Elderly gecko stolen from Fiordland visitor centre
An elderly gecko that had been in Te Anau for more than 30 years was stolen from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
The Marlborough green gecko, or Naultinus manukanus, was reported missing on July 19 after it was stolen from a terrarium, where it was on display in the foyer of the visitor centre.
The terrarium was refreshed with food and leaves midafternoon on July 16.
However, when the ranger returned three days later, the padlock had been removed and the gecko was missing.
Department of Conservation Te Anau operations manager Greg Lind said the gecko had been a Te Anau resident for more than 30 years.
‘‘The gecko has a distinctive grey mark on its head and would be easily identified. It’s our longest serving advocacy animal in Fiordland, and staff just want it back safe.’’
The police have been notified of the theft, Lind said.
Lind was appealing to the public to keep an eye out for the rare lizard.
‘‘It is distressing to think this animal, that has lived in one place all its life, may be subjected to uncomfortable experiences,’’ Lind said.
Invercargill herpetologist Tony Jewell said it seemed unlikely that poachers stole the gecko and it was more likely to be a local person who was up to no good.
The poaching network was quite sophisticated and any poachers would have access to information on where to find geckos in the wild, as opposed to stealing them from captivity, Jewell said.
The gecko would not be worth much in New Zealand and would have to be smuggled out of the country to fetch a real price, he said.
The gecko was probably near the end of its life, as few captive ones live past 30 to 40 years.
The Marlborough green gecko, also known as the manuka gecko, is endemic to New Zealand. It can grow up to 70mm long, is classified as an at risk species.
Anyone with information about the gecko should contact the police or DOC.