Naultinus
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Naultinus is one of two genera of geckos in New Zealand, the other being Hoplodactylus. Species of the Naultinus genus are commonly known as "green geckos" and all species are both arboreal and predominantly green (in varying shades) in colour - presumably for camouflage in their verdant habitat. Since they are also diurnal, they are generally more frequently seen in the native forest ecosystems (where they naturally occur) than their predominantly nocturnal relatives in the Hoplodactylus genus. No two species of Naultinus geckos are found in the same place( ie: their populations are never sympatric); this is presumably because each species is adapted to its local environment and perhaps also because their respective ecological niches are incredibly similar(*3). Species in this genus also possess (at least partly-) prehensile tails as an adaptation to their habitat. They are thus more reluctant than individuals of the various Hoplodactylus species to shed them when disturbed by a predator. They also have comparatively slender toes, another adaptation to their arboreal lifestyle.
Unlike their close relatives in the Hoplodactylus genus, Naultinus species lack the ability to alter their skin colour. In addition to chirping and or chattering communication calls, green geckos can also produce a loud croak of alarm or distress (although some describe it as more of a "bark"). Coupled with the vivid colouration of the interior of the mouthes of some Naultinus species (bright red, deep blue, or in some cases, both) this exhibition of defensive behaviour, when individuals encounter predators, is generally enough to scare them off.
[edit] Species
- Wellington green gecko, Naultinus elegans punctatus Gray, 1843
- Auckland green gecko, Naultinus elegans elegans Gray, 1842
- Northland green gecko, Naultinus grayii Bell, 1843
- Jewelled gecko, Naultinus gemmeus (McCann, 1955)
- Marlborough gecko, Naultinus manukanus (McCann, 1955)
- Lewis Pass green gecko, Naultinus poecilochlorus (Robb, 1980)
- Rough gecko, Naultinus rudis (Fischer, 1881)
- Nelson green gecko, Naultinus stellatus Hutton, 1872
- West coast green gecko, Naultinus tuberculatus (McCann, 1955)
[edit] References
- 1: "New Zealand geckos; A guide to captive maintenance and breeding", RPV Rowlands, Ecoprint, 1999
- 2: "New Zealand frogs and reptiles", Brian Gill and Tony Whitaker, David Bateman publishing, 1996
- 3: Rob Hitchmough- Threatened species science section, DOC, ( August 2006)
