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TerreNueve Least Gecko

Sphaerodactylus sommeri

About

The TerreNueve least gecko is incredibly rare and is hardly encountered; therefore there is very little data on their population size and trends.

The TerreNueve least gecko is part of the infraorder of geckos which includes some of the smallest reptiles in the world, reaching around only 1.5 – 6 cm in length.

It is part of the family Sphaerodactylidae which diverged from all other families of reptiles 87 million years ago, around the time that humans and rabbits shared a common ancestor!

Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion across Hispaniola is a major threat to this Haiti-endemic species, alongside charcoal production and wood harvesting.

There are no known species-specific conservation management measures in place. Further efforts should be taken to rediscover this species, although intensive surveys across Haiti have failed to record a population. This species does not occur in any protected areas.

  • Order: Squamata
  • Family: Sphaerodactylidae
  • Population: Rare
  • Trend: decreasing

EDGE Score

EDGE Score: 5.61 (?)
ED Score: 16.059 (?)
GE / IUCN Red List (?)
Not Evaluated Data Deficient Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct

Distribution

The species is endemic to northwestern Haiti at elevations from 0-680 metres above sea level.

Habitat and Ecology

This species lives in dry forests, including rocky areas.

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