Loose scales save gecko
In the Ankarana Reserve in northern Madagascar, scientists have discovered a new gecko species, Geckolepis megalepis. The animal differs from its fish-scaled gecko relatives by having 6-mm-large, overlapping scales located like roof tiles across its only 7- cm-long body. The scales are the key to a brilliant trick, which the animal uses to escape a predator. The scales are only loosely bound to the skin, so when the gecko is bitten, it shakes off the scales so quickly that the predator is left with a mouthful of scales, whereas the naked gecko escapes. The top skin layer falls off the animal along with the scales, but both skin and scales grow back again in a matter of a few weeks.
The trick saves the gecko’s life, but it is not cost-free for the host. The scales include lots of minerals, the reproduction of which requires major quantities of energy. Consequently, scientists wonder if it only takes a light touch for the gecko to shed its cladding – which has caused scientists problems, when they have tried to capture the gecko to study it.