REPTILES  

GECKOS: New Zealand Geckos are endemic but similarities to present day New Caledionian species suggest that they arrived in New Zealand 7-26 million years ago.

There are two genus of Geckos in New Zealand, diurnal Naultinus which have slender toes and live mainly arboreal and Hoplodactylus which is nocturnal. He has no trouble in climbing a vertical glass surface with his two toes that allow a greater degree of lamellar development.

Species on display are the Northland, Auckland and Wellington Green Geckos, Duvaucels Gecko, along with breeding colonies of both the Common Gecko and Forest Gecko.

Auckland Green Gecko

NOTE: All New Zealand Geckos and Skinks are absolutely protected, taking specimens from the wild, handling or interfering with them in any way is illegal . If you find an injured Gecko/Skink please contact the nearest DOC office or The Reservation.

SKINK: All 20+ species of native Skink that occur in New Zealand are endemic and come from two genus Oligosma which are diurnal and Cyclodina which are nocturnal. Lampropholis (Rainbow Skink) are also present in the upper North Island – these were accidentally introduced from Australia .

The Common Skink (Oligosma nigriplantare) is the only species displayed.


FROGS: Golden Bell frogs (Litoria reniformis) are on display in the terrarium. We aim to liberate these and the Whistling frog (Litoria ewingii) in our ponds eventually.

Both these species are Australian natives that were introduced into New Zealand around 1875. These frogs are still widely spread through out the country, unlike the 3 NZ native species which are all classified as endangered.

NOTE: New Zealand native frogs are endangered and absolutely protected. They are found only in the North Island and Stephen and Maude Island in the Marlbourgh Sounds. Any sighting of the native frogs should be reported to the nearest Department Of Conservation.

TURTLES: Two species of Turtles are housed at The Reservation.

The Red Eared Slider, a native to the USA, is the most commonly kept turtle in captivity and a small colony is housed in the terrarium. A lone female Snake Neck Turtle is also displayed.



AXOLOTLS: An amphibious native of Mexico and thought to be extinct in the wild. Commonly know as the "Mexican Walking Fish".

Mexican Walking Fish

PROJECT: We would like to obtain funds to aid in the purchase of two Australian Blue Tongue Lizards, Water Dragons and Bearded Lizards (Australian Natives).

Your donations toward this project are very welcome.

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