Bibron’s Gecko
( Bibron's thick-toed gecko, Bibron's sand gecko )
- Chondrodactylus bibronii
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Threat: unconfirmed
- Venom/Toxin: none
- Trend: stable
General Information
Bibron’s gecko (Chondrodactylus bibronii) is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southern Africa. C. bibronii has been used as an animal model in bioastronautic research examining the effects of spaceflight on the morphology and physiology of vertebrates.
Description
A moderate-sized gecko, C. bibronii reaches a total length (including tail) of 15 to 20 cm. It has a stockier build than most other geckos. The female is generally smaller than the male. Its base color is brown, and it has a beaded pattern dorsally, with black crossbars. The male has white dots; the female may, as well. The belly is white or very light brown. The newly hatched Bibron’s gecko has solid line and color patterns, while the adult’s patterns are more broken.
Ecology & Behaviour
Bibron’s thick-toed gecko is arboreal and ground-dwelling. It is territorial, and males are very aggressive toward each other. Individuals can commonly be found missing appendages in the wild.
Reproduction
An adult female C. bibronii usually lays two clutches per year, with two eggs per clutch.
Distribtion & Habitat
Bibron’s gecko is distributed across the southern part of the African continent in Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini. It is common in South Africa, where it is one of the largest gecko species.
C. bibronii has been introduced in the southeastern United States. Populations have been found in Manatee County, Florida.
References
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- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Genus: Chondrodactylus
