Methuen's dwarf gecko
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methuen's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus methueni), also known commonly as the Woodbrush dwarf gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southern Africa.
| Methuen's dwarf gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Lygodactylus |
| Species: | L. methueni |
| Binomial name | |
| Lygodactylus methueni V. Fitzsimons, 1937 | |
Etymology
The specific name, methueni, is in honor of British naturalist Paul Ayshford Methuen.[2]
Geographic range
Lygodactylus methueni is endemic to South Africa and is found near Haenertsburg in the Woodbush Forest area and Haenertsburg Common.[3]
Habitat
Description
Lygodactylus methueni is olive-grey.[3]
Behaviour
Lygodactylus methueni is terrestrial and rupicolous (rock-dwelling).[1] It shelters in rock crevices,[1] and basks on the boles of large trees or on rocky outcrops.[3]
Reproduction
Conservation status
Forestry plantations and frequent fires pose a threat to the habitat of Lygodactylus methueni and have resulted in a reduction in the population.[3]