Monito Gecko 
 
Advertisement
 
Scientific Name:
Sphaerodactylus micropithecus
Group:
Reptiles
Status/Date Listed as Endangered:
EN-US FWS: October 15, 1982
EN-IUCN: 1996
Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Puerto Rico

The monito gecko was discovered in 1974 on the Puerto Rican island of Monito. It is a pale tan lizard with dark brown scales appearing randomly on its upper side. Adults reach up to 36 mm in head and body length. Generally geckos are found in tropical rainforests, and they can only thrive in warm climates. Very little is known about the monito gecko's behavior. Geckos are unique lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds when interacting with other geckos. Many gecko species have special pads on their toes that help them to climb a wide variety of surfaces, including glass, and even at complete 90 degree angles. Monito geckos may breed between March and November. Females may give birth to two to three eggs, and the eggs hatch after two or three months. Unlike most geckos, this particular species is mostly active in the daytime.

The current monito gecko population is believed to be less than 250. This species is listed as "critically endangered" and faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Causes of decline are believed to be predation by the black rat and habitat destruction due to human disturbance.




Wikipedia Article

This article is only an excerpt. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents here.
Wikipedia Article
Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Monito gecko".

Featured Article

Rare Black Panther Seen Alive in Kenya
Biologists have recently documented rare footage of a black panther stalking the forests of Kenya. The team of biologists shot the footage of the sleek big cat after spending months watching and waiting, according to a conservation scientist from the San Diego Zoo.

Read More...


Advertisement


Endangered Species of Our Planet

Donate, Adopt, Get Involved

EEC Conservation Directory
Donate

Mailing List

Would you like to receive a notice and link when the new Creature Feature is posted?

Enter your e-mail address below:

 

Fun & Games

Are you inspired by endangered animals? Check out our games and coloring pages! More to come soon.
color endangered creatures
play hangman