Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko

Madagascar is home to many faunas found nowhere else in the world. Many new endemic species are still being discovered to date. Documented in June 2024, while searching for undiscovered and rarely seen geckos, this gecko demonstrates an extreme camouflage adaptation, looking like dead leaves. Being small and nocturnal as well, it was challenging to make it out at first. By carefully traipsing around the vegetation, I finally got a clear glimpse and took this photo on my phone camera.