At 64 and 60 years old, geckos Antoinette and Brucie-Baby are believed to be the oldest of their kind on record, discovered on Motunau Island off New Zealand’s South Island. Despite their frail appearances, with loose skin and thin bodies, their eyes still sparkle with vitality.
Marieke Lettink, a reptile expert who was part of the discovery team, described the moment as “exciting” and humbling, recognizing that these geckos have lived longer than many people. They were located during a five-yearly survey conducted on the island.
“The fact that they are older than us and still thriving is a remarkable realization,” said Lettink, adding that future surveys may reveal even more about their lifespan.
The survey team sets up a grid of traps on the island, typically capturing hundreds of geckos over a few days. Since these creatures are nocturnal, the team often ventures out at night, using flashlights to find geckos resting on leaves and bushes.
The survey methods trace back to the 1960s when late conservationist Tony Whitaker marked geckos using toe clipping, a technique no longer employed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. This method helped Lettink identify Antoinette and Brucie-Baby, named in honor of Whitaker and fellow conservationist Bruce Thomas.
“Recognizing the markings brought back memories of Tony, making it a poignant moment,” she recalled. Since both geckos were fully grown when marked, they could potentially be older than the recorded ages of 60 and 64.
This longevity significantly surpasses the average lifespan of geckos globally, which is about ten years. The discovery also places Waitaha geckos alongside other long-lived lizard species, typically larger and more well-known.
“This remarkable feat has outstripped even notable species like iguanas and Komodo dragons, which are much larger and famous,” Lettink stated. “Yet, here we have a humble brown gecko that remains largely unnoticed.”
Several factors may contribute to their impressive lifespans, including the absence of predators on Motunau Island, which lacks invasive species that have devastated native wildlife on the mainland. Conservationists are advocating for the establishment of more safe sanctuaries free from predators, which could help protect species like the gecko.
However, the introduction of mice poses another challenge, as they can prey on geckos, prompting the creation of special sanctuaries designed just for lizards and geckos.
Additional factors influencing their longevity include the island’s cooler climate and distinctive environment, according to Kaitlyn Leeds, a biodiversity ranger from the Department of Conservation who joined Lettink in the survey.
The team recognized Antoinette about ten years earlier and had presumed that would be their final sighting. “Seeing them again after a decade and finding them unchanged is truly remarkable,” said Lettink.
She expressed hope for the next survey in five years and the possibility of encountering more of the original geckos tagged in the 1960s. “It would be incredibly exciting to discover more older geckos that have yet to be found,” she added.
Credit: CNN
