1909.] FAUNA OF COCOS-KEELING ATOLL. 143 
REPTILIA. 
Species determined by G. A. Boutencsr, F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. 
(A) LacerRTILtia. 
Fam. GECKONID&. 
(1) LeprpopactyLus Lucustris D. & B. 
Native name, ‘“ Cheechak.” 
A very abundant species, inhabiting dwelling houses, and also 
living beneath the loose bark of coconut palms. Six or seven 
eggs are laid at a time—as a rule beneath some convenient chink 
of bark. It has the characteristic voice of its family, which has 
given rise to its name. 
(2) GEHYRA MUTILATA Wiegm. 
Not nearly so common as the first species, and lives exclusively 
out of doors, being always found beneath the bark of the coconut 
palms. Jt is at once distinguished from No. 1 by its flattened 
tail. It lays from three to four eggs, and the incubation period 
is as long as two months (June to August). 
(B) OrpHipra. 
Fam. TYPHLOPIDE. 
(3) TypHuops Braminus Daad. 
Native name, ‘“ Ular minyah.” 
This is not a common species in the islands, and its habits lead 
to its being very rarely seen. It is most commonly found beneath 
large coral boulders, and it is extremely active. It is found on 
practically all the islands in the atoll. The average length is 150 
millimetres. 
None of these species is found in Christmas Island. 
(C) CHELONIA. 
Two species of Turtles are frequently speared in the lagoon. 
They are Chelone imbricata iu., native name “ Pinnew sisih,” and 
C. mydas L., native name ‘‘ Pinnew betul.” Both have ceased to use 
the main atoll as a breeding place, for the native demand for 
them is too great; but on Keeling atollon their nests are 
common on the sandy beaches. 
Accidental visitors.—From time to time other reptiles have been 
washed ashore. Several large snakes have floated to the islands, 
and have been picked up dead, or dying, on the beaches. Some 
few have survived the journey, but none has made a successful 
footing. At least two crocodiles have survived the six hundred 
miles of ocean travel : one was shot by the Governor, and one, after 
being repeatedly seen, disappeared after a cyclone. 
