Apr 12, 2008

Leafy Geckos

A major project is underway to better understand the wildlife and ecology of Madagascar. This island, the fourth largest on the planet, is home to an amazing variety of life. 80% of its fauna is unique to the island, making conservation a high priority.

In an effort to do my part, I'm bringing you some of Madagascar's geckos. Awareness and all that.

This first one is the leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). Note the leaf tail and the geckoness. Very aptly named.

Photo source: Guardian.co.uk
















This next one, in case you couldn't guess, is the giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus). Again, notice its leaf tail and geckohood. And giantishnesshood.

Thanks for the photos Dourocouli and Ida.

Photo source: Guardian.co.uk

7 comments:

Anna-Laura said...

the first gecko could go on cute overloa... beady eyes and all that. the second though, does aptly fit "ugliness"

but very cool!

Laura said...

leaf geckos are so incredibly silly...i absolutely adore them. always have. :)

Anonymous said...

But, but.... they're cute!!!

Jens Alfke said...

They're not just cute ... they're TEH CUTE OMG!!!1

I'm so happy to see that the country of Madagascar has evidently taken up Jim Woodring on his kind offer to redesign their wildlife... (Some of his concept art for this project is still online.)

Unknown said...

Love the eyes on the giant!

Anonymous said...

Lol. the first one i was like, okay, that is just BEAUTIFUL. then i scrolled down and, i quote: "buwaha!!" you sneaky sneak you.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

What a fantastic creature!

Great photos! Really enjoy your site.
Nina at Nature Remains