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Story: Ngārara – reptiles

Moko kākāriki (green gecko)

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Moko kākāriki (green gecko)

This is the Northland moko kākāriki (green gecko, Naultinus grayii). Its chattering sound was traditionally believed to be laughter, and feared.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand

Reference: DSCG4229Smd.jpg

by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page

Bradford Haami, Ngārara – reptiles – Guardians or enemies?, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12937/moko-kakariki-green-gecko (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Bradford Haami, published 1 March 2009.