Tenerife gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tenerife gecko |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tarentola
|
| Species: |
delalandii
|
| Synonyms | |
The Tenerife gecko (Tarentola delalandii) is a small lizard that lives on the Canary Islands. People also call it Delalande's gecko or the Tenerife wall gecko. Geckos are a type of lizard known for their special feet that help them climb walls and even ceilings! This gecko belongs to a group of lizards called Phyllodactylidae.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Tenerife Gecko's Story
The scientific name for this gecko is Tarentola delalandii. The second part of its name, delalandii, honors a French scientist named Pierre Antoine Delalande. He was a naturalist, which means he studied nature and living things.
Where Does the Tenerife Gecko Live?
The Tenerife gecko is a special animal because it is endemic to only two islands in the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Palma. This means you won't find this particular gecko species living naturally anywhere else in the world! These islands are part of Spain.
What Kind of Places Do Tenerife Geckos Like?
Tenerife geckos are quite adaptable and can live in many different places. Their natural habitats include temperate forests and areas with lots of shrubland. They also like rocky areas, especially near the coast. You might even spot them in grassy fields, gardens, or urban areas like towns and cities. They can live from sea level all the way up to high mountains, about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level.
Life Cycle: How Tenerife Geckos Reproduce
Like many other lizards, the Tenerife gecko is oviparous. This means that the female gecko lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. She usually lays her eggs safely hidden away under rocks, where they can stay warm and protected until they hatch.
Why Is the Tenerife Gecko Important?
Every animal plays a part in its ecosystem. Geckos often help control insect populations by eating them. They are also a food source for other animals, like birds.
Is the Tenerife Gecko in Danger?
Currently, the Tenerife gecko is listed as "Least Concern" by conservation groups. However, it can still be affected by habitat loss. This happens when the places where geckos live are destroyed or changed, often by human activities like building or farming. Protecting their habitats helps make sure these unique geckos continue to thrive on the Canary Islands.
See also
In Spanish: Perenquén de Tenerife o de Delalande para niños
