gecko discovered high in the Southern Alps

Size
Length: 6–8 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet
Insectivorous. Feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Nocturnal hunter using specialised toe pads to climb smooth surfaces.
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, and scree slopes. Prefers habitats with rocks and crevices for shelter. Often found in high country.
Range
Found throughout South Island, particularly in mountainous regions of Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. Common in high country among rocks.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Localised threats include predation by introduced rats and cats. Habitat loss from land development. Climate change affecting alpine ecosystems.
Population
Not Threatened. Common gecko found in high country of South Island. Grey to brown with darker bands. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
protected native gecko, do not handle or disturb to prevent stress
Conservation Note
Endemic gecko; found in alpine and subalpine habitats in the South Island.
Assessment
NZTCS Reptiles and Amphibians (2021)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, Southern Alps Gecko was moko o te Tiri o te Moana (lizard of Southern Alps). A creature of mountains and snow. Banded pattern seen as layers of mountains. Sign of connection to land. It was a kaitiaki (guardian) of high places. Keeping insects in check and maintaining balance of alpine ecosystem.
The mountains are cold. Mokopirirakau sp. is defined by a tolerance for cold and a love of the rocks. At six to eight centimetres in length, it is a small gecko. Grey to brown colouration features darker bands and spots that provide camouflage among rocks. Belly is pale cream. Eyes are large and dark, adapted for night vision. This is a gecko of the snow line. Found throughout the South Island high country, in alpine and subalpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, and scree slopes. A nocturnal species, hiding under rocks and bark during the day. Emerging at night to hunt insects. Most common in high country, living among rocks and tussock. Widespread and common in South Island high country. Biologically, the Southern Alps Gecko is viviparous, giving birth to live young. Females produce one or two offspring each year. A slow reproductive rate that is typical of New Zealand geckos. Young are born in late summer and are miniature versions of adults. Independent from birth. Not threatened. Healthy populations throughout range. But still vulnerable to predation by introduced rats and cats. Habitat loss from land development and climate change compounds pressure. Localised threats include predation and habitat modification. Classified as Not Threatened. To see a Southern Alps Gecko is to see a creature of the high mountains. A lizard that has adapted to the cold and the wind. Its banded pattern is a reminder of the layers of rock that make up the Southern Alps. It hides under rocks. It hunts moths. It carries on.