Tākitimu gecko
The Tākitimu gecko (Mokopirirakau cryptozoicus) is an endemic species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae found in the Southland region of New Zealand.[3] Tākitimu gecko were first described by Jewell and Leschen in 2004 as Hoplodactylus cryptozoicus.[4] Physical characteristicsTākitimu gecko are a medium sized gecko of up to 87mm snout-vent length and 18g weight.[5] Colouring is grey on their upper surface, with pale herringbone markings, that extend down their tail. Some individuals have orange blotches and spots, other have purple-grey markings outlined in black.[5] DistributionThe Tākitimu gecko is only found in the lower part of the South Island, including the Takitimu Mountains, Rees Valley, northern Richardson Mountains and the Waitutu Forest in South Fiordland.[5] The overall population is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 individuals, scattered in pockets across the distribution range, ranging in elevation from 200m to 1150m.[6] They favour rocky outcrops, bluffs and scree, which is descriptive to their cryptozoicus 'hidden on the ground' species name, although they have also have been found in forests.[5] Conservation statusAs of 2021 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the Tākitimu gecko as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[1][7] See alsoReferences
External links Wikispecies has information related to Mokopirirakau cryptozoicus.
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