Uroplatus

The kind of geckos Uroplatus is endemic of the island of Madagascar. The Espèce S of this kind result from the wet tropical forests of the island which - contrary to other tropical forests - have relatively moderate temperatures. They have share against need for a raised Hygrométrie, from 70 to 80% (although some species live under conditions a little less wet).
Their name ( Uroplatus ) comes from the flattened shape ( platus ) of their tail ( uro ).

This kind is very advanced in the art of the Mimétisme, and imitates very well the sheets, the barks or the lichen (according to the species).

One finds species of varied sizes, of approximately 7  cm with more 30  cm.

There exist two groups of species. The first includes/understands the species having a rough appearance, whose camouflage is of lichens type or foams, with in addition to barbillons on the circumference of the body to eliminate the shades (see low photo Exemple of camouflage ). The second includes/understands the species having rather the aspect of dead sheets (and pushing even until having small holes on the edges of the tail for better imitating a sheet).

All are night, Arboricole S and Insectivore S, although certain species can sometimes consume Fruit S (nectars), and that largest of the species can consume small Mammifère S. In practice they are the opportunist ones which consumes the majority of the preys of adapted size, which includes/understands small reptiles sometimes of their own species.

It is it should be noted that being endemic, the survival of these geckos depends closely on their Biotope of origin, which is currently threatened by deforestation.

Species of the kind Uroplatus

New species to come?

Several of the current species of Uroplatus are considered by the scientists as an amalgam of several not specified species.

It was the case until 2006 for Uroplatus fimbriatus , whose group is now regarded as a species with share ( Uroplatus giganteus ).
It is also the case of the Uroplatus sikorae , of which there exists a giant form in the Amber mountainous area that some regard as a species with share, although no genetic analysis was still effectuée.
One finds the same phenomenon at Uroplatus henkeli , which also has a giant alternative near to the size of the U. fimbriatus , and which is distinguished from the latter by a coloring of the body and eyes very different. One finds finally Uroplatus ebenaui with a long tail, always in the Montagne area of Amber, forms which is perhaps a distinct species or a subspecies.

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