green gecko vivid as a fresh leaf in the canopy

Size
Length: 14–18 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years
Diet
Insectivorous and frugivorous. Feeds on insects, spiders, nectar, and sweet exudates. Diurnal forager hunting in shrubs and trees.
Habitat
Native forests, scrub, and forest margins. Prefers dense vegetation with abundant hiding places. Diurnal, active during the day in canopy and shrubs.
Range
Found throughout the North Island from Northland to Wellington. Most common in native forests and scrub throughout the region.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance. Predation from introduced rats, cats, hedgehogs, and stoats. Illegal collection for pet trade. Climate change.
Population
At Risk – Declining. Populations declined due to habitat loss and predation. Illegal collection is a concern. Protection of native forest is critical.
Conservation Status
At Risk - Declining
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
protected native gecko, do not handle or disturb to prevent stress
Conservation Note
Endemic gecko; restricted to northern offshore islands and declining due to predation risk.
Assessment
NZTCS Reptiles and Amphibians (2021)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, the green gecko was called Mokomoko. A general term for lizards that carries deep cultural significance. The green gecko was seen as a kaitiaki (guardian) of the forest. Its bright colour associated with new growth of spring and life energy of the bush. It was a taonga (treasure). A creature to be admired from a distance, never harmed. Its presence near a dwelling was considered a sign of good fortune.
It is a striking, bright green lizard. The green gecko is diurnal, active during the day. Often seen basking in the sun on shrubs. Its bright green colour provides excellent camouflage among leaves. At fourteen to eighteen centimetres in total length, it is a medium-sized gecko. Slender and agile, with a prehensile tail that helps it grip branches. Naultinus elegans is a gecko of the forest canopy. It lives in native forests, scrub, and forest margins from Northland to Wellington. It prefers dense vegetation with abundant hiding places. A diurnal forager, hunting insects and spiders among the leaves. It sips nectar from flowers. Toe pads are specialised for climbing smooth surfaces. Allowing it to move easily through the branches. Viviparous, giving birth to live young. Females produce one or two offspring each year. A slow reproductive rate that makes the species vulnerable to population decline. The young are born in late summer and are miniature versions of the adults. Independent from birth. They are born bright green, ready to blend into the leaves from their first day. Threatened by habitat loss, predation, and illegal collection. Land clearance has removed much of its native forest home. Rats, cats, hedgehogs, and stoats prey on it and its young. Its striking appearance makes it a target for the pet trade. Collectors remove individuals from the wild. Listed as At Risk – Declining. To see a green gecko is to see one of New Zealand's most beautiful reptiles. A living jewel. A flash of green in the North Island bush. Its survival depends on us. On habitat protection, predator control, and enforcement of laws against illegal collection. The forests of the North Island have held these geckos for millennia. With luck and effort, they will hold them for millennia more.