Atlas species information

Habitat

• Scree, rock outcrops and creviced bluffs in the alpine zone, and beech forest.
• So far, recorded 600-1450 m above sea level.
• Secretive, largely nocturnal but sun-basks near retreat.
• Terrestrial or arboreal.
• Animals in scree seldom emerge to the surface.

Description

• Slate grey (rarely dark brown or olive-grey), individuals usually only undergo minor colour changes.
• Markings bright, consisting of narrow, pale herringbone patches, usually in combination with narrow pale stripes.
• Some specimens with scattered two-tone orange spots, or (rarely) the entire animal may be orange.
• Undersurface speckled or lightly mottled.
• Mouth lining bright orange; tongue pink or dark grey, sometimes with orange on tip or sides.
• Eye brown or pinkish.
• Measures 82-87 mm from snout tip to vent.
• Tail shorter than snout-vent length, sometimes markedly so.

Distribution

• Mountainous areas of western Southland and Otago.
• So far, recorded from Takitimu and Richardson Mountains.
• Distribution limits poorly understood.
• Sparse and difficult to detect.

Notes

• Moko-piri-rakau is the Maori name for forest gecko.
• Notes about NZ threat classification (Hitchmough, et al 2007): Difficult to survey; possibly 10-12 animals seen, but large area of potential habitat.
• The scientific name means 'hidden lifestyle', in reference to the secretive behaviour.
• Genetic evidence suggests a close relationship with Mokopirirakau nebulosus, but separation supported by clear morphological differences.
• Notes about 2008-10 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles (Hitchmough et al 2010): 4 known localities - but extremely widespread and huge area of potential habitat between them.
• Notes about 2012-14 cycle of NZ threat classification for Reptiles: (Hitchmough, et al.
• 2012): No new data; possible sighting from western Fiordland NP; 4 known localities - but extremely widespread and huge area of potential habitat between them.