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Story: Lizards

Coromandel striped gecko

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Coromandel striped gecko

Only three Coromandel striped geckos have ever been found, all on the Coromandel Peninsula. This one, photographed in a backyard, has shed its tail. The first was discovered in 1997. Their closest relation is probably the Stephen’s Island striped gecko (Hoplodactylus stephensi). Despite efforts to locate more, none have been seen – suggesting the species may be on the brink of extinction. It is considered to be the world’s rarest gecko.

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Department of Conservation

by Rob Chappell

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How to cite this page

Kerry-Jayne Wilson, Lizards – Appearance and life cycle, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13515/coromandel-striped-gecko (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 March 2014.