DAY GECKOS (GENUS PHELSUMA): COMMENTS ON THE WILD STATUS AND CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF SELECTED SPECIES

Abstract

Day geckos (phelsuma) are typically associated with the islands of the Indian Ocean, and more than sixty taxa have been described. New forms are continuing to be discovered as more remote areas of Madagascar are explored. The status of most species outside of Madagascar appears secure. The greatest threat to the Madagascan endemics is widespread habitat destruction, and the inability of the Malagasy authorities to afford greater protection to its threatened wildlife. During the 1980s specialized techniques for captive breeding Phelsuma were developed by several zoos and specialized private breeders in the United States, West Germany, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. It remains essential for herpetologists to monitor the status of Phelsuma in the wild, and it is also important for members of both public organisations and the private sector to breed and genetically manage the rarer taxa in captivity.