Geckolepis megalepis
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Geckolepis megalepis

Geckolepis megalepis is a species of gecko found in the limestone karst formations of northern Madagascar. It is the first addition to the Geckolepis genus since 1942. This species of gecko has the largest scales of any known gecko and can detach them as a defence mechanism when a predator attacks, leaving the predator with a mouthful of scales rather than itself; a character it shares with all other members of the genus Geckolepis. Its scales were reported to come away with greater ease than its congeners.

Distribution

Geography

Geckolepis megalepis was described from Ankarana National Park. It is thought to be restricted to the tsingy karst formations of this park. It was proposed to be Near Threatened in its original description, due to ongoing anthropogenic degradation of its habitat, but probable resilience to these changes.

Habits and Lifestyle

Little to nothing is known of the ecology of Geckolepis megalepis, except that it is nocturnal, arboreal, and insectivorous.

References

1. Geckolepis megalepis Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geckolepis_megalepis

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