The secret life of a rock-dweller: arboreal acrobatics observed in the European leaf-toed gecko Euleptes europaea

The European leaf toed Gecko, Euleptes europaea , is a strictly nocturnal species endemic to the western Mediterranean and has long been considered rock-specialist as it associated with this habitat during its entire daily life cycle. In study, we report observations of arboreal behaviour in E. collected field research over 40-year period from across range. We provide review available information on topic that contributes refined view uses abilities species. Arboreal was observed throughout year, different macrohabitats, wide variety tree, shrub, bush species, various parts plant (trunk, branches, fronds, twigs, leaves), at height ground. Remarkably, shows an extraordinarily agile locomotion striking morphological adaptations lifestyle, namely prehensile tail bearing terminal adhesive pad supplements grasping force, equilibrium asset, scansor adhesion both static condition escape. conclude climbing gecko (opposed ground dwelling), occupying rocky microhabitats. While evolutionary origin ecological drivers remains be fully investigated, realization important implications for designing fieldwork management strategies conservation.