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MAY 2009

New Caledonian Crested Gecko - Rhacodactylus ciliatus

Long believed to be extinct this endemic species was rediscovered in the rainforests of New Caledonia in 1994. Arboreal and primarily nocturnal the species can grow up to 30cm and comes in a variety of colour morphs which are not geographical indicators. The prehensile tail acts as a 5th limb though capable of shedding its tail as a means of escape when danger threatens, unlike most species of lizard their tails fail to grow back. Tail shedding is a complex defence mechanism known scientifically as intravertebral autonomy.

Canon 5D MkII - 180mm f3.5L lens - f/11 @ 1/25 sec. - ISO200 - Gitzo G1548 tripod with Gitzo G2270M head

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