand's wildlife. They have given the Aupori green gecko a conservation status of At Risk. This means its population is getting smaller. Efforts are being made to protect these unique geckos.
