Tovora

Tovora is a genus of geckos in the family Gekkonidae. The genus was first described in 1995 by the herpetologist Ulrich Risch. Tovora geckos are native to Madagascar and its surrounding islands. They are small to medium-sized lizards, typically measuring between 10 and 15 centimeters in snout-to-vent length. Their coloration varies depending on the species and their environment, but they often display cryptic patterns of brown, gray, and green to blend in with their surroundings.

These geckos are primarily arboreal, meaning they live in trees and shrubs. They are nocturnal, becoming active at dusk to hunt for insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet consists mainly of moths, beetles, and spiders. Tovora geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb on vertical surfaces and even upside down on branches. Reproduction in Tovora geckos typically involves laying small clutches of eggs, usually one or two at a time, which are then hidden in crevices or under bark.

The genus currently contains several recognized species, with ongoing research potentially identifying new ones. Like many reptile species, Tovora geckos can be sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation, which poses a threat to their populations. Conservation efforts in Madagascar often focus on protecting the diverse ecosystems that support these and other endemic species.