Round Island day gecko

Round Island day gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. guentheri
Binomial name
Phelsuma guentheri
Boulenger, 1885

The Round Island day gecko, Phelsuma guentheri, also known as Günther's gecko, is an endangered species of gecko. It lives on the islet Round Island (Mauritius), and typically dwells on different palm trees. The Round Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Etymology

The specific name, guentheri, is in honor of German-born British herpetologist Albert Günther.[1]

Description

P. guentheri is one of the largest living day geckos. Males can reach a total length of about 30 cm (12 in), but often are much smaller. Females of this species are generally very much smaller than males. The body color is grayish or grayish brown. A dark-brown stripe extends from the nostril to above the ear opening. On the back, dark spots may be present. In some individuals, the legs and toes have light-yellow bars. The ventral side is white or yellowish.

Geographic range

P. guentheri originally occurred on Mauritius before rats and cats were introduced. Now, it inhabits only Round Island, 22 km (14 mi) north-northeast of Mauritius.

Habitat

P. guentheri is often found on bottle palms, fan palms (Latania loddigesii ), and Pandanus. Since much of the original vegetation is destroyed, by tropical cylones, P. guentheri is forced to live in rocky crevices.

Diet

These days geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen, and nectar.

Reproduction

The females lay up to four pairs of eggs. The young will hatch after about 58–104 days. The juveniles measure 75 mm (3.0 in). The eggs are laid normally in June, but can be laid from February to September.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals are endangered and were bred and kept by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at Durrell Wildlife Park until 1999. No specimens are kept in captive public hands outside of Mauritius

References

  1. ↑ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phelsuma guentheri, pp. 110-111).

Further reading

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