Palmatogecko rangei (aka Pachydactylus rangei) is petite – less than 7cm long.
Endemic to the Namib desert, this dune-dwelling hunter of small invertebrates is commonly known as the “Namib sand gecko”, or the (Namib) “web-footed gecko”
Its skin is almost translucent, but exquisitely coloured.
Relative to its body, its feet are very big; its eyes are HUGE.
If in the company of a capable guide, any visitor to the western, sea-mist-blessed “edge” of the Namib Desert can reasonably expect to encounter this post’s hero.
Its webbed feet are doubly-useful.
On the desert’s surface they enable very rapid transit.
When this gecko needs to dive into the sand – in order to escape those to whom it is prized prey, or in order to avoid dehydration and overheating – its feet can shift a lot of sand, very quickly.
Click here to discover more and to see some very good close-up photos, most especially of this gecko’s amazing eyes and feet.
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