Oriental scaly-toed gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oriental scaly-toed gecko |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Lepidodactylus browni Pernetta & Black, 1983 |
The oriental scaly-toed gecko (scientific name: Lepidodactylus orientalis) is a small lizard. It is a type of gecko. This gecko lives only in the southeastern part of Papua New Guinea. You can find it in areas like the National Capital District and the Central Province. It usually lives in places that are not too high up, below about 665 meters (2,182 feet).
About Its Name
Scientists often study animals to understand them better. Recent studies by scientists like Kraus found something interesting. Another gecko, called Lepidodactylus browni, is actually the same species as Lepidodactylus orientalis. When two scientific names refer to the same animal, one becomes a synonym of the other. This means they are just different names for the same thing.
These two geckos look a little different. They also have tiny differences in their genes. Scientists think these small differences might be because they live in different places. For example, L. browni might live on rough tree bark, like in mangrove trees. L. orientalis might prefer smooth bark, like on Eucalyptus trees.
The name orientalis means "eastern." This refers to where this gecko lives in New Guinea, which is in the eastern part. The name browni honors a famous American scientist named Walter Creighton Brown. He studied reptiles and amphibians.
What It Looks Like and How It Reproduces
The oriental scaly-toed gecko is quite small. It measures about 32 to 48 millimeters (1.3 to 1.9 inches) from its snout (nose) to its vent (the opening near its tail). This measurement is called "snout-vent length." Female geckos are usually a bit bigger than males.
This gecko is oviparous. This means that the female gecko lays eggs. The baby geckos hatch from these eggs.
Where It Lives and If It's Safe
The oriental scaly-toed gecko mostly lives in savanna-monsoon forests. These are special types of forests around Port Moresby. The gecko that used to be called Lepidodactylus browni lives in mangrove forests. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in salty water along coastlines.
This gecko is nocturnal. This means it is active at night and sleeps during the day.
Mangrove habitats are facing problems. Cities are growing, and this can harm the mangrove forests. In busy city areas, another gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris, often takes over. This gecko likes living near people.
However, the oriental scaly-toed gecko as a whole is not in great danger. It is quite common in the savanna habitats.
