Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko
Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli) is a species of gecko native to Madagascar. Here’s a description of its distribution within the country:
- Madagascar: Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. Within Madagascar, they are primarily distributed in the northeastern part of the island, particularly in the rainforests and lowland forests of the region.
Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos are nocturnal and arboreal, meaning they are active at night and spend most of their time in trees. They have evolved remarkable camouflage, with their flattened bodies, leaf-like appearance, and cryptic coloration allowing them to blend seamlessly into their forest environment.
Due to their specific habitat requirements and limited distribution, Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos are vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and ensure their survival in the wild. This includes the establishment of protected areas and captive breeding programs aimed at maintaining genetically diverse populations in captivity.