Today’s photo is of a rare harlequin gecko/tukutuku rakiurae.
This species of gecko is endemic to Stewart Island/Rakiura in the far south of New Zealand, where it was discovered in 1969.
The harlequin gecko is probably the most southern member of the gecko family. At 47° south of the equator, with low sunshine hours and frequent rainfall, Stewart Island is a challenging environment for reptiles.
DOC has classified the harlequin gecko as Nationally Vulnerable under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.
Photo: James Reardon.
Beautiful.
A lovely critter.
I agree. The most handsome gecko I’ve ever seen!
This is BEAUTIFUL – it looks as if it is made out of myriad tiny beads.