Popa gliding gecko, a species of gliding gecko and found only in Myanmar in the world, has been recorded at Mt. Popa, said an official from Native Species Conservation and Identification in Myanmar (NSCI).
Various species of gliding gecko are believed to have inhabited in other areas, in addition to Popa, however, photo record could only be made in Popa so far and others found in some areas are different species, he said.
“Why they are called gliding gecko is because they make paragliding with their skin flap from one tree to another when they climb down tall trees or when they find prey, not jumping down immediately. They are believed to have existed at Mt. Popa, Mandalay Region and its surroundings and Bago Yoma and connected areas, but at present, we can make record only at Mt. Popa and most of geckos in other areas are found different species. But we can’t say it is found only at Popa in Myanmar because they may have existed in other areas close to Popa such as Bagan. However, we have not received any record yet,” he said.
The gliding gecko is about the same size as a normal gecko, is non-venomous and small insects are its main food.
The gliding gecko species, which has been recorded now, hides among trees and tree holes during the day and go to find food at night.
“Its original species are not abundantly found. So far, no rampant poaching has been found. Sometimes, when they were found accidently, they got captured and sent to China to be eaten. So far, there has been no particular trade on them,” he said.
The species which has been currently recorded is a rare one and NSCI urged people to let them live naturally and not to catch or kill them.
MT/ZS
