Nosy Bé Flat-tailed gecko

All species in the genus of flat-tailed geckos, or leaf-tailed geckos, live endemically in the forests of Madagascar and are masters of camouflage. With their flattened bodies, serrated skin edges and leaf-like tails, they blend in almost completely with tree bark or dry foliage.
The Nosy Bé Flat-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) is the smallest known species of this genus. It is characterized by its short, arrow-shaped tail and its almost black oral mucosa. This makes it easy to distinguish from related species. The species lives in the north and northwest of Madagascar and on the island of Nosy Bé. There it lives in tropical rainforests and dry forests. At night, it hunts for insects in low bushes and on branches. During the day, the Nosy Bé Flat-tailed gecko rests motionless on branches and tree trunks or between dry leaves. Thanks to its excellent camouflage, it is almost impossible to spot there.
The Nosy Bé Flat-tailed gecko is endangered by deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture and the conversion of its habitat into agricultural land. In addition, animals are taken from their natural habitat for the international terrarium trade.

Distribution