Distribution and habitat:
They are endemic to the island of Zanzibar and a few surrounding islets, including Nyamanzi and Kwale. These geckos are found in a variety of habitats, including coastal forests, semi-arid forests, thickets, and even urban areas. They prefer to live on trees, but can also be found on rocks and even on the ground.
Physical appearance:
Lygodactylus williamsi are tiny geckos, with a total length ranging from 1.8 to 3 inches (4.5 to 7.5 centimeters). Their body is slender, with a relatively long tail. The coloration can vary, but they usually have a pale grayish or brownish background color, with small, irregular, dark spots or blotches. Their limbs are relatively short, with small, but well-developed, toe pads that help them climb on various surfaces.
Diet:
Zanzibar day geckos are insectivores, and their diet mainly consists of small insects such as ants, flies, beetles, and spiders. They are active during the day, hunting and foraging for prey.
Behavior:
These geckos are diurnal (active during the day) and are highly territorial. Males establish their territories and defend them against other males. They have a social structure where dominant males are at the top of the hierarchy. When threatened, they will display a variety of defensive behaviors, including flattening their bodies, puffing up their throats, and vocalizing. Additionally, they can detach and regenerate their tail if needed, which is a common defense mechanism among lizards.
Conservation status:
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Lygodactylus williamsi is classified as "Vulnerable". The main threats to their population are habitat destruction due to human activities such as deforestation and agricultural expansion. As a result, their numbers are declining and they have become increasingly difficult to find in their natural habitat. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their remaining populations and habitats.
Overall, Lygodactylus williamsi, or the Zanzibar day gecko, is a small, beautiful, and fascinating species of gecko found in the unique ecosystems of Zanzibar. Their ecological role as insectivores and their vulnerability to habitat loss highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect these tiny but extraordinary creatures and the habitats they call home.
