Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hemidactylus boavistensis |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Hemidactylus
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| Species: |
boavistensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Hemidactylus bouvieri boavistensis Loveridge, 1947 |
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The Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko (scientific name: Hemidactylus boavistensis) is a special type of gecko. It belongs to the Gekkonidae family. This gecko is found only in the Cape Verde Islands. When a species lives only in one place, it is called endemic. The name boavistensis comes from Boa Vista, Cape Verde, one of the islands where it lives. You can also find it on the island of Sal, Cape Verde and smaller islands like Curral Velho and Sal Rei. For a long time, scientists thought it was a subspecies of another gecko, Hemidactylus bouvieri. But in 2008, they decided it was its own unique species.
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About the Boa Vista Leaf-Toed Gecko
The Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko is a fascinating reptile. It is known for its unique toes, which help it climb. These geckos are an important part of the ecosystem in the Cape Verde Islands.
What Does It Look Like?
The Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko can grow up to 50 mm (2.0 in) long. This measurement is from its snout (nose) to its vent (the opening near its tail). Its head is quite wide, but its snout is narrow. The top of its snout can be curved inwards or straight.
If you look at its belly, you'll see about 35 to 38 small, fine scales. Its toes also have special scales. The first toe on its back foot usually has 5 scales underneath. The fourth toe has 7 to 9 scales.
How Is It Different from Other Geckos?
The Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko is often compared to Hemidactylus bouvieri. H. bouvieri is a bit smaller, growing up to 40 mm (1.6 in) from snout to vent. It also has a narrower head.
Another difference is the scales on their bellies. H. bouvieri has fewer (20-25) and rougher scales. The scales under its toes are also different. The first toe on H. bouvieri has only 3 or 4 scales. Its fourth toe has 4 or 5 scales. These small details help scientists tell the two species apart.
Why Is It "Near Threatened"?
Even though you can find many Boa Vista leaf-toed geckos in their home areas, they are listed as "near threatened." This means they could become endangered in the future. The IUCN Red List gave them this status in 2012.
There are a few reasons for this concern:
- Limited Home: They only live in a small area on the Cape Verde Islands.
- Human Development: New buildings and roads can take away their natural habitat.
- New Neighbors: Other animals, like the house gecko (Hemidactylus angulatus), have been brought to the islands. These new species compete with the native geckos for food and space.
Scientists and conservationists are working to protect these unique geckos. They want to make sure the Boa Vista leaf-toed gecko continues to thrive in its island home.
