Summary
Nine species of lizards may be found in urban environments in the lower North Island. Some more threatened species are found only on mammal-free offshore islands, such as Kapiti, Mana and Matiu/Somes.
Common gecko
Common geckos are not threatened but some mainland populations are declining because of predation by introduced mammals, especially rats. Populations are increasing and abundant on many offshore islands.
Geckos are very distinct from skinks. They have a narrow neck and relatively broad head, large feet and velvety scales. Skinks, in contrast, appear to lack a neck, have smaller limbs and a more snake-like smooth body and scaling.
Common geckos are often found in creviced rock outcrops of coastal scarps, bluffs and rock tumbles, including associated scrubby vegetation. They can be found among dead wood and boulder banks, especially when covered with dense vegetation such as pohuehue. They inhabit forests and find homes beneath loose bark, in deep hollows or cliffs or in crevices in standing dead trees.
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