Photo credit: Christian Randrianantoandro
The Day Gecko, Phelsuma antanosy, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. This highly specialized gecko forms a close association with a single species of Pandus tree in which it lays its eggs. Consequently, the Day Gecko is only found in the coastal forests of the Tolagnaro region in southeastern Madagascar that support this tree species.
The Day Gecko has a highly fragmented distribution, and is thought to occupy an area of no more than nine square kilometres. Its remaining habitat is further threatened by tree felling for timber, fuel and conversion to agricultural land, and the selective harvesting of its host tree species. Furthermore, one subpopulation at Sainte Luce is expected to be lost as mining for ilmenite begins.
Protected areas have been created within the Day Gecko’s range, and five forest fragments in Sainte Luce are managed within a community resource use agreement, which aims to sustain local livelihoods whilst conserving biodiversity. However, the successful management of these areas will very much depend on the involvement and support of the local communities.
Geographic Range of the Day Gecko
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Day Gecko, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.
