CR

Manapany Day Gecko

Phelsuma inexpectata

Declining

Overview

Reunion Island ornate day gecko or Manapany day gecko is a critically endangered diurnal species of gecko. It occurs only on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, typically inhabits trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.

Phelsuma inexpectata faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its native forest ecosystems are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, with invasive plant species altering the structure of remaining forest fragments. Climate change poses additional risks through altered temperature and precipitation patterns that could affect the gecko's thermoregulation and prey availability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko inhabits native forest ecosystems, typically found in trees and vegetation within intact forest canopy environments. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions provided by undisturbed forest structure for shelter, thermoregulation, and foraging.

Marine coastal/supratidal· major

Conservation measures underway

Invasive/problematic species controlHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Manapany Day Gecko classified as Critically Endangered?
Manapany Day Gecko is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Phelsuma inexpectata faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its native forest ecosystems are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, with invasive plant species altering the structure of remaining forest fragments. Climate change poses additional risks through altered temperature and precipitation patterns that could affect the gecko's thermoregulation and prey availability.
Where does Manapany Day Gecko live?
Manapany Day Gecko occurs in Réunion. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Manapany Day Gecko?
The main threats to Manapany Day Gecko are 1.1, 11.1, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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