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Updated: September 12, 2001

 

Geckos

This green tree gecko may have yellow offspring which makes it difficult to camouflage themselves in their tree habitat - Image: DoC
The offspring of this green tree gecko may be yellow which makes it difficult to camouflage themselves in their tree habitat

 

Helema checks a pitfall trap for geckos on the slopes of Mt Hirakimata - Image: Heurisko Ltd
Helema checks a pitfall trap for geckos on the slopes of Mt Hirakimata

There are two types of gecko in New Zealand; nocturnal and diurnal. The nocturnal geckos (genus Hoplodactylus) are found in a variety of habitats. The diurnal or daytime geckos (genus Naultinus) are usually found in trees or shrubs especially manuka.

Geckos use scent to detect food such as flowers, nectar and fruit. Insects are the main food in a gecko's diet. Quick to notice movement, geckos stalk their prey, creeping up and snapping them in their jaws. The gecko's small sharp peg-like teeth are used for biting their food before swallowing it.

Geckos make a variety of sounds. Barks and chirps are used to deter predators and to communicate with other geckos. They also have great hearing.

Geckos are loners and many are territorial, defending their patch from other geckos with intimidating tactics such as raising their bodies and opening their brightly coloured mouths.

New Zealand geckos have adapted to the cooler climate. Nocturnal geckos come out in the day to bask in the sun. Females have adapted to the cooler climate in New Zealand by not laying their eggs. The fertilised eggs remain warm inside the pregnant female and hatch internally producing live young.

Hoplodactylus geckos have made adaptations by becoming paler in bright light and lighter as the light diminishes. This may help with their ability to warm themselves (thermoregulation) because darker colours absorb more heat which would allow the gecko to make the best use of the warmth available.

The following table is a summary of information about geckos.

Parts of a Gecko
Features
Major Functions
Skin

 

 
Coloured markings

Granular scales

Loose fitting

Sloughing off skin all at once

Camouflage

Receive warmth

Processing UV light for bone growth

Growth

Eyes
Quick to spot movement

Fixed eyelid

Ocular lens

Locating food

Interaction with other geckos

Ears
Placed behind eyes
Hearing food
Nose
Highly developed sense of smell
Detecting food
Mouth
Brightly coloured mouth

Spoon shaped

tongue

Sharp peg like teeth

Scaring invaders

Eating and spreading seeds

Licking nectar

Licking eyes to clean them

Biting and gripping insects

Large vocal range

Tail

 

 
Can drop its tail

Assists movement

Escaping predators

Climbing

Reproductive organs in males

Legs and Feet

 

 
Paired limbs

Claws on toes

Hair-like structures on pads of feet

Gripping smooth surfaces

Running, climbing,

jumping, lunging

Stalking prey

Young

 

 
Eggs hatched inside female

Live young

1 or 2 in a litter

Reproduction

Warmth for incubation

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