Kotschy’s gecko

Description:

Small-sized lizard with body length that does not exceed 10cm. The pupil of the eye is vertical and expands during the evenings to facilitate night vision. The body color is gray with light brown and it has dark “V” shape figures on the back.

Basic biology:

It can be found in dry areas with shrubs or in areas with rocks, stones and trunks where can easily find cover during daytime. It can also be found in old house ruins and stone walls. Although mainly active at nights, it can also be found during daytime especially in the course of the colder months of the year. It forages during the night and feeds mainly on small arthropods. Reproduction starts during spring and can continue until autumn. It lays 1-2 eggs that hatch a month after oviposition.

Distribution at Cyprus:

From the coast up to the high peaks of Troodos mountain  (~ 1.650m).

Global distribution:

Italy, the Balkans, Ukraine, Turkey, Cyprus, Middle East.

Condition:

Common

Protection status:

• Protected by European Directive 92/43/EC (Annex IV)

• Protected by the Cyprus Law 153 (I) 2003 (Annex III)

• Protected by the Bern Convention (Annex II) 

Map of confirmed presence: