- Source: Aristelliger nelsoni
Aristelliger nelsoni is a species of gecko in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to the Swan Islands of Honduras. It was often considered a subspecies of Aristelliger praesignis prior to genetic testing establishing it as a separate species. It is rated as Endangered by the IUCN, owing to its small geographic range and strong recent population decline. This population decline is likely a result of competition with Hemidactylus frenatus (the Asian house gecko), which was introduced to Great Swan Island in 2007. Future development of the Swan Islands by the Honduran military or commercial enterprises would also threaten the survival of the species.
Etymology
The specific name, nelsoni, is in honor of the collector of the holotype, George Nelson (born 1873) who was Chief Taxidermist at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard.
Distribution
A. nelsoni is found on Great Swan Island and on Little Swan Island.
Description
A. nelsoni may attain a total length (including tail) of 23.5 cm (9.3 in). It has 15 lamellae under the fourth toe.
Ecology
A. nelsoni is oviparous.
References
Further reading
Barbour T (1914). "A Contribution to the Zoögeography of the West Indies, with Especial Reference to Amphibians and Reptiles". Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoölogy at Harvard College 44 (2): 205-359 + one plate. (Aristelliger nelsoni, new species, pp. 258–259).
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Aristelliger nelsoni
- Aristelliger
- Aristelliger praesignis
- List of reptiles of Mexico
- IUCN Red List critically endangered species (Animalia)
- IUCN Red List vulnerable species (Animalia)
- List of least concern reptiles
