Cochran's least gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cochran's least gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sphaerodactylus
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| Species: |
cochranae
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| Distribution of Sphaerodactylus cochranae. Inferred range in red. | |
Sphaerodactylus cochranae, often called Cochran's least gecko, is a very small lizard. It is part of the gecko family and is critically endangered. This means it is at high risk of disappearing from the world. This special gecko lives only on the island of Hispaniola. You can find it specifically in the Dominican Republic, mostly within the Los Haitises National Park.
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What Does Cochran's Least Gecko Look Like?
Cochran's least gecko is a tiny creature. Adult males can grow up to 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. Females are slightly smaller, reaching about 28 millimeters. That's about the size of a paperclip!
Skin and Scales
This gecko has unique scales on its back. They are large, pointy, and overlap like roof tiles. These scales help it stand out from other geckos. Its back is usually yellowish-brown or tan. It also has three dark stripes that run from its head all the way to its tail. The colors are similar for both males and females. Its belly scales are smooth and round.
Where Does This Gecko Live?
Cochran's least gecko lives only in a specific area of the Dominican Republic. This area is called the Los Haitises region. It is known for its unique landscape with steep, rounded hills called mogotes.
Its Special Home
This gecko loves damp places, especially areas with plants called bromeliads. Bromeliads are plants that often grow on trees and collect water. The geckos live in these plants. The mogotes where they live have been mostly untouched by people. This undisturbed environment is very important for the gecko's survival. Its home range is very small, covering less than 71 square kilometers.
Why Is It Called Cochran's Least Gecko?
The gecko is named after a famous American scientist. Her name was Doris Mable Cochran. She was a herpetologist, which is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians. She worked at the National Museum of Natural History. The gecko was named in her honor because of her important work studying animals in Hispaniola.
Why Is This Gecko Endangered?
Cochran's least gecko is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. This means it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Threats to Its Home
The biggest danger to this gecko is the loss of its habitat. People are cutting down forests to make space for farms. This farming activity destroys the gecko's home. Even though part of its habitat is inside Los Haitises National Park, the park faces challenges. Sometimes, people still cut down trees and damage the land within the park boundaries. Protecting this gecko and its special home is very important.
