Geckos are more than just charming reptiles with sticky toes and curious eyes—they are a remarkably diverse group of lizards found in almost every part of the world. From tiny, thumb-sized species that blend seamlessly into tree bark to brightly colored giants that call rainforests home, geckos are among the most adaptable and evolutionarily successful reptiles on Earth.
But exactly how many species of geckos exist? And what makes them so uniquely versatile in the animal kingdom? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the classification, discovery, and dazzling variety of gecko species, including newly discovered ones and the ones that are most well-known in the pet world.
📊 So, How Many Gecko Species Are There?
As of 2024, scientists have described more than 1,500 recognized species of geckos across various genera. However, that number is still growing rapidly, thanks to ongoing research and exploration, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as:
- Southeast Asia
- Madagascar
- New Guinea
- Australia
- South America
Herpetologists (scientists who study reptiles and amphibians) estimate that hundreds more gecko species may still be undiscovered, hiding in remote jungles, mountains, and islands.
🧬 Classification: The Gecko Family Tree
Geckos belong to the infraorder Gekkota, which is part of the larger order Squamata, along with other lizards and snakes. Within Gekkota, there are several key families:
| Family Name | Notable Genera | Unique Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Gekkonidae | Gekko, Hemidactylus | Widely distributed, includes Tokay and House Geckos |
| Eublepharidae | Eublepharis | Eyelid geckos like the Leopard Gecko |
| Pygopodidae | Lialis | Limbless geckos resembling snakes |
| Diplodactylidae | Rhacodactylus, Crested Gecko | Found in Australia and New Caledonia |
| Sphaerodactylidae | Sphaerodactylus | Tiny geckos, including some of the world’s smallest vertebrates |
🌍 Geographic Distribution
Geckos are native to almost every continent except Antarctica. They are especially abundant in tropical and subtropical environments. Depending on the species, geckos can live in:
- Rainforests
- Deserts
- Mountains
- Coastal areas
- Urban settings
Some species have become so accustomed to human presence that they thrive inside homes, feeding on insects attracted to lights.
🔍 Recently Discovered Species
Advances in genetics and better access to remote regions have led to a boom in the discovery of new gecko species. Some fascinating examples include:
🦎 Cyrtodactylus pharbaungensis
Discovered in caves in Myanmar, this gecko lives in total darkness and has evolved unique sensory adaptations.
🦎 Gekko mizoramensis
Found in India’s northeastern state of Mizoram, this species had remained unnoticed due to its camouflage and remote habitat.
🦎 Sphaerodactylus ariasae
One of the world’s smallest geckos, this tiny lizard measures less than 2 cm and was found in the Dominican Republic.
New species are often discovered through field surveys, DNA analysis, and even re-examinations of museum specimens. The rate of new discoveries suggests the real number of gecko species may exceed 2,000 within a few decades.
💡 Why So Many Gecko Species?
Geckos are incredibly diverse because of a few key factors:
1. Adaptive Radiation
In places like Madagascar and New Caledonia, geckos have undergone adaptive radiation—evolving rapidly into multiple species that occupy different ecological niches.
2. Isolation
Geckos on islands or isolated ecosystems evolve differently due to limited interaction with other populations. This results in endemic species—those found nowhere else on Earth.
3. Specialized Traits
Sticky feet, camouflage, vocalizations, and egg-laying strategies help geckos survive in vastly different environments. These traits lead to rapid diversification.
🐾 Iconic Gecko Species
While the total number of species may be in the thousands, some geckos are especially well-known due to their popularity as pets or striking appearances.
🟠 Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
From dry regions of Asia, known for its calm temperament and movable eyelids.
🔵 Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
Brightly colored, loud, and territorial—this gecko is famous in Southeast Asia and often used in traditional medicine.
🟢 Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
Once thought extinct, rediscovered in the 1990s in New Caledonia. Known for its eyelash-like crests.
🟡 Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus)
Native to Madagascar, this species perfectly mimics dead leaves.
⚠️ Threats to Gecko Diversity
Despite their success, many gecko species face serious threats:
- Habitat loss from deforestation and urbanization
- Climate change, which alters their environmental ranges
- The pet trade, which can lead to overcollection
- Invasive predators, especially on islands
Conservation organizations are working to protect gecko habitats, establish breeding programs, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
🥚 Fun Fact: Gecko Reproduction
Many geckos lay soft-shelled eggs in hidden locations. Some lay just two eggs at a time, while others, like the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris), reproduce asexually through a process called parthenogenesis—meaning the female doesn’t need a male to produce offspring.
📚 Conclusion: A World of Geckos Still Waiting to Be Discovered
So, how many species of geckos exist?
- More than 1,500 species have been identified
- Hundreds more are likely still undiscovered
- New species are being found every year, especially in isolated or understudied regions
This number will continue to rise as scientists explore deeper into uncharted territories and apply advanced technologies like genetic sequencing. Whether in a rainforest, a desert, or your own backyard, geckos continue to amaze with their diversity, resilience, and evolutionary genius.
Want to Learn More?
- 🦎 [Top 10 Gecko Species You Can Own as Pets]
- 🔬 [How Geckos Stick to Walls: The Science Behind It]
- 🌿 [Gecko Conservation: How You Can Help]