Click photo to enlarge
Orokonui Ecosanctuary conservation manager Elton Smith
prepares to release a jewelled gecko at the sanctuary last
year.
One year after the jewelled geckos were released at
Orokonui Ecosanctuary, their survival and breeding is
encouraging, general manager Chris Baillie says.
The bright green geckos were moved from Otago Peninsula to
their new home in January last year as part of the
ecosanctuary's plan to reintroduce species where they had
once lived.
Thirty-six geckos had been translocated and were surveyed
every two months by representatives of Save the Otago
Peninsula Trust and ecosanctuary staff, she said.
Individual geckos, which in the wild were under threat
through predation, loss of habitat and poaching, could be
identified by their "unique and beautiful" markings.
Since their release, 20 had been re-sighted and at least
three had given birth in the ecosanctuary.
Some of these young were now seen regularly, she said.
"It is too early to declare the transfer a success, though
their survival and breeding, despite a very cold winter in
2009, are encouraging."
After enhancement of their habitat, particularly through
planting of Coprosma propinqua and Poa cita (silver tussock),
and keeping the ecosanctuary safe from most predators, the
geckos were able to look after themselves, she said.
It was hoped the ecosanctuary's population would act as a
backup population.
rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
