Pedernales least gecko

The Pedernales least gecko (Sphaerodactylus randi) is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to the Dominican Republic.^[2]

Pedernales least gecko
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Gekkota
Family:	Sphaerodactylidae
Genus:	Sphaerodactylus
Species:	S. randi
Binomial name
Sphaerodactylus randi Shreve, 1968
Distribution of Sphaerodactylus randi. Known range in red.
Synonyms[2][3]
Sphaerodactylus notatus randi Shreve, 1968 Sphaerodactylus difficilis randi — Schwartz & Thomas, 1975 Sphaerodactylus randi — Schwartz, 1977

Etymology

The specific name, randi, is in honor of American herpetologist Austin Stanley Rand (1932–2005).^[4]

The subspecific name, strahmi, is in honor of herpetologist Michael H. Strahm.^[5]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of S. randi is forest at altitudes of 9–123 m (30–404 ft).^[1] This species inhabits dry forests and coastal scrubs, where it has been found beneath piles of organic debris like piles of coconut husks.^[6]

Reproduction

S. randi is oviparous.^[2]

Subspecies

Three subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.^[2]

• Sphaerodactylus randi methorius Schwartz, 1977
• Sphaerodactylus randi randi Shreve, 1968
• Sphaerodactylus randi strahmi Schwartz, 1977