DoC's threatened species ambassador, Nicola Toki tells us all about the Jewelled Gecko, which is endemic to the South Island and classified as at risk and declining.
Photo: DOC/Sabine Bernert
Gecko's are fascinating creatures. They have 'sticky' feet: their toes are covered with microscopic hairs that allow them to climb sheer surfaces and even walk upside down across the ceiling. Unlike skinks, geckos cannot blink and must lick their eyes to keep them moist. And geckos are able to 'drop' their tails. This is a predator defence mechanism-the tail continues to thrash around whilst the gecko makes its escape; the tail then regrows over the next few years.
