The elegant gecko (Naultinus elegans) or moko kākāriki, is an arboreal (tree dwelling) species. Their prehensile tail aids them in climbing trees and shrubs, such as native mānuka and kānuka plants.

There are three similar species of Naultinus North Island gecko - N. punctatus, N. grayii and N. flavirictus. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at their tongues - only Naultinus elegans have a dark blue tongue and mouth.

Geckos play a critical role in our native ecosystem as pollinators for native plants. They also disperse native plant seeds by eating their fruit.

New year, new skin

Like all lizards, moko kākāriki regularly shed their skin as they grow. This happens because their skin is made from keratin – the same material found in our nails and hair. Keratin makes their skin more rigid, and it isn’t able to stretch as the gecko grows.

You can spot when a gecko is getting ready to shed as its vibrant green skin lightens and eventually turns white. This is caused by the old skin separating from the new skin growing underneath, becoming a protective sheath. Once the gecko is ready, it will wriggle its way out of the old skin. Geckos can spend a lot of energy each time they shed, so many get a quick boost by eating the skin they’ve just shed!

I spy with my big eyes

It can be easy to get geckos and skinks confused if you don’t know what sets them apart. Aside from their colouration, here are some common traits to look for if you spot one in the wild.

The head is the best place to start. Geckos have large, bulging eyes, with clear eyelids that they will lick to keep clean and moist. The eyes of a skink are smaller and lidded. Beyond the head, a gecko’s body narrows at the neck (like you and me!) while skink bodies are roughly the same width down to the base of their tail. Gecko skin looks loose and velvety, while skinks look sleeker and shinier.

Physical differences aside, you may find geckos in more places than skinks. They have a great climbing ability and can ‘adhere’ to surfaces, even walking upside down! Skinks prefer to stay on the ground but can be agile climbers if needed.

At the Zoo

Lizards are highly specialised ecologically and are found in a wide range of habitats. In the high country of central Otago, schist tors (large standing rocks) are a distinctive feature and provide ideal basking areas when heated by the sun as well as sheltered crevices to hide in.

At Auckland Zoo, our lizard habitats are purposely designed to reflect their needs. The elegant gecko prefers a moist environment, with mossy branches and plenty of leaf litter.

Arataki Visitor Centre

Located at the entrance of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, Arataki Visitor Centre is a place where visitors can learn about local hiking tracks as well as discover more about nature and the environment.

We partnered with Arataki in 2022 to bring these endemic lizards to the centre, so that visitors could connect with and learn more about the species.

Our ectotherm team created distinct habitats for not only moko kākāriki, but also moko pirirākau (forest gecko) and rō / whē (stick insect), as well as providing key facts and information about them. The gecko were gifted names by iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki; the moko pirirākau pair are named Tutu and Tau, while the moko kākāriki are named Ina and Huna.

In the Wild

Origin: Historically known as the Auckland green gecko, the moko kākāriki or elegant gecko is found from Northland to Central North Island. They are also found on islands in the Hauraki Gulf and Whangārei Harbour

Habitat: Forest, shrubland

Conservation status: IUCN – Vulnerable

How we’re helping

Since 2011, Auckland Zoo has provided more than $750,000 worth of grants and field support to lizard conservation projects around Aotearoa.

Why are we doing it?

The unique evolutionary history of New Zealand and the equally unique features of our mokomoko (lizards) are what have left many species particularly vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals and the environmental change caused by humans. Threats in the wild include mice, wasps, rats, mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels) and cats. Loss of habitat is also a big threat. Tussock land and scrublands have been cleared for pasture or development. The increasing volatility of weather patterns and severe storm events are impacting small lizard populations who live in fragmented habitats.

How you can help

Moko kākāriki and all other native lizard species are protected by the Wildlife Act, so the best thing to do if you see one is to leave it alone. But you can indirectly help them live safer, happier lives by making your garden more lizard friendly.

The Department of Conservation has instructions for building a lizard lounge – a combination of man-made and natural materials that provide a safe environment for native lizards. Planting species like mānuka and kawakawa will provide food year-round and give your garden some native flair. Just remember that your new neighbours are shy, so give them space when they move in.