New Zealand brown keckos
| New Zealand brown keckos | ||||||||||||
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Hoplodactylus duvaucelii , Duvaucel's gecko, currently the only species of New Zealand's brown gecko |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Hoplodactylus | ||||||||||||
| Fitzinger , 1843 |
The New Zealand brown or gray geckos ( Hoplodactylus ) are a genus from the family of the double- fingered geckos (Diplodactylidae). They were previously compared to the green geckos , but after being divided into several genera, they only comprise two species , one of which is considered extinct. The geckos are endemic to New Zealand . (As of January 29, 2012).
Appearance
New Zealand brown geckos are predominantly gray, brown or olive in color. Different patterns of light and dark spots or stripes are drawn on a gray, brownish or olive background.
The underside of the body is lighter in color and drawn differently than the upper side. The head-torso length of Duvaucel's gecko ( Hoplodactylus duvaucelii ) can reach up to 16 centimeters, the maximum total length is about 23 centimeters.
The Kawekaweau gecko ( Hoplodactylus delcourti ), which became extinct within the last two hundred years, was the world's largest species of gecko. It was not scientifically described until 1986 after a specimen caught at the beginning of the 19th century, which has since been kept in a French museum.
distribution and habitat
The genus Hoplodactylus occurs only in New Zealand, on both main islands. Their representatives colonize the most varied of habitats from the coast to the high mountains.
Way of life and behavior
Depending on the species, the New Zealand brown geckos can be found mainly on trees, bushes or on the ground between grass, wood and stones, some species also penetrate buildings. The habitat of the species and their climbing behavior is also reflected in the shape of their toes (see above) In contrast to the closely related green geckos , the New Zealand brown geckos do not use their tails as a grasping organ when climbing. All species are predominantly nocturnal, but many can often be seen sunbathing during the day. New Zealand brown geckos can change their body color: All species are able to lighten or darken their body surface and in this way are able to regulate the absorption of heat, which is important because they are ectothermic (alternating warmth). In addition, some species can adapt their coloring to the environment and thereby improve their camouflage. When threatened, the brown deckers can shed their tail.
food
The New Zealand brown geckos feed on arthropods , with insects being the preferred prey for many species.
Reproduction
The New Zealand brown geckos lay eggs, from which the young hatch immediately, so that one can speak of ovoviviparic in this case too .
lifespan
In the cool, humid climate of New Zealand , the brown geckos develop relatively slowly and, since there are no predators on many smaller islands, they can probably reach an age of more than 36 years in nature, as reported, for example, from some specimens of Duvaucel's gecko ( Hoplodactylus duvaucelli ) .
species
- Kawekaweau gecko ( Hoplodactylus delcourti Bauer & Russell , 1986) (probably extinct)
- Duvaucel's gecko Hoplodactylus duvaucelii ( Duméril & Bibron , 1836)
Individual evidence
literature
- Brian Gill, Tony Whitaker: New Zealand frogs and reptiles . David Bateman Limited, Auckland 1996, ISBN 978-1-86953-264-2 (English).
- PRV Rowlands: New Zealand Geckos: A Guide to Captive Maintenance and Breeding . 4th edition. Eco Print, Auckland 2005 (English, first edition 1981).
- Rob Hitchmough: Threatened species science section . Ed .: Department of Conservation . Wellington 2006 (English).
Web links
- Hoplodactylus in The Reptile Database
- Geckos. The New Zealand Herpetological Society, accessed January 30, 2012 .