Phelsuma masohoala
CR

Phelsuma masohoala

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phelsuma_masohoala

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Phelsuma masohoala faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its extremely limited range in northeastern Madagascar. The species is particularly vulnerable to slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) and logging activities that destroy the primary rainforest canopy where these geckos live and breed. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats essential for this arboreal species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko inhabits the humid primary rainforests of the Masoala Peninsula in northeastern Madagascar, living primarily in the forest canopy and on tree trunks. The species requires intact forest with high humidity levels and dense vegetation cover for shelter and foraging.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Phelsuma masohoala classified as Critically Endangered?
Phelsuma masohoala 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 masohoala faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its extremely limited range in northeastern Madagascar. The species is particularly vulnerable to slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) and logging activities that destroy the primary rainforest canopy where these geckos live and breed. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats essential for this arboreal species' survival.
Where does Phelsuma masohoala live?
Phelsuma masohoala 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 Phelsuma masohoala?
The main threats to Phelsuma masohoala are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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