Cupola_gecko

Cupola gecko

Cupola gecko

Species of lizard

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Binomial name ...

The Cupola gecko (Mokopirirakau "cupola") is a species of gecko. Cupola is not its official scientific name; it is yet to be authorised as a separate species, and this term, named after the Cupola Basin in the Nelson Lakes National Park where it was first discovered, is used as a placeholder.[1] It is endemic to New Zealand. It has only been confirmed to be present in two places, the Cupola Basin in the Nelson Lakes National Park,[1] and the Sabine Valley.[1]

In March 2021, 53 years after the first sighting, and 14 years after the last confirmed sighting, four cupola geckos, including a pregnant female, were found in the Sabine Valley in an expedition headed by herpetologist Ben Barr.[2]

Description

Very few recorded specimens of the Cupola gecko exist.[3] It is similar in appearance to other forest geckos, having a grey-brown colour with dark W- or V-shaped bands or blotches.[3] It differs from other related species in that it has a shorter snout and a triangular shaped head with V-shaped markings.[2] It has a speckled undersurface, a bright orange mouth lining, and grey/brown eyes.[4] The sizes of adult specimens are unknown, but probably measure around 70-85mm.[4] Juveniles are dark grey-brown with grey chevron markings and scattered spots of mustard yellow.[4]

Distribution

The Cupola gecko is only known to exist in the Cupola Basin and the Sabine Valley. The first Cupola Basin specimen was found in a scrubby boulder field not far above the Cupola Basin hut.[4]

Conservation status

The Department of Conservation classifies the Cupola gecko as Data Deficient under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[4]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Gee, Samantha (10 April 2021). "On the trail of a ghost: The history of the Cupola gecko". Stuff. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  2. [2]
    Gee, Samantha (31 March 2021). "Cupola gecko population discovered more than 50 years after first sighting". Stuff. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  3. [3]
    "Mokopirirakau SPECIES COMPLEX". New Zealand Herpetological Society. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  4. [4]
    "Mokopirirakau "Cupola"". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
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