Dizier about the genus Afroedura in French , as well as this English translation of the article by Aliza Arzt. The species was named in honor of British biologist and naturalist Arthur Loveridge The genus Afroedura includes fifteen taxa species and subspecies. To date, eleven species have been identified source: Zootaxa , however, with increasing access to some of the more remote habitats and with the DNA sequencing of more of the specimens, it is likely that the number of identifiable species will increase in the near future Jon Boone, pers.
The genus is characterized by a very flat body, adapted for hiding in cracks and narrow rocky crevices. The tail is a repository for fat and has a series of ridges perpendicular to its axis. The genus is strictly endemic to southern Africa some areas of the Republic of South Africa , Angola, Mozambique, Namibia ā¦ and the species are geographically isolated from each other. Each species occupies a restricted territory, suggesting the probability of a common ancestor with continuous distribution.
These species are all potentially endangered, due to the reduced size of their habitat and their very specific habitat needs. However, each species can be found in very high concentrations in suitable micro- sites within their range. Figure 2 Adult pair showing on the left the male with a regenerated tail and on the right a female with tail intact , as well as the possible variations in coloration.
Afroedura loveridgei is a medium-sized species within the genus. The latter can be detached by autotomy , though less easily than in other geckos pers. The legs are powerful, allowing for very rapid movements. The fingers have two rows of sub-digital lamellae 26 pairs of plates on the longest finger for walking or running on very smooth surfaces such as glass.
They are five toes on both the anterior and posterior legs. The skin is smooth, velvety to the touch , and uniformly covered with tiny scales. It is fragile in appearance, semi- transparent, yet resistant to abrasions in its rocky environment. The wrinkled appearance is natural and should not be considered a sign of dehydration cf.
