These 60-year-old geckos could be the world’s oldest

CNN - Mar 28th, 2025

On a small island off New Zealand's South Island, two geckos named Antoinette and Brucie-Baby have been identified as the world's oldest known geckos, aged 64 and 60 years respectively. They were found during a recent five-yearly survey on predator-free Motunau Island by a team including reptile expert Marieke Lettink. These geckos, marked decades ago by the late conservationist Tony Whitaker, have outlived typical gecko lifespans by decades, astonishing researchers and highlighting the potential for longevity in predator-free environments.

The discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts in predator-free zones, which have become a focus in New Zealand due to the threat invasive species pose to native wildlife. The unique conditions on Motunau Island, such as its cool climate and absence of predators, have likely contributed to the geckos' remarkable longevity. The finding of these ancient geckos not only honors past conservation work but also presents opportunities for future studies on gecko lifespans and conservation strategies, as researchers hope to uncover even older geckos in upcoming surveys.

Conservation New Zealand Antoinette Brucie Baby Marieke Lettink Tony Whitaker Motunau Island Waitaha Geckos Reptile Longevity Predator Free Environments

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates a fascinating scientific discovery about the world's oldest geckos, providing a clear narrative supported by credible sources. Its strengths lie in its clarity, readability, and engagement, making it accessible and interesting to a broad audience. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including additional viewpoints and exploring the broader ecological and policy implications of the discovery. While the article is timely and relevant to current conservation discussions, its potential impact on public opinion or policy is limited by a lack of in-depth exploration of the broader issues at play. Overall, it is a well-written and informative piece that highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the unique ecosystems that support biodiversity.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports the discovery of two geckos, Antoinette and Brucie-Baby, believed to be the oldest on record. The factual claims, such as the geckos' ages and the location of their discovery on Motunau Island, align well with verified sources. The article correctly attributes the identification of the geckos to the toe-clipping method used by Tony Whitaker, a practice confirmed by the Department of Conservation. However, while the article mentions the geckos' longevity compared to other lizards, it could provide more context about the lifespan of other species for a comprehensive comparison.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the discovery of the geckos and the scientific aspects of their longevity. It presents perspectives from the conservationists and experts involved in the discovery, such as Marieke Lettink and Kaitlyn Leeds, providing a thorough understanding of the scientific and conservation context. However, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as local authorities or environmental organizations, which could provide a more balanced view of the broader implications of this discovery.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to understand. The narrative flows logically from the discovery of the geckos to the implications of their longevity, maintaining reader engagement. The use of direct quotes from experts adds clarity and authenticity to the story. However, providing more background on the ecological significance of the geckos and the island's environment could enhance understanding.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including reptile experts and the Department of Conservation, enhancing its reliability. The involvement of recognized experts like Marieke Lettink adds to the article's authority. However, the article could further enhance its credibility by including direct quotes from additional independent experts or peer-reviewed studies to corroborate the claims made.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the discovery and the methods used to identify the geckos, such as the historical toe-clipping practice. However, it could improve transparency by explaining the methodology of the surveys in more detail and discussing any potential limitations or biases in the research. Additionally, acknowledging any affiliations or potential conflicts of interest of the experts quoted would enhance transparency.