Reptiles
Madagascar gecko
Blaesodactylus sakalava
The Sakalava velvet gecko is a large nocturnal gecko endemic to Madagascar, with velvety-looking skin and greyish-brown colouring. It is robust and largely arboreal.
In short
The madagascar gecko (Blaesodactylus sakalava) is a species with IUCN conservation status LC (Least concern). It lives in the dry deciduous forests of northern and western Madagascar, sheltering under bark and in tree hollows. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the madagascar gecko live?
It lives in the dry deciduous forests of northern and western Madagascar, sheltering under bark and in tree hollows. It is nocturnal and feeds on insects and other invertebrates.
Is the madagascar gecko endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern (LC); the population trend is not precisely known. Like many Malagasy species it is locally affected by deforestation.
Facts about the madagascar gecko
- Its velvety-looking skin gives it its name.
- It is endemic to Madagascar’s dry forests.
- It shelters under bark and in tree hollows.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Blaesodactylus sakalava (Least Concern) · IUCN SSC / Reptile Database
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.