Jewelled gecko facts for kids
- For the Australian species called jewelled gecko, see Strophurus elderi
Quick facts for kids Jewelled gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
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Naultinus
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| Species: |
gemmeus
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The jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) is a special kind of lizard found only in the South Island of New Zealand. It's part of the Diplodactylidae family of geckos. This gecko is currently considered a threatened species.
Jewelled geckos living in different areas of New Zealand, like Otago, Canterbury, and Southland, can look a bit different. For example, geckos from Canterbury might be grey or brown with yellow, purple, and white stripes. Geckos from Otago are often green with yellow and white patterns. Those from Southland are usually solid green.
This gecko eats many different insects and moths. It also enjoys berries and sometimes drinks nectar from flowers.
The jewelled gecko and other New Zealand geckos are highly protected. It is against the law to catch or bother them. Sadly, jewelled geckos are sometimes targeted by people who try to illegally capture and sell them.
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What Does the Jewelled Gecko Look Like?
The jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) has a bright to olive green body. It often has stripes or a pattern of diamonds on its back. This pattern is why it's called the "jewelled" gecko. These markings can be white, pale green, or yellow. They are often outlined in black or dark brown.
The gecko's belly is usually pale greenish-yellow or gray. Sometimes it has stripes or streaks too. There are some differences in how geckos look depending on where they live. For example, females often have more of the "jewelled" pattern. Males might have stripes or no pattern at all.
Geckos from the Otago area usually have a deep blue mouth lining and a black tongue. Those from Canterbury have a pinkish mouth lining and a pink or orange tongue. Their eyes can be brown or olive colored.
A jewelled gecko can grow up to 18 cm (7.1 in) long in total. Its body is usually about 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 in) from its nose to the start of its tail. It can weigh up to 15 grams (about half an ounce). These geckos can live for a very long time, at least 40 years!
Why is the Jewelled Gecko Endangered?
In 2012, the Department of Conservation changed the jewelled gecko's status to "At Risk." This means its numbers are decreasing. The jewelled gecko is also listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
Several things threaten these geckos:
- Habitat loss: Their homes are being destroyed or broken up. This happens because of grazing animals, harmful sprays, and fires.
- Introduced predators: Animals brought to New Zealand, like rats and cats, hunt these geckos.
- Illegal capture: People illegally catch these geckos, which further reduces their numbers.
Where Do Jewelled Geckos Live?
The jewelled gecko is native to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only in the southeast part of the island. The main groups of these geckos live in Canterbury and Otago.
Other smaller groups have been found between Canterbury and Otago. However, these groups and their homes are small and separated. The number of jewelled geckos has gone down in recent years. In 2008, it was considered "Near Threatened."
What is the Jewelled Gecko's Habitat?
Jewelled geckos like to live in places with different kinds of woody plants, drylands, and shrublands. They need shelter from cold weather and fires. This means they depend on forests and other woody plants.
The jewelled gecko is an arboreal species. This means it lives in trees. It is also diurnal, which means it is active during the day. They can live in many types of trees and shrubs. These include manuka, beech, and matagouri. Rocky areas and boulder fields can also be good places for them to hide from predators.
Jewelled Gecko Life Cycle
The jewelled gecko is viviparous. This means the females give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Females usually give birth in autumn. Geckos in Canterbury often give birth a bit earlier than those in Otago.
They reproduce every year, and pregnancy lasts about seven months. The female gecko gets ready for reproduction in autumn after giving birth. She then becomes pregnant in spring. Each female usually gives birth to one or two baby geckos.
We don't know exactly how long jewelled geckos live in the wild. However, it is thought they can live over 30 years if they are safe from predators and their habitat is healthy. Most New Zealand geckos grow slowly. They can take 2 to 8 years to become adults. The jewelled gecko takes about 4 years to reach maturity.
Once they are adults, they give birth to one or two young each year. Just like other geckos from New Zealand, they have live babies and do not lay eggs.
Research shows that their reproduction follows a clear seasonal pattern. Ovulation starts in the spring. The pregnancy lasts around 7 months, ending with the birth of one or two young. In zoos, jewelled geckos have been seen mating between September and October. Births usually happen from February to May.
This species loves to bask in the sun on top of leaves. They do this especially on warm, sunny mornings, all year round. Pregnant females are often easier to find. This is probably because they need more sun to help their babies develop.
What Do Jewelled Geckos Eat?
Diet and Foraging
The jewelled gecko, like other geckos, eats a variety of insects and berries. They find this food in their native forest and shrubland homes. All New Zealand geckos, including the jewelled gecko, are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals.
They enjoy many insects, such as moths and different types of flies. They also feed on berries from native plants, like those from the Coprosma genus. New Zealand geckos are also known to drink nectar from flowers when it's available.
Predators and Threats
The jewelled gecko faces many threats. These include grazing animals on farms, habitat destruction, predators, and illegal poaching. The jewelled gecko is protected by the Wildlife Act of 1953. However, their homes are still being destroyed. This happens when roads cut through their habitat or when new species invade their areas.
The main predators of this gecko include:
- Humans: This refers to illegal poaching.
- Rodents: Rats are a big threat. They climb trees and enter the gecko's home.
- Mustelids and cats: These animals are mainly active at night. So, they might not be the main predators.
- Birds: Birds in New Zealand, especially magpies and kingfishers, are known to eat jewelled geckos.
- Other mammals: Animals like possums or hedgehogs could be a problem if they meet a gecko. But they are not the main threat.
The only known parasite for the jewelled gecko is a tiny creature called Neotrombicula naultini.
Cultural Importance
The jewelled gecko and other green geckos hold great cultural importance in New Zealand. The Ngāi Tahu people, who live on the South Island, call these beautiful geckos taonga. This word means a highly valued object or natural resource. These geckos are very special in their culture.
