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Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko

Uroplatus phantasticus

Published on Project Noah
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-21.2627, 47.4521

Field Notes

Description:

Nocturnal gecko hunting in the rainforests of Madagascar, it can be up to 6 inches in length although this one was around 3 inches. This gecko is a mottled brown colour unless you use a flash to really bring out the red and they get their name from the spiky protrusions above their eyes.

Habitat:

This species is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Redlist with the major threats to its survival being rainforest habitat destruction and illegal harvesting for the pet trade.

Notes:

Used an off camera flash gun to bring out the red colours.

Reference Links:

Uroplatus phantasticus

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (59)
Liana
Helluva name :D absolutely awesome gecko. Thank you for sharing :)
The GeoDex
Look at those colors! I love the Uroplatus geckos.
SimonTempler
i bread a few different kinds of leaf tailed geckos
Muckpuk
OMG!!! What an Awesomeness!
RiekoS
When you posted this, I was not a member of Project Noah. Good to find this and your other beautiful photographs. Thank you very much for sharing.
Félix
Incredible, for this is why I joined the project... simply Bravo!
Jake Barnes
The eyes look like they are glowing in the second picture haha
KatCuff
That is one crazy looking gecko! Cool spotting.
The MnMs
Congratulations! It is a beautiful gecko!
Leuba Ridgway
do we live on the same planet as him/her ?? - amazing !!!. Great photos too..thanks.
Atul
fab spotting congrats !!!
Mark Ridgway
Fabulous creature and work. Thanks and congrats.
Bong Ambutong
Congrats Vic for the SOTD......this picture and spotting deserve it...
IrmaFelicitas
Alucinante! hermoso ejemplar. gracias por compartir.
peter
Spotting of the Day! "Wow, check out the devilish camouflage on this Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko. They are a master of disguise right down to their "dead-leaf" tail. And those eyes! Likely where the "satanic" part of their name comes from." Facebook: http://facebook.com/projectnoah/posts/250145241719352 Twitter: http://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/147789230414893058
Stian Waaler
Fantastic picture.... Congratz with Spotting of the Day!
CindyCor
Amazing spot !!! Good work !!
ThomasWood
to add a bit of trivia: The lack of hemi-penile bulges and a non serrated tail are indicative of being a female Uroplatus phantasticus.
Elsa
What an awesome collection you have Victoria!!
victoria.vikspics
Thank you for the wonderful comments, very much appreciated. Thomas - I am very happy to hear that, unfortunately they are still collected and sold on illegally, as you know they are only small so easy to hide, but the National Parks are strictly off limits at night even with guides so this is definitely a step in the right direction.
ThomasWood
Last year was the final importation of these animals. They are quite delicate. Luckily, successes in captive husbandry are leading to reproduction. Amazing creatures.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
The Color Red
Mission
2011 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Reptiles of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedOctober 28, 2011

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