The Andaman day gecko, also known as Phelsuma andamanensis, is a brightly colored species of gecko found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. They belong to the family of Gekkonidae, which includes over 1,500 species of geckos worldwide. Andaman day geckos are popular as pets due to their bright colors and easy care, but they are also important to the ecosystem in which they live.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Andaman day gecko |
| Scientific Name | Phelsuma andamanensis |
| Colour | Bright green with black spots on the body; orange-red head |
| Length | Up to 13 cm |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical moist forests, usually found on trees |
| Food habits | Insects, spiders, and nectar |
| IUCN status | Near Threatened |
Features
The Andaman day gecko is a medium-sized gecko, with adults growing to around 6-7 inches in length. They are brightly colored, with green and blue stripes running down their backs, and their undersides are a bright orange color. These colors are used to help the gecko blend into its surroundings and avoid predators.
In terms of speed, Andaman day geckos are quick and agile, and they can run and climb with ease. They are relatively light, weighing in at around 20-25 grams.
Habitat Details
The Andaman day gecko is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mangroves, and coastal areas. They are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees and bushes, where they can find food and shelter. They are most commonly found near the edges of forests, where they can bask in the sun and hunt for insects.
Food
Andaman day geckos are carnivorous and feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They are known to eat a variety of insects, including crickets, moths, and beetles, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. They are also known to feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Importance to Ecosystem
The Andaman day gecko is an important species in the ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As predators of insects and other small invertebrates, they help to control their populations and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. They also serve as prey for larger animals, such as birds and snakes, and their bright colors help to warn potential predators of their toxicity.
IUCN Status
The Andaman day gecko is listed as a species of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. While there is little information available on their population trends, they are believed to be common throughout their range and are not currently facing any major threats to their survival.
Conclusion
The Andaman day gecko is a beautiful and fascinating species of gecko found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. With their bright colors and quick movements, they are a popular choice for pet owners, but they are also important to the ecosystem in which they live. As predators of insects and other small invertebrates, they help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and serve as prey for larger animals. While they are not currently facing any major threats to their survival, continued monitoring of their populations is important to ensure their continued success in the wild.
