Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko: Least Concern
The ‘Satanic’ reference in its common name perhaps comes from its eyes (which can be red) and horn-like features above the eyes.
We’re pleased to announce a t‐shirt that celebrates Madagascar’s amazing Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko. This t‐shirt is a part of our ‘Endangered Species Project’. Other species featured in the project include Western Black Rhinoceros (Extinct), Black Softshell Turtle (Extinct in the Wild), Vaquita (Critically Endangered), Wallace’s Golden Birdwing (Endangered), Snowy Owl (Vulnerable), Black-necked Stork (Near Threatened) and more.
The T‐shirt
- The front of this t‐shirt features original artwork depicting Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko.
- The back of the t‐shirt depicts the word ‘LEAST CONCERN’ in bold, along with the common name, the scientific name and the conservation status on a scale.
The Species
The Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (scientific name: Uroplatus phantasticus), a nocturnal reptile endemic to Madagascar, is adept at escaping predators. Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger first described this species in 1888, giving it the name Uroplatus (Latinized Greek for ‘flat-tail’) phantasticus (Latin for ‘imaginary’). The ‘Satanic’ reference in its common name perhaps comes from its eyes (which can be red) and horn-like features above the eyes. This gecko is tiny: adults can usually range between 3–6 cm in size, are generally brown in color but can also be shades of brown, yellow, orange. To escape predators (snakes, rats, owls and such), it employs various tricks: it can mimic the texture of a dead leaf, shed its leaf-like tail, flatten its body to reduce its shadow, or bare its jaws to scare. It has a conservation status of ‘Least Concern’.
Role in Ecology
Geckos are generally vital to maintaining fragile ecosystems as they help to contain the population of insects, cockroaches, spiders and worms. Uroplatus phantasticus is not very tolerant to changes in its rainforest habitat, and changes in its immediate environment will affect the ability of this species to survive.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity (or Biological Diversity) is a term that describes the variety of living beings on earth, and includes diversity across species, within species, and across ecosystems. It is vital to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The estimates for the number of species on Earth vary, and a 2011 study put the count at 8.7 million.
To buy this t-shirt, or see our entire series, visit our store on Amazon.com.
