Rough-tailed gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyrtopodion scabrum |
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Cyrtopodion
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scabrum
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The rough-tailed gecko, also known as Cyrtopodion scabrum, is a small lizard. It belongs to the gecko family, Gekkonidae. This gecko gets its name from its rough, bumpy tail. You might also hear it called the rough bent-toed gecko or keeled gecko.
This interesting gecko is native to Asia. This means it naturally lives there and nowhere else. However, it has also been found in other parts of the world.
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About the Rough-Tailed Gecko
Rough-tailed geckos are small lizards. They are known for their bumpy skin and tails. These bumps help them blend in with their surroundings. Geckos are famous for their special toes. These toes allow them to climb walls and even ceilings!
Like all geckos, Cyrtopodion scabrum is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. During the day, it hides to stay safe from predators. It also avoids the heat of the sun.
What's in a Name?
Sometimes, scientists give different names to the same animal. This happened with the rough-tailed gecko. For a while, another gecko called Cyrtopodion basoglui was thought to be a separate species.
However, scientists later found out they were the same. Since Cyrtopodion scabrum was named first, in 1827, that is the correct name. The name Cyrtopodion basoglui was given later, in 1982. The older name always wins!
Where Do Rough-Tailed Geckos Live?
The rough-tailed gecko lives in many countries. Its natural home is across a wide area of Asia and parts of Africa.
Native Homes
You can find these geckos in places like Afghanistan, India, Iran, and Pakistan. They also live in many Middle Eastern countries. These include Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In Africa, they are found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan. They also live in Turkey and Greece.
New Homes
Sometimes, animals are carried to new places by people. This is how the rough-tailed gecko ended up in the United States. They have been found in Arizona and Texas.
In Galveston, Texas, a group of these geckos has started living and reproducing. This happened near shipping docks. Geckos might have traveled there on cargo ships.
Images for kids
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Map showing where Cyrtopodion scabrum lives.
