Reptiles ‹‹ Go Back

This species is found in the North central, North-western and North-eastern and the Northern areas of the country. It is also native to Pakistan and the countries in the Indian peninsular.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

Bark Gecko is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have observed this species at Eluwankulama, Mannar Island, Trincomalee, Kandakaduwa, Jaffna and Vidaththathivu.

These geckos have a remarkable ability to change the colour and the patterns on their skin to suit the bark of the tree that they are on. These geckos often do not conceal them selves but would stay motionless on trees relying on their camouflage to protect them from predators such as birds of prey. This camouflage is so effective that some times it is hard to detect them even if one is only a few feet away from the animal.

In Wilpattu this is a common species that can be seen through out the park. They are mostly seen on trees but will enter the park bungalows in search of insects. I have always found them on the Thimbiri Tree’s growing in the compound of the Panikkar Villu bungalow.