Belize leaf-toed gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belize leaf-toed gecko |
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| Phyllodactylus insularis in Turneffe Flats, Belize | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Phyllodactylus
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| Species: |
insularis
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The Belize leaf-toed gecko is a special kind of gecko. Its scientific name is Phyllodactylus insularis. This small, pale gecko lives only on tiny islands near Belize. A scientist named James R. Dixon first described it in 1960. Today, it is considered a vulnerable animal by the IUCN Red List. This means it needs our help to survive.
Contents
What is the Belize Leaf-Toed Gecko Like?
This gecko is small and has a pale color. It also has a noticeably large head. These geckos are active at night. They come out from under tree bark and branches. They search for insects and other small creatures to eat.
How Do Geckos Stick to Things?
Like many other geckos, this species has special sticky pads on its toes. These pads help it climb and stick to surfaces. They can even walk upside down! The Belize leaf-toed gecko also makes sounds. It lets out a high-pitched squeak or click.
Where Does the Belize Leaf-Toed Gecko Live?
This gecko lives in trees. You can find it in coastal forests on small islands. It is only found in the lowland Maya forests of Belize. Young geckos often hide under objects on the ground. Adult geckos prefer to live on palm tree trunks.
What is the Gecko's Home Range?
The Belize leaf-toed gecko has been seen on several islands. These include Half Moon Caye, Long Caye, and Twin Cayes. It also lives on islands near Glover's Reef. Other locations are Crawl Caye, False Caye, and Lagoon Caye. You can also find it on Peter Douglas Caye, Ambergris Caye, and West Snake Caye. All these islands are off the coast of Belize.
How High Do They Live?
These geckos live from sea level up to 50 meters high.
How Do Belize Leaf-Toed Geckos Have Babies?
Belize leaf-toed geckos are oviparous. This means they lay eggs. Usually, a female gecko lays one or two eggs at a time.
What Eats the Belize Leaf-Toed Gecko?
Rats are known to hunt and eat Phyllodactylus insularis.
What Threats Do These Geckos Face?
The IUCN Red List reports that the gecko's home is in danger. Tourism development is destroying their habitat. This means their natural living spaces are being lost. They are also threatened by rising sea levels. Strong storms and storm surges can also harm them.
See also
- Fauna of Belize
