LIZARDS 



S^S 



Ph„l, hy W. Saviili-Kint, F.Z.S. 



MADEIRAN GECKOS 



Made'tran geckoi photographed through a g/ass •windo'w-pane^ shoiuing the peculiar formation of their adhcsi'ue toe-pad^. One example is 

 regro-wing its recently amputated tail. These geckos often tra'vel from Madeira to Co-vent Garden Market among banana bunches 



distinct vocal sounds. The name Gecko is, in point of fact, derived from the fancied resemblance 

 to the word that constitutes the shrill, somewhat bird-like note of one of the most familiar 

 species. " Tok," " toki," "chick, chick," " checko," and " tocktoo " are distinctive call-notes 

 that are respectively associated with other members of the Gecko Famil)-. 



The geckos are most numerously represented in the Indian and Australasian regions. None 

 of them attain to large dimensions. They rarely exceed I foot in total length, and most 

 frequently measure some 3 or 4 inches only. 



Geckos, in common with many other lizards, are notable for the facility with which their 

 tail becomes detached and left in the hands of their would-be captor. In course of time a 

 new tail sprouts out from the truncated stump of the original member, and within a few more 

 months equals it in dimensions. It not infrequently happens that two or even three new 

 tail-sprouts take the place of the original appendage, imparting to the little creature a most 

 bizarre appearance. The above photograph includes an example of the Madeiran species in 

 which a new tail-bud of a normal character has just commenced to grow. 



The nearest approach to the phenomenon of flight among lizards occurs in what are known 

 as the Flving-DRAGON.S, belonging to the family of the Agamas, which next invites attention. 

 These lizards arc all of relatively small size, not exceeding a few inches in length, and inhabit 

 the Indo-Malayan region. In these singularly specialised forms six or seven of the posterior 

 ribs are abnormally produced on each side of the body, and so united together by thin, semi- 

 transparent membrane as to form a pair of wing-like expansions. When not in use, these 

 structures are folded, after the manner of a fan, closely against the animal's sides, while, when 

 extended, they constitute a most effective parachute, wherewith the little creatures accomplish 

 flying leaps from tree to tree, after the manner of the Fl)'ing-squirrels and Phalangers. The 



