Southern Alps gecko

Woodworthia “Southern Alps”

At Risk - Declining

The Southern Alps gecko (Woodworthia “Southern Alps”) is a gorgeous, widespread ‘woodie’, which often bears brilliant blue-green eyes. Bet you can’t guess where this species hails from. We’ll give you a hint: somewhere in New Zealand’s South Island.

Quick Facts:

• Body length (snout-to-vent) up to 72 mm.
• Southern Alps geckos are typically shades of brown, grey, or pinkish, often with contrasting blotches or bands.
• These geckos are mostly active on the surface at night, but will bask in partial concealment during the day.
• One of the highest-living geckos in New Zealand at ~ 1,900 metres (a.s.l)!

Protecting the Southern Alps gecko means preserving rocky grasslands, shrublands, and our precious alpine/sub-alpine ecosystems. Exotic mammalian predators also pose a threat to this species, so multi-species predator control is key for protecting these belly draggers too. We aren’t currently working with this species – mostly because it only dips its toes in our project area, and boasts a predator-free living on two islands in Lake Wānaka. However, the amazing mahi of our partner groups in Wānaka and Hāwea is hopefully helping these lovely lizards there!

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