Sphaerodactylus callocricus

Sphaerodactylus callocricus

Beautifully ringed sphaero, Rough-banded sphaero, Rough-banded least gecko

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SPECIES
Sphaerodactylus callocricus

Sphaerodactylus callocricus, also known as the beautifully ringed sphaero, rough-banded sphaero or rough-banded least gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. It is endemic to the Dominican Republic.

Animal name origin

The name "callocricus " has a Greek origin, and bears reference to the banded color pattern of this species. The specific epithet can be translated to "beautifully ringed", with "kallos " meaning "beautiful" and "krikos " meaning "ring".

Appearance

S. callocricus is a moderately sized species of Sphaerodactylus, with relatively large, keeled and imbricate dorsal scales. Members of this species are conspicuously banded, with dark transverse bands on a pale, yellowish gray background color. A very large scapular patch is present, with paired ocelli at its center. The head pattern consists on a series of stripes, blotches or bands forming a "W" shape.

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There is little sexual dimorphism in this species, and both adult males, females and juveniles resemble each other. The pattern in juveniles tends to be much more contrasting, and it gradually fades in intensity as the specimen matures.

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Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

This species is endemic to the Samaná peninsula on eastern Dominican Republic. Within the peninsula, this species is not common, and is associated with karstic forests, where it can be encountered under stones, boulders, leaf litter and other debris. Specimen can also be seen during the day active on the forest floor.

Sphaerodactylus callocricus habitat map
Sphaerodactylus callocricus habitat map
Sphaerodactylus callocricus
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Population

Conservation

According to the most recent IUCN Red List assessment, S. callocricus is listed as critically endangered (CR).The distribution of S. callocricus is very restricted, and the species has been estimated to occupy a range of less than 100 km².

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Tourism development, small scale agriculture and pasture expansion are the main threats affecting this species. S. callocricus needs old growth karstic forests to thrive, and these ecosystems are disappearing from the Samaná at a fast rate. As they are very sensitive to habitat perturbations, this species is threatened by human activities. The home range of the species is likewise drastically reduced, and recent surveys have failed to find surviving populations of this species in historical locations where habitat has been modified.

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References

1. Sphaerodactylus callocricus Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerodactylus_callocricus
2. Sphaerodactylus callocricus on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/178564/71746724

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