3. Brehms Tierleben. A Malagasy Day Gecko, Phelsuma

The day geckos of the genus Phelsuma (family Gekkonidae) inhabit the islands of the south-west Indian Ocean. The exceptions are Phelsuma andamanense, which is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and Phelsuma dubia, which is also found on the East Coast of mainland Africa, although it possibly was introduced there. Most Phelsuma species are found in Mauritius and Madagascar. Some species are found on neighboring island groups, including the Mascarenes, Seychelles, and Comoros. Due to human introduction, they are also often found on some of the Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island and Kauai, and the state of Florida, where they were introduced as a form of pest control. The different Phelsuma species can be found from sea level up to 2,300 meters. Most day geckos are arboreal. They inhabit, amongst others, coconut palms and banana trees, but can also be found near human settlements, in gardens, on fences, houses, and huts. An exception, Phelsuma barbouri, is a terrestrial species. Some day geckos are seriously endangered and some are common, but all Phelsuma species are CITES Appendix II listed. Little is known about trade in day geckos, but the IUCN considers it a threat to some species. Some species are captive-bred.

 

Based on: Phelsuma. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. March 3, 2021, 11:33 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phelsuma&oldid=1010015716. Accessed April 1, 2021.