Satanic leaf-tailed gecko  (Uroplatus phantasticus)

Studies suggest that leaf-tailed geckos can only inhabit a very specific environment and are not tolerant of any degradation of its natural habitat. This makes the satanic leaf-tailed gecko very vulnerable to the impacts of habitat degradation and harvesting. Its fascinating appearance makes the satanic leaf-tailed gecko a popular pet and it is among the species most frequently traded. The apparent low population numbers in the wild suggests that, without careful monitoring and suitable controls, harvesting for the pet trade places this species at risk of local extinctions (5).

The survival of the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is intrinsically linked to the continued existence of its Madagascan rainforest habitat. Protected areas are therefore essential, and at present the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is known to occur in at least three: Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve, Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe Special Reserve. However, illegal harvesting of leaf-tailed geckos is known to occur even within protected areas (5), and efforts to control this threatening activity are required if this extraordinary and unique reptile is to endure.