The forest is dark. The Forest Gecko loves the trees. Mokopirirakau granulatus has a talent for hiding. At seven to nine centimetres in length, it is a medium-sized gecko. Flattened body, large eyes, and specialised toe pads allow it to climb smooth surfaces. Skin has a granular texture, rough to the touch. This gives it its species name. A gecko that is rough. A gecko of the canopy. Found in native forests throughout New Zealand, from podocarp forests of North Island to beech forests of south. An arboreal species, spending most of life in trees and shrubs. Hides under bark and in crevices during day. Emerges at night to hunt insects among leaves and branches. Found under bark, in tree hollows, in rock piles, and crevices of fallen logs. Viviparous, giving birth to live young. Females produce one or two offspring each year. A slow reproductive rate typical of New Zealand geckos. Young are born in late summer and are miniature versions of adults. Independent from birth, they must survive immediately. A generalist, able to live in range of forest habitats. A familiar sight to anyone who spends time in New Zealand bush. Though nocturnal habits mean it is more often heard than seen. Not threatened. Widespread and common with healthy populations throughout country. From sea level to alpine zone. The forest is dark. The gecko hides under bark, flattened body, rough skin, large eyes watching for insects. It emerges at night. It hunts. It returns to its crevice. It does not know it is a creature of ancient forest. It does not know it has lived in these trees for millions of years. It just wants to eat a moth. A reminder of deep time of bush. Of long history of life on these islands. The forest gecko is proof.