Department of Conservation Reptiles Link to Unique New Zealand Reptiles Interactive Information http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Saving-Reptiles-and-Amphibians/Sci-Media/Interactive/Unique-New-Zealand Link to Department of Conservation Reptiles http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/

GECKOS http://www.arkinspace.com/2013/07/gecko-20-interesting-facts-about-worlds.html

Interesting Gecko Facts: Geckos vary in size. Smallest species of geckos, dwarf gecko, reaches ¾ inches in length. Largest species of geckos, tokay gecko, reaches 14 inches in length. Geckos are usually brightly colored. Body coloration depends on the colors of their environment because it plays important role in the camouflage. Geckos are nocturnal (active at night) creatures. Their eyes are adapted to a low level of light. Besides well developed night vision, geckos have excellent sense of hearing which help them detect and avoid predators on time. Due to their small size, geckos are often preyed by snakes, birds, mammals and some large spider species. Geckos eat different types of fruit, flower nectar, insects and worms. Gecko has a fat tail which is used as a reservoir of fats. It also help gecko to balance while it walks and climbs the trees. Just like other lizards, gecko can throw away its tail in the case of a danger. Tailless gecko will regenerate its missing body part after short period of time. Unique feature of some gecko species is ability to walk across smooth or even horizontal surfaces (such as ceilings) without falling. This is possible because their toes have tiny hooks which act like suction cups during walking. Teflon is the only material to which gecko cannot stick (using its "suction cups") and walk without gliding. Flying gecko is the only gecko species capable for flying (gliding through the air). It has webbed feet and tail, and wide flap of skin which act as a parachute while gecko jumps from one tree to another. Unlike other reptiles, geckos are able to produce various sounds which are used in communication. They produce barking, chirping or clicking noise during mating season or when defending their territory. Geckos mate several times during the year. Female produces two eggs after mating. Female lays her eggs under the leaves and bark few weeks after mating. She does not take care of the eggs. Some eggs are soft, but their shell gradually hardens when exposed to air. Geckos have long lifespan. Leopard gecko can survive more than 20 years in captivity. Other species live between 8 and 10 years.

Just like other lizards, gecko can throw away its tail in the case of a danger. Tailless gecko will regenerate its missing body part after short period of time. Unique feature of some gecko species is ability to walk across smooth or even horizontal surfaces (such as ceilings) without falling. This is possible because their toes have tiny hooks which act like suction cups during walking. Teflon is the only material to which gecko cannot stick (using its "suction cups") and walk without gliding. Flying gecko is the only gecko species capable for flying (gliding through the air). It has webbed feet and tail, and wide flap of skin which act as a parachute while gecko jumps from one tree to another. Unlike other reptiles, geckos are able to produce various sounds which are used in communication. They produce barking, chirping or clicking noise during mating season or when defending their territory.