Iranian gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iranian gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Mediodactylus |
| Species: |
M. aspratilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Mediodactylus aspratilis (Anderson, 1973)
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| Synonyms | |
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Bunopus aspratilis |
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Mediodactylus aspratilis is a type of lizard known as a gecko. It belongs to the Gekkonidae family, which includes many different kinds of geckos. This specific gecko is also called the Iranian gecko or the Iranian keel-scaled gecko. It is endemic to southwestern Iran, meaning it is found naturally only in that part of the world.
Contents
What is a Gecko?
Geckos are small to medium-sized lizards. They are famous for their unique feet, which let them climb almost any surface. Most geckos are active at night, but some hunt during the day. They live in many different habitats, from deserts to rainforests.
Sticky Feet and Special Eyes
Geckos have amazing feet! They have special pads on their toes covered in tiny hairs. These hairs are so small that they can stick to surfaces using a weak electrical force. This allows geckos to climb walls, ceilings, and even smooth glass. Many geckos also have large eyes with no eyelids. Instead, they have a clear scale that protects their eyes. They clean this scale with their tongues!
The Iranian Gecko's Home
The Iranian gecko lives in the dry, rocky areas of southwestern Iran. These areas can be very hot during the day and cool at night. Geckos are good at living in these tough conditions. They often hide under rocks or in cracks during the hottest parts of the day. This helps them stay cool and safe from predators.
What Do They Eat?
Like most geckos, the Iranian gecko is an insectivore. This means it mostly eats insects and other small invertebrates. They might hunt for spiders, beetles, and moths. Their excellent night vision helps them find food in the dark.
How Geckos Live
Geckos are usually solitary animals, meaning they live alone. They use sounds like chirps or clicks to communicate with each other, especially during mating season. Female geckos usually lay a few soft-shelled eggs in a hidden spot. The baby geckos hatch from these eggs and are ready to live on their own right away.
Protecting Geckos
The Iranian gecko's conservation status is listed as "Data Deficient" (DD). This means scientists don't have enough information to know if its population is healthy or at risk. More research is needed to understand how many Iranian geckos there are and what threats they might face. Protecting their natural habitat is important for their survival.
See Also
- In Spanish: Gecko iraní para niños
 | Mary Eliza Mahoney |
 | Susie King Taylor |
 | Ida Gray |
 | Eliza Ann Grier |
