Phelsuma day gecko
Day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) Ankarana Special Reserve. NW MADAGASCAR. These are among the largest of the spelsuma species on the island and can reach a lenth of 300mm. They are common in coastal areas of northern Madagascar.
Phelsumas are among the most prominent reptiles in Madagascar. They are also found on other Indian Ocean Islands. They are medium-sized to large arboreal diurnal geckos with round pupils. Species from humid regions tend to be brighter green, often with red marking while species from drier regions are often grey or brown. It is thought that their very conspicuous colour patterns could function as a premating isolation mechanism which helps to prevent interbreeding of different color morphs and therefore reinforce speciation events. In contrast to most other animal groups, Phelsuma seem to benefit from deforestation and are more abundant in cultivated areas than in natural habitas. However there are a few that are only found on edges of primary forest and they are seriously threatened by habitat destruction. All the phelsumas in Madagascar glue their eggs to a substate like bark. Usually 2 eggs per clutch. Several species like Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis defend their clutches.
Threats: THEY ARE HEAVILY COLLECTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL PET TRADE.
