Gonatodes daudini

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Gonatodes daudini

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Sphaerodactylidae
Genus: Gonatodes
Species:
G. daudini
Binomial name
Gonatodes daudini

Gonatodes daudini, also known commonly as the Grenadines clawed gecko or the Union Island gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.[1][4]

Conservation status

The Union Island gecko is threatened by demand from the international pet trade. Due to its distinct markings, it is one of the most trafficked reptiles in the Eastern Caribbean.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).[6] Trained local residents have patrolled the tropical dry forest the gecko inhabits since 2017 in an attempt to deter poachers.[5]

Etymology

The specific name, daudini, is in honor of naturalist Jacques Daudin (1926–2011) who lived on Union Island.[7][8]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of G. daudini is remnant dry forest.[4]

Behavior

G. daudini is diurnal and terrestrial.[4]

Reproduction

G. daudini is oviparous.[4]

References

  1. ^
    IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T194258A115333400. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T194258A8889057.en
    . Downloaded on 15 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. ^ Powell, Robert; Henderson, Robert William (2005). "A new species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the west Indies". Caribbean Journal of Science. 41 (4): 709–715. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Gonatodes daudini at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  5. ^ a b "Army of islanders to protect gecko the size of a paperclip". BBC News. 2022-12-26. Retrieved 2022-12-26.
  6. ^ Fine Maron, Dina (30 April 2019). "This shy Caribbean lizard is now a coveted pet—and critically endangered. How did this happen?". National Geographic. National Geographic Society. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  7. ^ "News". www.eccea.com. Retrieved 2022-12-26.
  8. . (Gonatodes daudini, p. 66).

Further reading