Mossy New Caledonian gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mniarogekko chahoua |
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Mniarogekko
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chahoua
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The mossy New Caledonian gecko is a special kind of gecko known by its scientific name, Mniarogekko chahoua. People also call it the short-snouted New Caledonian gecko, Bavay's giant gecko, or mossy prehensile-tailed gecko. This gecko lives in trees, which means it is an arboreal animal. You can find it naturally on the southern part of the island of New Caledonia and on nearby islands like Île des Pins.
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Protecting the Mossy New Caledonian Gecko
The mossy New Caledonian gecko is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. This means its population is decreasing, and it needs protection to survive in the wild.
Who Discovered This Gecko?
The mossy New Caledonian gecko was first described in 1869. It was named Platydactylus chahoua by Arthur René Jean Baptiste Bavay. He was a French pharmacist and a herpetologist, which means he studied reptiles and amphibians.
What Does This Gecko Look Like?
The mossy New Caledonian gecko gets its common name from its unique pattern. Its skin looks like moss or lichen growing on trees. Their colors can be rusty red, brown, green, or gray.
Geckos from different islands might have different colors. For example, those from outer islands often show lighter gray patterns. This gecko has a strong, muscular tail that can grip things. It does not drop its tail as easily as some other geckos do. Adult mossy New Caledonian geckos grow to be about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 31 cm) long.
What Do Mossy Geckos Eat?
Like most geckos from New Caledonia, Mniarogekko chahoua are omnivores and frugivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet changes with the seasons.
In the wild, they eat different insects and fruits. What they eat depends on the time of year, when trees bloom, and what fruits and insects are available. They might also eat small lizards to add to their diet.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female mossy New Caledonian geckos lay two eggs at a time. These eggs are well-calcified, meaning they have hard shells. After they are laid, the eggs stick together, which is called "egg gluing."
Mniarogekko chahoua is the only gecko in its group that lays eggs that stick together. The female usually lays her eggs on top of the ground, often under loose tree bark or fallen leaves. She then guards her eggs. The eggs hatch about 60 to 90 days after they are laid.
Mossy Geckos as Pets
You can sometimes find the mossy New Caledonian gecko in the pet trade. Most of the geckos sold as pets are bred in captivity. If they receive good care, these geckos can live for a long time, often up to 15 to 20 years.
