Reptile · GBIF taxon 2445841
Atlas Day Gecko
Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharusAlso known as Barbouria Day Gecko, Atlas Mountain Day Gecko
Atlas day geckos are specialized high-altitude reptiles endemic to the rocky summits of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. Active in full daylight, these agile climbers bask on sunlit granite and forage for small invertebrates despite frigid night temperatures. Their flattened bodies and textured scales allow them to wedge tightly into narrow rock crevices at the first sign of danger.
DiurnalMountain SpecialistEndemic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Spiders
- Ants
- Small beetles
Predators
- Kestrels
- Montane vipers
- Larger lizards
ThreatsClimate change, alpine habitat degradation from overgrazing, and tourism infrastructure development.
HabitatsHigh-altitude rocky scree, cliff faces, and boulder fields above 2,200 meters.
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphaerodactylidae
- SpeciesQuedenfeldtia trachyblepharus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by dark mottled grey-brown skin, rough scales, and daytime activity on high alpine rocks.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from a short distance without overturning rocks or disturbing fragile scree slope habitats.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan sun-warmed granite boulders at high elevations on calm, sunny mornings.
- Approach: Move slowly without casting a shadow over crevices, as sudden darkness triggers immediate retreat.
- Seasonality: Best observed during spring and early summer when daytime temperatures encourage active foraging.
Regional Gecko Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Regional Relative
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