Habitat and ecology
A small gecko with the total lenth of 5-7 centimeters (including the tail). The species is yellowish grey in color with irregular dark spots. The tail is made of yellow and black segments and is highly detachable as a defense mechanism. Females lay small clutches of one or two eggs in the rocky crevices, usually in summer.
Identification
It is found in rocky areas with low boulders and small stones, typically in montane regions without trees, where it hides in rocky crevices. This species appears to be restricted to Mount Hermon and parts of the Mount Lebanon Range in central Lebanon, with recent, still unpublished records slightly expanding its known range within the country. It inhabits elevations above 1,300 m asl on Mount Hermon and up to 2,000 m asl in Lebanon.
Threats
Mediodactylus amictopholis (Common Name: Lebanese thin-toed gecko) was most recently assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2006. Mediodactylus amictopholis is listed as Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii). Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km², all individuals are in fewer than five locations, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat. In Mount Hermon it is threatened by the development of its habitat for use by the military, and it is potentially threatened by the development of the ski industry.
It was collected close to the Arz Al-Shouf protected area in Lebanon, although its presence within the protected area requires confirmation. Further field research is needed to determine whether the species ranges between Mount Hermon and the Mount Lebanon Range.
