In today's world, List of geckos of New Zealand plays a fundamental role in different aspects of society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on culture and politics, List of geckos of New Zealand has been the subject of analysis and debate in different areas. Over time, interest in List of geckos of New Zealand has been steadily increasing, and its relevance remains a hot topic today. In this article, we will explore different perspectives and approaches related to List of geckos of New Zealand, with the aim of thoroughly examining its importance and understanding its role in our daily lives.
Dozens of species of gecko are found in New Zealand. The exact number is unknown; as of 2021, there are 48 described species across 7 genera, with more being studied. All are native to New Zealand and are endemic (i.e., found nowhere else). All are placed in the Diplodactylidae family, which is found across Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
New Zealand's geckos are highly unusual in that they are viviparous, giving birth to live young, typically twins; most other geckos are oviparous (egg-layers). Two species of the New Caledonian rough-snouted giant geckos are the only other viviparous geckos in the world.
Like most gecko species, New Zealand’s geckos are omnivorous, consuming a diet that is primarily insectivorous in nature, hunting numerous flies, arachnids, lepidoptorans and gryllids (crickets). However, depending on several factors (such as the time of year, seasonal insect availability, bloom cycles of flowering plants, etc.), many geckos will supplement—or even briefly alter—their diets by consuming blossoms, fruits (i.e., from mahoe) or nectar (i.e., from flax flowers) as it becomes available.
Geckos are often a target for wildlife smugglers for sale via the reptile and pet trade.
As of 2024 the taxonomically described species are as follows:
Gigarcanum delcourti (formerly Hoplodactylus delcourti), the largest known species of gecko, only known from a single specimen collected in the 19th century, was formerly thought to have been from New Zealand, but DNA evidence suggests that it actually originated from New Caledonia.
The number of New Zealand gecko species is not settled, with new ones being described. Some animals with a wide range previously thought to comprise a single species actually represent multiple sub-species, as with the common gecko, Woodworthia maculata. A number of alpine species have emerged from high altitude discoveries in the South Island.
As at 2021 the species or subspecies that have yet to be taxonomically determined include:
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