Gonatodes daudini, also known commonly as the Grenadines clawed gecko or the Union Island gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.[1][4]
The Union Island gecko is threatened by demand from the international pet trade. Due to its distinct markings, it is one of the most trafficked reptiles in the Eastern Caribbean.[5] Although it is granted domestic protection from export, reportedly wild-caught animals have been reported as offered for sale in several European countries. The species listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).[6] Trained local residents have patrolled the tropical dry forest the gecko inhabits since 2017 in an attempt to deter poachers.[5]
The specific name, daudini, is in honor of naturalist Jacques Daudin (1926–2011) who lived on Union Island.[7][8]
The preferred habitat of G. daudini is remnant dry forest.[4]
G. daudini is diurnal and terrestrial.[4]
Gonatodes daudini, also known commonly as the Grenadines clawed gecko or the Union Island gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
