The Jewelled Gecko/Moko-kakariki Management Plan was launched by the Department of Conservation in Portobello on Friday.
Native to New Zealand, the jewelled gecko is sparsely scattered across the South Island with one of the more significant populations living in various spots on Otago Peninsula.
As they are listed as "gradual decline - human induced" they were not high on Doc's priority list.
However, the Otago Peninsula community was active in research and protection of the geckos, so Doc developed a management plan in consultation with these community groups, local researchers, scientists, residents and conservation.
Doc Coastal Otago area manager Robin Thomas said he believed it was a first in New Zealand - a species management plan that was facilitated by Doc, funded by private company Setpoint Solutions along with Forest and Bird through the Marjorie Barclay Trust.
"It has involved all interested groups in drawing it together and is then handed back over to the public for implementation."
The work would not be able to be done without peninsula residents getting involved.
"There is so much passion and enthusiasm which this plan enables to be focused and directed - it's got to be good."
The plan, which was two or three years in the making, explained the issues involved in gecko conservation on the peninsula and provides guidance to anyone who wants to get involved.
About 60 voluntary actions were suggested in the 30-page plan including how residents could be vigilant to reduce poaching, trapping for pests, controlling weeds and monitoring populations.
Save The Otago Peninsula Inc Society spokeswoman Mrs Lala Frazer said putting together the plan had been an exciting opportunity for both professionals and amateurs with an interest in "this amazing reptile" to share their knowledge.
