The colourful species is one of the UAE’s largest geckos, growing up to 15 centimetres. It was once known as the Moonshine gecko because its eyes glow at night.
The Wonder gecko has very specific soil and climate conditions that it needs and unfortunately all of these areas are now under high development.
The agency has recorded Wonder gecko populations in three surveyed areas including one near the Dubai border, which was cut in half by a road.
This year the agency ensured that most of the area, which covers a few square kilometres and has about 30 of the lizards, was fenced off.
