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Harlequin gecko facts for kids

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For the distinctive type of paneling from New Zealand, see Tukutuku
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Harlequin gecko
Hoplodactylus rakiurae-2.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Tukutuku
Species:
rakiurae
Distribution map of Tukutuku rakiurae in Stewart Island.
Distribution map of Tukutuku rakiurae on Stewart Island.
Synonyms
  • Hoplodactylus rakiurae
    B. Thomas, 1981
  • Tukutuku rakiurae
    — Nielsen et al., 2011

The harlequin gecko (Tukutuku rakiurae, formerly Hoplodactylus rakiurae) is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Stewart Island/Rakiura in the far south of New Zealand, where it was discovered in 1969. In terms of distribution it is one of the southernmost gecko species in the world.

Etymology

The generic name, Tukutuku, refers to the Māori ornamental lattice work called Tukutuku, which the dorsal pattern of this species resembles. The specific name, rakiurae, refers to Rakiura, the Maori name for Stewart Island.

Habitat

The preferred habitats of T. rakiurae are shrubland and wetlands.

Reproduction

T. rakiurae is viviparous.

Conservation status

As of 2012 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the harlequin gecko as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

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