The Cook Strait striped gecko is one of the rarest New Zealand lizards. It is found on Stephens Island in the Cook Strait and on Maud Island in Pelorus Sound.
Geckos have broad heads with large bulging eyes, definite necks, and soft, velvety-looking skin which is covered in very small, granular scales.
© Sabine Bernert
This week it was announced that Maud Island/Te Pakeka wildlife sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds has been restored to being predator-free after a DOC operation successfully eradicated mice on the island.
It is great to see Maud Island is once again safe for species like the Cook Strait striped gecko!
Well done!