East Canary gecko

The East Canary gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola angustimentalis and also referred to as the Canary wall gecko, is a distinct lizard species endemic to the eastern Canary Islands. Its natural range encompasses Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Lobos, and surrounding islets, where it thrives in a remarkable variety of habitats.

Habitat and Distribution

This gecko is highly adaptable, found from sea level up to altitudes of approximately 800 meters. Its preferred environments include rocky areas, cliffs, screes, salt flats with scrubby vegetation, dunes, and cultivated lands. Importantly, the East Canary gecko also readily inhabits human-modified landscapes such as rural gardens and urban areas, frequently being observed on outdoor walls and ceilings, particularly at night.

Physical Characteristics

The East Canary gecko is characterized by its sturdy, plump build, with a dorsally flattened head and body. It possesses short, sideways-projecting legs equipped with adhesive pads on the toes that aid in climbing, and strong claws on its third and fourth digits. The skin is relatively smooth, adorned with small tubercles that are often multi-keeled. Its eyes feature vertical pupils in bright light and are typically brown or golden. The coloration is quite variable, generally a greyish-brown, often featuring a paler, sometimes intermittent stripe along the spine and darker transverse bars.

Diet and Behavior

The diet of the East Canary gecko primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. As a nocturnal species, it is most active after dark, a behavior that often leads to its observation on walls and ceilings as it hunts for prey. Males are known to be larger than females and exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season, accompanied by a range of vocalizations.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves the female laying one or more clutches, with each clutch typically containing two oval eggs. These eggs are deposited in protected sites like cracks, under stones, or buried in sand. A fascinating aspect of their reproduction is that the sex of the embryo is determined by incubation temperature; temperatures at or above 27°C (81°F) result in female offspring, while cooler temperatures produce males. Hatchlings emerge between 2 to 3 centimeters in length and display more vivid coloring than adults.

Conservation Status

The East Canary gecko is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This designation reflects its common presence across many parts of its range, the relative stability of its diverse habitats, and the absence of significant population declines. While its geographic range is limited, its adaptability and widespread distribution within that range contribute to its favorable conservation status. The species has been documented to live for up to 17 years in captivity.