Igbines

Igbines are a recently described genus of semi‑aquatic reptiles belonging to the family Gekkonidae. The name derives from the local Congolese word “ìgbíní,” meaning “water lizard.” First described in 2022 by herpetologists Owusu and Mbuyi, the genus comprises two species: Igbines aquaticus and Igbines robustus. Both species exhibit adhesive toe pads and prehensile tails, adaptations that provide locomotor advantage in muddy riverbanks and flooded forest patches.

Igbines reach a total length of 25–35 cm, with Igbines aquaticus slightly smaller than Igbines robustus. Their dorsal coloration is a mottled brown or olive, providing camouflage against leaf litter, while the ventral surfaces are pale cream. Unlike many geckos, Igbines lack the typical iris pigmentation; instead, they have a translucent disc that reflects ambient light. The species are primarily nocturnal, emerging after dusk to forage on insects, small crustaceans, and occasionally bird eggs. They reproduce oviparously, laying single or double egg clutches during the wet season.

Igbines are endemic to the lower Congo Basin, occupying the riparian belts of the Kongo and Congo rivers. Their habitats include flooded rainforests, swamp edges, and oxbow lakes. The species have been observed within a 150 km radius of Mbandaka and a smaller population near Yaoundé. They appear to thrive in undisturbed wetlands, but preliminary studies indicate that habitat fragmentation and water pollution pose significant threats. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the genus as Vulnerable, with calls for further research on population dynamics and habitat conservation measures. Conservation efforts are underway by local NGOs and the Congolese Ministry of Environment to monitor water quality and protect riparian corridors.