Ecology: This species of gecko is endemic to Matanzas, Cuba. Despite only being discovered in 2009, the Cuban croaking gecko is already listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to having such a restricted range of only 4km² (2.48mi²). Within this range they occupy caves and rocky areas where they hide in the safety of rock crevices. To help them camouflage and hide from predators, they have adapted a dark mask over their eyes. This mask helps as it mimics the shadow cast by their crevice, allowing them to keep an eye out while remaining virtually invisible. While they keep a look out for potential predators, males also have to watch out for potential rivals. Make Cuban croaking geckos are territorial and often fight over territory. These fights often result in skin loss, luckily the skin regenerated but often appears as grey patches on the body
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Sources: Diaz, Luis M., and S B. Hedges. "First Record of the Genus Aristelliger (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) in Cuba, with the Description of a New Species." Research Gate, Zootaxa, 2009, www.researchgate.net/profile/Luis-Diaz-38/publication/236514167_First_Record_Of_The_Genus_Aristelliger_Squamata_Sphaerodactylidae_In_Cuba_With_The_Description_Of_A_New_Species/links/6009ae8e29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022.
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