| Schist gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Woodworthia |
| Species: | W. "Central Otago" |
| Binomial name | |
| Woodworthia "Central Otago" | |
Woodworthia "Central Otago" is a species of reptiles. They are more commonly known as schist geckos. [1] Schist geckos are found in the South Island of New Zealand. [2]
Schist geckos are a small to medium sized species. [3] The SVL of schist geckos can range anywhere between 51 mm - 71 mm but it is usually around 60 - 68 mm. [3] [4] The intact tail length of schist geckos measures to about equal with the SVL (71 mm). [3] The rostral scale commences at the tip of the upper jaw and it is a broad scale that extends from the mouth to or almost to the nostril. [4] The rostral scale of schist geckos is virtually in contact with the nostrils. [3] Schist geckos' eye colour can be brown, green-grey and even yellow. [3]
Schist geckos are slender and dorso-ventrally flattened which accommodates for its nature of inhabiting deep crevices and slabs of schist rock. [3] Its upper (dorsal) body colour is mid-dark brown or olive-brown and mimics the brown colour of schist rocks. [4] Body colour commonly varies among different schist gecko populations. [4] Olive-green, yellowish and light to dark grey colours have been recorded as well as the presence of stripes. [4] Some individuals in schist gecko populations have a pale stripe from the eye to the ear opening. [3] In addition to colour, it is common for patterns to vary between individuals. [3] This is due to the irregular pale brown blotches and random pale/darker small spots and flecks. [3] Markings extend down the intact tail. [3] Other markings can include a bold marking on the head of geckos or a brown v-shaped marking behind the eyes. [3] Schist geckos have a pink mouth lining and tongue. [4] There is a grey tip noticeable on the tongue. [3]
The distal phalanges of schist geckos are long and straight. [3] The distal phalange is a portion of the toe that does not form the lamellar pad. [4] Situated beneath the toe of schist geckos are curved lamellae. [4] These are a series of soft scale-like plates that divide and cover the width of the slightly expanded toe-pads. [4] Schist geckos have nine to eleven sub digital lamellae. [3] The soles of schist geckos' feet are grey in a paler buff form and the toes of schist geckos are narrow in comparison to other Woodworthia. [3]
Schist geckos are distinguishable from other neighbouring gecko species such as the southern alps gecko. [4] This is because the under (ventral) surface colour of schist geckos is darker in appearance, which is mid-grey containing dark grey specks. [4]
Schist geckos are endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. [3] [5] Schist geckos are confined to a small part of the low-lying hill country in Otago including between the Ida Burn and Rough Ridge ranges. [3] The specific area in which schist geckos are found is between the Maniototo, Manuherikia and Clutha Valleys [5] . The Manuherikia River and the upper Taieri River are catchments that roughly contains the specific area of schist geckos. [5] Schist geckos are especially common in Alexandra. [4] However, this is susceptible to change due to the decline in species numbers. [3]
Schist geckos rarely share their range with any other Woodworthia, with only narrow overlaps with other species. [3]
Schist geckos are a terrestrial species with a montane/subalpine habitat preference. [3] Schist geckos prefer dry and rocky habitats, particularly schist rock outcrops. [3] [4] [5] These outcrops and tors have an elevation of up to 1100 m above sea level. [4] Schist geckos can also be found in some residential areas where suitable rock outcrops are present. [3]
Schist geckos are known to sun bask within or near crevices during the day and emerge at night to avoid predators. [4] Individuals will venture out at night onto the open rock surfaces as well as within the dense vegetation growing in the low-lying lands. [4] The dense vegetation includes Muehlenbeckia complexa , bush-lawyer, Melicytus alpinus or Coprosma sp. [4]
It takes juveniles four years to reach reproductive maturity. [3] Annual mating occurs after February and happens straight after egg laying. [3] Two young are born in February the year after reproduction. [3] Finding a mate is not challenging for schist geckos because they are able to form large aggregations when abundant. [3]
Schist geckos are nocturnal foragers. [3] Schist geckos are insectivores but they also include fruits in their diet. [3] [6] When available, schist geckos consume flower nectar. [6]
Predators vary over different parts of their range. [6] Schist geckos are predated on by introduced mammalian predators such as rodents, stoats, ferrets, weasels and hedgehogs. [6]
The conservation status of schist geckos was updated from Not Threatened to Declining in 2015. [7] The regional trend projects a 10-30% decline for schist gecko numbers. [2]
Schist geckos may not be able to adapt to new environmental conditions, such a climate change, due to their restricted geographic range. [5] A select number of individual schist geckos have been found near residential areas and this number may increase as their habitat is modified via intense agricultural development. [6]