Botel gecko

The Botel gecko (Gekko kikuchii) is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Orchid Island (also known as Botel Tobago Island) of Taiwan.

Etymology

The specific name, kikuchiii, is in honor of Yonetarō Kikuchi (1869–1921), who collected natural history specimens for the Taipei Museum.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of G. kikuchii is the coastal cliffs of the southern part of the island, flanked with shrubs and secondary forests. It can also penetrate into the forest habitat, but has low density there.

Reproduction

G. kikuchii is oviparous.

Conservation status

G. kikuchii is classified as "endangered" by the Taiwan Wildlife Conservation Act.

References

Further reading

• Ōshima M (1912). "Description of a new gecko from Botel Tobago Island". Philippine Journal of Science, Section D, General Biology, Ethnology and Anthropology 7: 241–242 + Plates I–II. (Gecko kikuchii, new species).