Gonatodes daudini

Gonatodes daudini
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

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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.[5] Although it is granted domestic protection from export, reportedly wild-caught animals have been reported as offered for sale in several European countries. The species listed on Appendix I of the 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

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

Habitat

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

Behavior

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G. daudini is diurnal and terrestrial.[4]

Photos

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One of the only Captive Bred Species in the world. Owned by Private Exotic Reptile collector Emmanuel Orta. Who also hold multiple bloodlines.

Reproduction

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G. daudini is oviparous.[4] G. daudini females will lay 1 egg instead of a clutch of two. Eggs can be found under leaf litter.

References

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  1. ^ a b Powell R, Henderson RW (2011). "Gonatodes daudini (errata version published in 2017)". The 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. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Gonatodes daudini, p. 66).

Further reading

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  • Daudin, Jacques; de Silva, Mark (2007). "An annotated checklist of the amphibians and terrestrial reptiles of the Grenadines with notes on their local natural history and conservation". Applied Herpetology 4 (2): 163–175.
  • Powell, Robert; Henderson, Robert W. (2005). "A new species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the West Indies". Caribbean Journal of Science 41 (4): 709–715. (Gonatodes daudini, new species).
  • Shepherd, Chris R.; Janssen, Jordi; Noseworthy, Josh (2019). "A case for listing the Union Island Gecko Gonatodes daudini in the Appendices of CITES". Global Ecology and Conservation 17: e00549.