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Methuen's dwarf gecko

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Methuen's dwarf gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Lygodactylus
Species:
L. methueni
Binomial name
Lygodactylus methueni

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.

Etymology

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The specific name, methueni, is in honor of British naturalist Paul Ayshford Methuen.[2]

Geographic range

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L. methueni is endemic to South Africa and is found near Haenertsburg in the Woodbush Forest area and Haenertsburg Common.[3]

Description

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L. methueni is olive-grey.[3]

Behaviour

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L. methueni basks on the boles of large trees or on rocky outcrops.[3]

Reproduction

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L. methueni is oviparous.[4]

Conservation status

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Forestry plantations and frequent fires pose a threat to the habitat of L. methueni and have resulted in a reduction in the population.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Tolley, K.A.; Weeber, J.; Pietersen, D.; Conradie, W.; Alexander, G.J. (2022). "Lygodactylus methueni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T12439A197400102. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  2. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Lygodactylus methueni, p. 177).
  3. ^ a b c d ""METHUEN'S DWARF GECKO". Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands (FroHG)". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  4. ^ Species Lygodactylus EMBL at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.

Further reading

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  • Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Lygodactylus methueni, pp. 247–248 + Plate 91).
  • FitzSimons V (1937). "Three New Lizards from South Africa". Annals of the Transvaal Museum 17 (4): 275–279. (Lygodactylus methueni, new species, pp. 275–276, Figures 1–2).