| Citation |
Cai, B., Rao, D.-Q., Wang, Y. & Lau, M. 2019. Gekko chinensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T178676A112325553. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T178676A112325553.en. Downloaded on 03 August 2020. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
Listed as Least Concern on the basis that this species has a large and stable population, and a very wide distribution.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is known with certainty only from southern China (Zhao et al. 1999), where it is widely-distributed in Sichuan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, and Xishuangbanna within Yunnan (Yang and Rao 2008). The species was previously considered to occur in Hainan, but subpopulations from this island have been referred to the resurrected Gekko similignum by Ota et al. (1995). The species has long been considered to occur in northern Viet Nam, but its distribution in this country is unclear following recent taxonomic studies. Rösler et al. (2011) were unable to confirm its occurrence in Viet Nam as every specimen they examined from this country was referable to G. palmatus, and recommended further studies to clarify whether G. chinensis and G. palmatus occur in sympatry in the China-Viet Nam border area. It is found as low as sea level (Y.Y. Wang pers. comm. 2018).
DESCRIPTION
This species has a large overall population. It is reported to be very common in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1986, Romer 1950).
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This nocturnal and scansorial species inhabits lightly forested areas in the lowlands (Das 2010). According to Lau (2010), it is at least semi-arboreal, and inhabits forests and forest edges, being also reported to occur on the outside of buildings and in abandoned buildings (M. Lau pers. comm. 2007, Fellowes et al. 2002, Romer 1950). It is often found inside holes in building walls and around rock caves (Yang and Rao 2008). It feeds mainly on small insects (Das 2010) and hunts by sight (Lau 2010). It clutches comprise two eggs, which are attached to walls, and the hatchlings measure 50 mm (Das 2010).
THREATS
This species is likely to be experiencing ongoing habitat loss and degradation due to threats including expansion of agricultural land, grazing, and logging. However, these are not considered to be major threats as this species is relatively wide-ranging and significant areas of habitat remain.
USE AND TRADE
This species is harvested for use in Chinese traditional medicine.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
There are no direct conservation measures for this species in place or needed at the present time. It occurs in many protected areas (Fellowes et al. 2002). It is listed in the "List of Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Value Terrestrial Wild Animals under States Protection", under the protection of the "Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife" (B. Cai pers. comm. 2018). |
