The emerald of the Wairau. Naultinus manukanus is defined by a beauty that is matched only by its rarity. At seven to nine centimetres in length, it is a small gecko. Slender and agile. Stunning bright green body features pale yellow or white spots and stripes. Belly is pale green to yellow. Eyes are large and golden, with vertical pupils. A gecko that looks like a jewel. This is a gecko of the manuka. Found only in the Marlborough region, in manuka and kanuka scrublands and native broadleaf forests. A diurnal species, active during the day. It basks on branches and leaves, its green colouration blending perfectly with foliage. A lizard that disappears against the leaves. Often found in subcanopy, protected from wind and rain. Confined to small area of northern South Island. Biologically, the Marlborough Green Gecko is viviparous, giving birth to live young. Females produce one or two offspring each year. A slow reproductive rate that makes species vulnerable to population decline. Young are born in late summer and are miniature versions of adults. Independent from birth. Threatened by habitat loss, predation, and illegal collection. Striking appearance makes it a target for pet trade. Collectors remove individuals from wild, further reducing already small populations. Land development and vegetation clearance are primary threats. Introduced rats, cats, and stoats prey on adults and young. Classified as At Risk - Declining. To see a Marlborough Green Gecko is to see one of New Zealand's rarest and most beautiful reptiles. The manuka scrub is green. The gecko basks on a branch, bright green and spotted, gold eyes watching. The collector is looking. The gecko does not know it is rare. It does not know it is valuable. It just wants to bask in the sun.