Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Scientific name Uroplatus henkeli Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Infraorder Gekkota Higher classification Uroplatus | |
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Similar Uroplatus, Uroplatus phantasticus, Reptile, Uroplatus fimbriatus, Uroplatus sikorae | ||
Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli ), also known as Henkel's flat-tailed gecko or the frilled leaf-tail gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to Madagascar.
Contents
Geographic range
U. henkeli is found in primary forest on the island of Nosy Bé near Madagascar, as well as on the mainland of Madagascar itself, in the region of Ankaranafantsika.
Behaviour
Henkel's leaf-tailed geckos live an arboreal lifestyle, often venturing down to the ground only to lay eggs in soft soil and leaflitter.
Description
There are two different morphs of U. henkeli, the Nosy Bé form and the mainland Madagascar form, and they can be distinguished by their colouration patterns, though these are not always reliable. Reaching a total length (including tail) of 280 mm (11 in), this is one of largest species in the genus.
Diet
Henkel's flat-tailed geckos are insectivores, but will also eat snails if they are found.
Etymology
The generic name, Uroplatus, is a Latinization of two Greek words: "ourá" (οὐρά) meaning "tail" and "platys" (πλατύς) meaning "flat". The specific name, henkeli, is a Latinization of German herpetologist Friedrich-Wilhelm Henkel's last name.
Threats
Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Habitat destruction and deforestation in Madagascar is the primary threat to this animal's future as well as collection for the pet trade. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) lists all of the Uroplatus species on their "Top ten most wanted species list" of animals threatened by illegal wildlife trade, because of it "being captured and sold at alarming rates for the international pet trade". It is a CITES Appendix 2 protected animal.