Following the exciting discovery in January this year of a Nationally Vulnerable Nelson green gecko (Naultinus stellatus) population on Tākaka Hill, Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust, in collaboration with dedicated local landowners and Ravensdown Ltd, has made significant strides in conservation efforts aimed at protecting this remarkable species and its habitat.
Since January, with invaluable support from the Department of Conservation Predator Free Communities, a grid of Trapinator DOC200 traps and additional possum traps has been deployed in the area. This initiative successfully targets potential predators, specifically mice, rats, and possums, which pose significant threats to the survival of the Nelson green gecko.
Recent surveys in partnership with RMA Ecology have revealed an astonishing find: a female Nelson green gecko has remained in the same tree for nearly a year. This discovery enhances our understanding of the gecko’s behaviour and further confirms the significance of the habitat on Tākaka Hill.
The observation was made as part of ongoing monitoring efforts to assess the species’ health and ecological setting.
Tākaka Hill has long been acknowledged for its ecological importance, and the continued presence of the Nelson green gecko population serves as a beacon of hope for the species’ survival.
“The discovery and ongoing monitoring of the Nelson green gecko reinforce the value of a collaborative approach in conservation work. Our predator control efforts are crucial for enhancing the ecosystem and ensuring this unique species thrives,” says Charmaine Petereit, co-founder and project manager of the trust.
The trust and Tākaka Hill landowners are committed to developing a comprehensive conservation management plan tailored to the gecko.
