Ibity ground gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ibity ground gecko |
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Paroedura
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| Species: |
ibityensis
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| Range of the species within the Paroedura bastardi clade, with P. ibityensis indicated by the purple decagrams | |
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The Ibity ground gecko (Paroedura ibityensis) is a cool type of lizard that belongs to the gecko family. It was first described in 1998. At first, scientists thought it was a subspecies of another gecko, the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko. But since 2008, they've realized it's its own special species!
This gecko lives only in a few places in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. It's named after Mount Ibity, which is where it was first found.
This gecko is pretty small, growing to just over 6 centimeters long from its snout to the start of its tail. It has special bumpy scales. Even though it's not currently endangered, it lives in a very specific habitat. This means its home could be easily affected by climate change in the future.
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About the Ibity Ground Gecko's Name
When the Ibity ground gecko was first discovered in 1998, scientists Rösler and Krüger gave it the scientific name Paroedura bastardi ibityensis. They thought it was a subspecies of the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko (Paroedura bastardi).
However, later studies looked closely at its body shape and its genetics. These studies showed that it was different enough from Paroedura bastardi. So, since 2008, it has been known as its own separate species, Paroedura ibityensis.
The specific name ibityensis comes from Mount Ibity. This mountain is the "type locality," which means it's the exact place where the first specimen of this gecko was found and described.
Where the Ibity Ground Gecko Lives
The Ibity ground gecko is an endemic animal. This means it lives naturally only in one specific area. For this gecko, that area is the Central Highlands of Madagascar.
It has only been found in two places: Ibity and Itremo. These geckos live high up in the mountains, from about 1,600 meters (about 5,250 feet) above sea level. They can even be found higher, up to 2,000 meters (about 6,560 feet) on mountain tops.
This mountain-loving species lives in rocky cracks and crevices. You can find them in highland grasslands, like on cliffs or mountain peaks. Other types of geckos from the same group sometimes live together. But the Ibity ground gecko is usually found alone in its high-altitude home.
What the Ibity Ground Gecko Looks Like
The Ibity ground gecko is a medium-sized gecko. It can grow up to 61 millimeters (about 2.4 inches) long from its snout to the start of its tail.
Like other geckos in its group, the Ibity ground gecko has special scales. These are raised and ridged, and they form rows along its back, legs, and tail. Its toes have wide pads at the end. These pads help the gecko climb on tree trunks and rocky surfaces.
The gecko's body is usually grey or light brown. Younger geckos often have light bands across their bodies, which are more noticeable.
Protecting the Ibity Ground Gecko
The Ibity ground gecko is still common in the rocky areas where it lives. Its population seems to be stable. However, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed it as "Near Threatened". This is because it only lives in a very small area, known from just two places.
One possible danger for this gecko is mining for granite. However, there are no current plans for mining in the areas where this gecko lives. A bigger concern for the future is climate change. A warmer climate could change the special mountain home of this lizard. This might force the geckos to move even higher up the mountains.
Even though there aren't specific projects just for this gecko, both places where it lives, Ibity and Itremo, are protected areas. Efforts are being made to protect these regions. This includes projects to restore the natural environment and to reduce how often fires happen.
