West Coast green gecko

The West Coast green gecko (Naultinus tuberculatus), part of the Gekkonidae family, was initially classified in the genus Heteropholis by Charles McCann and later considered a subspecies of Naultinus elegans. It is also known as the Lewis Pass green gecko, mossy gecko, or warty tree gecko. Endemic to New Zealand's South Island, it inhabits areas from Stockton near Granity south to Hokitika and from Haast to Lewis Pass.

This gecko resides in shrublands and forests, particularly favoring the canopy of mānuka and kānuka trees, aided by its prehensile tail for climbing. It is diurnal and active during daylight hours. Morphologically, it features a "mossy" appearance due to white and yellow patterns on green skin, small eyes (olive or brown), a dark blue mouth lining, and a tongue that is black or dark blue. Its narrow, tapering toes range in color from white to yellow-green, with a small light yellow spot at each corner of the mouth. Adults measure up to 85 mm.

The species can be confused with Naultinus stellatus (Nelson green gecko), distinguished by tongue color and snout shape. Reproduction is viviparous, with young born between March and May.

Conservation efforts classify it as Nationally Vulnerable since 2012, under threat from poaching. In 2021, a $1 million reservoir project in Greymouth was halted to search for the gecko in Cobden, despite incorrect claims about its absence south of the Buller River.