Lucasium stenodactylum facts for kids

The crowned gecko (Lucasium stenodactylum) is a small gecko found in Australia. It used to be called Diplodactylus stenodactylus. People also sometimes call it the pale-snouted ground gecko.

About the Crowned Gecko

What Does the Crowned Gecko Look Like?

The crowned gecko can be reddish-brown or brown. Most of these geckos are about 90 mm (3.5 in) long. That's about the length of a small cell phone!

Their body patterns can be different. Many have a cream or white stripe down their back. This stripe starts near each eye. It then joins together at the back of their neck. From there, it runs as a single stripe down their spine. Some geckos might have a very faint stripe or no stripe at all.

You might also see pale spots on their legs and sides. These spots can be big or small. The underside of their body is usually whitish. Their tail is thin and long. It makes up about 80% of their body length from snout to vent. Their scales on their back and sides are all pretty much the same size.

Where Do Crowned Geckos Live?

The crowned gecko lives in New South Wales, Australia. They are found in a few specific places. These include Sturt National Park, Mutawintji National Park, and Thurloo Downs.

Scientists are still learning a lot about where these geckos like to live. So far, they have been seen in areas with red and sandy soil. They also live in savannah woodlands. These are areas with scattered trees and grasslands. Sometimes, they are found in rocky places with shrubs.

How Do Crowned Geckos Behave?

Crowned geckos are nocturnal. This means they are active at night. During the day, they hide and rest. At night, they come out to hunt for food. Their main diet is insects.

Crowned Gecko Conservation

Is the Crowned Gecko in Danger?

The crowned gecko's conservation status varies across Australia. In New South Wales, it is listed as a vulnerable species. This means it could become endangered if threats continue. This listing is under the New South Wales Threatened Species Act 1995.

In Queensland, it is listed as 'least concern'. This means it is not currently at high risk. The same 'least concern' status applies in the Northern Territory.

What Threats Do Crowned Geckos Face?

Several things can threaten crowned geckos.

• Grazing animals: Animals like cattle or sheep, which were brought to Australia, eat the plants where geckos live. This can destroy their habitat.
• Predators: Foxes and cats, which are also not native to Australia, hunt and eat these geckos.
• Habitat loss: If their living areas become broken up into smaller pieces, it's harder for them to survive.
• Natural events: Things like droughts (very dry periods) and fires can also put them at risk. These events can be more dangerous if their populations are small and separated.