| Madagascar dwarf gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Lygodactylus |
| Species: | L. madagascariensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lygodactylus madagascariensis (Boettger, 1881) | |
 | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Scalabotes madagascariensis | |
The Madagascar dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus madagascariensis) is a species of gecko endemic to Madagascar.[2]
Madagascar dwarf geckos are endemic to the island of Madagascar and its surrounding smaller islands. They inhabit a range of ecosystems, including rainforests, dry forests, coastal areas, and even human-altered habitats like gardens and plantations.These geckos have evolved several adaptations to thrive in their environments. Their small size, agile bodies, and specialized toe pads enable them to climb trees and shrubs with ease. Their coloration and patterns help them blend into their surroundings, providing camouflage and protection from predators. Unlike other species of geckos, the Madagascar dwarf gecko is known to not reproduce in dry seasons of the rainforest. Their population of females decreases as seasons get dryer which leads to fewer eggs being laid.
References
- ↑ Raxworthy, C.J. (2020). "Lygodactylus madagascariensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T172956A176629300. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T172956A176629300.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ↑ Lygodactylus madagascariensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
- ↑ Roell, B., Proehl, H., & Hoffmann, K. (2010, July 1). Multigene phylogenetic analysis of Lygodactylus dwarf geckos. Web of Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20139018/
- ↑ Vences, M., Galán, P., Miramontes, K., & Vieites, D. R. (2004, January). Weak expression of reproductive seasonality in a dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus verticillatus) from arid south–western Madagascar. Journal of Arid Environments, 56(2).