| Karamoja dwarf gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Lygodactylus |
| Species: | L. karamoja |
| Binomial name | |
| Lygodactylus karamoja | |
Lygodactylus karamoja is a species of dwarf gecko discovered in Uganda in 2023. It is named after the Karamajong people. L. karamoja inhabits "lowland savannahs" in East Africa. [2] [3]
After researching in 2015, a team of scientists in Uganda, exploring the rainforest in 2023 found a pregnant dwarf gecko and 7 lizards perched on a tree. They picked it up as a new species. [4]
Lygodactylus karamoja is only known from eastern Uganda. [2] [3] It is possible that its true range extends into Kenya and South Sudan. [2]
The Karamoja dwarf gecko is relatively large for dwarf geckos, at 3 in (7.6 cm) in length. [2] [5]
Karamojas are brown or coral all throughout with yellowish white underside. Its scales have a mix of white, black, and brown shades. 2 black V-shaped marking bands can be found under their heads, pointing forwards. [5]
In a Ugandan woodland, researchers discovered five new species of geckos, including a Karamoja dwarf gecko that was pregnant. Pregnant Karamoja Dwarf Gecko: A 'dwarf'-like creature was hidden within Uganda's forests. The expectant animal attempted to spend the night atop a tree trunk. Scientists who were passing by noticed the animal was pregnant and found a 'cryptic' new species. According to a recently released report, researchers visited the Karamoja region of central Africa's forests multiple times in 2015.