Green Gecko declining rapidly

Wellington is home to the biggest population of Moko K riki Green Gecko – but their populations are declining rapidly.

Over the years there has been extensive research into the importance of these little green reptiles that are predominantly found in the lower North Island, but their growth was being stunted by predation.

These Geckos are often hard to find with the human eye, but they are easy targets for household animals and common pests, says Ben Volpicelli, Wellington Zoo’s reptile and invertebrate keeper.

“Green Geckos are ectothermic. This means they need the heat to move. So, on a winter’s day these guys could be snuggled up in a burrow or something of that nature, but something like a mouse or a rat could sniff them out.

“Because they’re so cold, they won’t be able to move and get away,” Ben says.

“The camouflage geckos have is specifically adapted to prevent predation against their main natural predators, birds. But the camouflage is ineffective against introduced mammalian predators such as rats and cats.”

Zealand.

Julia will also share stories about her childhood. She spent years visiting and living with her grandparents, the Hendersons, and the extended family on Cashmere Avenue and close to the Khandallah railway station.