Rock climbers to spy on geckos

Rock climbers and high country enthusiasts are being called on to spy on geckos to help with a survey designed to discover new species and new localities.

The Department of Conservation (DOC), the National Parks and Conservation Foundation and outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu announced the extension of the alpine gecko survey project today.

The project has already confirmed the existence of a number of new populations of alpine gecko (Hoplodactylus undescribed species).

And an exciting find was the discovery of the "Cascade" species in the Darran Mountains in Fiordland.

DOC project manager Andrea Goodman said one of the most wonderful aspects of the survey last year, was the unexpected help from rock climbers.

"Publicity we generated in regard to last summer's survey really motivated the rock climbing community and five new sightings of these alpine geckos were reported to us," Ms Goodman said.

"We really hope rock climbers, and perhaps even trampers, can do the same again this year as we extend the scope of the survey to cover most of the South Island alpine zone."

Ms Goodman said the survey was going to help determine the conservation status of these animals.

"We simply don't know enough about them yet, except for the obvious -- that they are difficult to find."

- NZPA