So, there you are, clinging to a rock-face in New Zealand's remote alpine area of South Island.
You look for the next toe hold and alongside you is one of these little creatures, a rare
alpine geckos. Make a note."We are really keen to hear about any sightings of geckos either recently or in the past from the alpine zone of South Island mountains - the area above the tree and shrub zone," said lizard specialist Dr. Mandy Tocher. "
We need to know as much as possible about the sightings, and call upon all climbers, trampers and alpine enthusiasts to report sightings or skins."
In a survey being conducted by the Department of Conservation, sponsored by Kathmandu, new habitats of the rare New Zealand alpine geckos have already been found this summer. Much to the delight of
the New Zealand National Parks Conservation Foundation, which has facilitated the sponsorship.
New Zealand alpine geckos have only just been discovered, and are relatives of the forest gecko. Whereas forest geckos are relatively common and live in trees and shrubs,
these newly discovered geckos occupy a very different habitat - alpine rock bluffs, boulder piles and scree above 1,000 metres and seem to be extremely rare. Not only that, they are also nocturnal, so the chances of spotting them is small. They are very variable in colour and pattern, from drab brownish-grey to bold herringbone and chevron patterns, to the whole animal being virtually covered in blotches of brick-red colour.
