Reptile
Reptile
Turnip-tailed Gecko
Thecadactylus rapicauda
The Turnip-tailed Gecko is a large, powerfully built forest gecko of Trinidad, named for its plump, turnip-shaped regenerated tail, and capable of a surprisingly loud croaking call for a lizard of its size.
The Turnip-tailed Gecko is a large, powerfully built forest gecko of Trinidad, named for its plump, turnip-shaped regenerated tail, and capable of a surprisingly loud croaking call for a lizard of its size.
Identification
A large gecko around 15 to 18 cm long, with mottled grey, brown, and cream blotched skin providing effective camouflage against tree bark, and broad, adhesive toe pads used to cling to vertical trunks and branches. Regenerated tails are noticeably swollen and rounded, resembling a turnip, giving the species its common name.
Behaviour
Forages at night on tree trunks, branches, and occasionally buildings at forest edge, taking large insects and other invertebrates. By day it shelters in tree hollows, under loose bark, or in crevices, relying on cryptic colouration to avoid detection. If startled, it can emit a surprisingly loud, croaking distress call.
Status in T&T
Found in forest and forest edge habitats across Trinidad, generally on large trees with suitable bark texture and hollows. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Loss of mature trees with suitable bark and hollows
