Rodrigues day gecko

Rodrigues day gecko ( Phelsuma edwardnewtoni ), alcohol preparation, Natural History Museum, London

The Rodrigues day gecko is a probably extinct species of day gecko. He inhabited the island of Rodrigues and lived in forests.

Scientific Synonyms

• Phelsuma edwardnewtonii VINSON VINSON & 1969
• Phelsuma newtoni BOULENGER 1884

Description

This gecko is most likely extinct. This lizard has also been described under the name Phelsuma newtoni, but this name has previously been used as a synonym for Phelsuma gigas. P. edwardnewtoni one of the largest day geckos. He reached a total length of about 23 cm. P. edwardnewtoni was described by observers as quite often -occurring. Despite considerable exploration in the 1960s and 70s, this type 1917 has been sighted for the last time. There are only seven conserved copies. Three male specimens are in the Natural History Museum in London, three other male specimens belong to the Muséum National d' Histoire Naturelle in Paris. A female specimen is privately owned. All these specimens were preserved in alcohol. In earlier reports, the color of the top is referred to as light green, interspersed with numerous bruises. The underside was yellowish. The throat showed an intense yellow color. Possibly the head and the back had partly a brown or red markings.

Dissemination

This type inhabited the island of Rodrigues and some small offshore islands.

Habitat

P. edwardnewtoni was observed on different palm trees and on roofs and in houses. The original habitat was destroyed for the most part. Even cats and rats were introduced. This may have led to the extinction of the Art

Behavior

P. edwardnewtoni was the descriptions of François Leguat after very tame and even ate fruit from the hand.