Facts About Forest gecko
The forest gecko, also known by its Māori name moko pirirākau, is an exclusive species native to New Zealand. Characterized by its distinctive granular skin texture, this gecko has the scientific name Naultinus granulatus. These small creatures can be found throughout New Zealand, with the exceptions of the Far North, Marlborough, and Canterbury regions.
In June 2010, a wildlife park in Northland reported the theft of seven forest geckos, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting this species. These geckos are protected under the Wildlife Act of 1953, underscoring their significance and the need for conservation.
In 2012, the Department of Conservation updated the forest gecko's status to "At Risk" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This change was prompted by concerns regarding a declining population, with varying levels of decrease anticipated. Furthermore, the forest gecko is classified as "Data Poor" indicating that there is insufficient information to fully understand its population trends and threats.