The jewelled gecko has a status of "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List, caused by several threats such as habitat destruction, degrading and fragmenting through grazing, herbicides and burning, as well as introduced predators. The jewelled gecko is a native species of the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only on the southeast of the South Island. More precisely the main population is found in Canterbury and Otago. Other populations have been found in the area between Canterbury and Otago, but those populations as well as the habitats are small, isolated and fragmented. The species has undergone a decline in population in recent years, and in 2008 was considered "Near Threatened" by the IUCN. The preferred habitats of the jewelled gecko are diverse woody vegetation, drylands and shrublands. It needs shelter from cold and fires in the landscape, and is therefore dependent on woody forest vegetation. The jewelled gecko is an arboreal, diurnal species, which means it lives in trees and is active during the day. It can live in a wide range of tree and shrub species, like manuka, beech and matagouri. Rocky outcrops and boulder fields also can be suitable habitat for easy escapes from predators. The jewelled gecko is viviparous. Females typically give birth in autumn, usually a little earlier for Canterbury individuals than the Otago ones. Reproduction happens annually, and pregnancy lasts about seven months. The reproductive cycle of the jewelled gecko consists of vitellogenesis, ovulation and pregnancy, with vitellogenesis starting in autumn after birth and ovulation happening during spring. Each female gives birth to one or two juveniles. The lifespan of "Naultinus gemmeus" is unknown. It is thought to live for over 30 years when predation and habitat fragmentation aren't issues, based on the lifespan of other gecko species in the area. Although most geckos endemic to New Zealand are slow growing and can take 2–8 years to reach maturity, the jewelled gecko takes 4 years to reach maturity. Once reaching maturity it gives birth to one to two young each year, and like other endemic New Zealand geckos, it gives birth to live young and doesn't lay eggs. Research has shown that there is a clear seasonal pattern of reproductive activity, ovulation starting in the spring and the gestation period lasting around 7 months, ending with the birth of one to two young.