LIZARDS 
167 
Photo hy WA Savslle- Kenty F.Z.S. 
MADEIRAN GECKOS 
Madeiran geckos photographed through a glass •windo’w-pane, showing the peculiar formation of their adhesi-ve toe-pads. One example 
regrowing its recently amputated tail. These geckos often tranjel from Madeira to Covent 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 Family. 
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 Flying-dragons, belonging to the family of the Agamas, which next invites attention. 
These lizards are 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 Flying-squirrels and Phalangers. The 
