Pacific geckos were once common throughout New Zealand, but have been largely driven off the mainland by predators.
Today’s photo of the week comes from the release of 54 geckos on pest-free Motuihe Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
Since it was declared pest free in 2004 – with the removal of rats, feral cats, mice and rabbits – Motuihe Island has become a reptile haven.
The Pacific geckos join Duvaucel’s geckos, common geckos, shore skinks and tuatara previously released on the island.
Photo: David Waters | CC BY 2.0.