Graceful Madagascar Ground Gecko

Distribution

This species is endemic to Madagascar where it is known from sites in the northeast, including Ambolokopatrika (Andreone et al. 2000), Andasibe, Andriantantely (Rabibisoa et al. 2005), Anjanaharibe Sud (Raxworthy et al. 1998), Marojejy (Raselimanana et al. 2000), Manongarivo (Raxworthy 1988), Masoala, Nosy Mangabe (Jackman et al. 2008), Sandranantitra (Rabibisoa et al. 2005) and Tampolo (Ratsirarson and Goodman 2005). There is an isolated subpopulation at Montagne d'Ambre (Jackman et al. 2008). This species has been recorded from 10 to 1,350 m above sea level. It is presumed to occur over an area of approximately 32,700 km².

Status

Listed as Least Concern because its extent of occurrence is around 32,700 km², and there is no evidence that it is declining at a rate that would warrant listing in a more threatened category. It is, however, thought to occur as a severely fragmented population, and the extent and quality of its forest habitat are declining, and so if future research reveals this species to be somewhat less widespread than is currently recognized it may require listing as Near Threatened or Vulnerable.

Behavior

This gecko inhabits low and mid-elevation humid forest and occasionally plantations. It is active at night on vegetation and leaves up to one metre above the ground.