turquoise dwarf
gecko conservation

The Kimboza Forest Gecko Project is a conservation project with a goal to save the critically endangered turquoise dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) from extinction.

Lygodactylus williamsi is a dwarf gecko species native to tropical Tanzania in East Africa. In the wild, the turquoise dwarf gecko lives on the leaves of Pandanus rabaiensis screwpine trees. Forest fires are one of the biggest threats to screwpine trees. In addition to forest fires, an invasive and fast-spreading species, Cedrela odorata, is taking over the forests. Slow-growing Pandanus trees are losing the battle against the non-native trees.

Turquoise dwarf gecko on a screwpine leaf

River_in_Kimboza_Forest_Reserve,_Uluguru_Mts.JPG

Kimboza Nature Reserve

Photo: Pharaoh Han

At the moment, the project focuses on building 10 km long fire breaks in the Kimboza and Ruvu nature reserves to prevent forest fires from spreading. The local people are trained and sent on anti-poaching patrols and as forest rangers. The invasive species is cleared by hand from a 50 hectare land area in order to enable the spread of screwpine trees through natural growth. This way, a better future is created for the turquoise dwarf geckos and the local people.

Due to the species being critically endangered, the turquoise dwarf gecko is classified under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, i.e. CITES Appendix I. Pet trade of CITES Appendix I species is highly regulated. The species classified as appendix I should never be sold without a legal sales permit. Local environmental insitutes can issue an EU certificate for the appendix I species, which is a permit for commercial activities within the EU and its member states .

In captivity, however, the species is successully bred around the world and in good numbers. All turquoise dwarf geckos bred by Luel Reptiles are always handed over to the new owners with a legal EU certificate, a breeder's certificate and a deed of sale.

Zoopark Erfurt

Bristol Zoological Society

Zoo Liberec

ZGAP

support the kimboza
forest gecko project

Luel Reptiles acts as a project sponsor by designing illustrations for the merchandise products and by donating all sales profits uncut for the Kimboza Forest Gecko Project.

The Kimboza Forest Gecko Project uses its funds directly for concrete measures at the forest reserves of Kimboza and Ruvu. The areas are protected from forest fires, insasive species and smugglers, for example.

By purchasing Kimboza Forest Gecko
products you can support the conservation of the turquoise dwarf gecko!

Order products by sending a message:

luelreptiles
@hotmail.com

Water bottle

temporarily sold out

20€

Aluminum water bottle 770 ml

Color: black
Single-layer aluminum
Screw cap with carabiner
Hand wash only, not dishwasher safe
The bottle is designed for cold drinks, filling with hot drinks is not recommended