CR

Paroedura lohatsara

Declining

Overview

Paroedura lohatsara is a species of small-to-medium-sized geckos native to northern Madagascar where it is found on a single mountain range. These geckos are up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long and are brown with black speckling, the speckles sometimes combining into longitudinal bands. Juveniles have wide transverse bands of black and transition into the adult colouring as they grow.

This gecko is mainly nocturnal and is found on the ground, on boulders and in the lowest branches of trees. Because of its limited range and the ongoing destruction of its forest habitat, this species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is not currently protected under CITES.

Some individuals are kept in captivity in the United States and may act as a genetic resource if the gecko becomes extinct in the wild.

Paroedura lohatsara faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat degradation in Madagascar's remaining dry forests. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented its already limited range, while the species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. The gecko's restricted distribution to a small area of northwestern Madagascar means that local threats have disproportionate impacts on the entire population.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko inhabits dry deciduous forests and degraded forest remnants in northwestern Madagascar. It is typically found in rocky outcrops and limestone formations within these arid woodland environments.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Paroedura lohatsara classified as Critically Endangered?
Paroedura lohatsara 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. Paroedura lohatsara faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat degradation in Madagascar's remaining dry forests. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented its already limited range, while the species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. The gecko's restricted distribution to a small area of northwestern Madagascar means that local threats have disproportionate impacts on the entire population.
Where does Paroedura lohatsara live?
Paroedura lohatsara occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Paroedura lohatsara?
The main threats to Paroedura lohatsara are 5.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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