Scientists Confirmed Native Gecko on Rábida Island
A 2025 study identified the leaf-toed gecko species Phyllodactylus maresi as a native inhabitant of the Galápagos island.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Life Sciences
Researchers confirmed the existence of a native leaf-toed gecko population on Rábida Island following a 2025 study. Genetic analysis reveals these geckos, identified as Phyllodactylus maresi, represent a distinct group separated from those on neighboring Santiago Island.
Why it matters
The confirmation suggests that the 2011 eradication of invasive brown rats by the Galápagos National Park played a vital role in the recovery of this gecko population. The study highlights the effectiveness of conservation efforts in allowing native species to thrive.
Genetic sequencing of five gecko samples confirmed a 19-mutation divergence from Santiago Island populations. Sub-fossil remains indicate the species inhabited the 499-hectare island between 5,700 and 8,540 years ago.
The players
Galápagos National Park
This government entity is responsible for the management and conservation of the Galápagos archipelago.
The details
Researchers captured ten whole specimens by hand at night among lava rocks to facilitate study. The team also examined five complete museum specimens of Phyllodactylus maresi to verify the classification of the island's unique gecko inhabitants.
Timeline
Sub-fossil remains of geckos on Rábida date to 5,700 to 8,540 years ago.
The Galápagos National Park eradicated invasive brown rats on Rábida Island in 2011.
A live leaf-toed gecko was first photographed on Rábida in 2012.
Scientists collected tail tissue from nine geckos in October 2019.
Ten whole gecko specimens were caught on the island in August 2021.
The Big Picture
This finding follows the precedent of the Galápagos National Park eradication of invasive species program. The re-emergence of the native gecko species marks a significant milestone in restorative island ecology.
This discovery provides critical insight into how predator removal can lead to the resurgence of rare species in delicate environments. Future research may utilize these findings to better understand the speed at which native populations recover after invasive threats are neutralized.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates the long-term success of island-based conservation initiatives in protecting endemic species. Protecting native habitats remains essential for maintaining the biological diversity of sensitive archipelagos like the Galápagos.
Further reading
Learn more about local biodiversity by exploring our Life Sciences section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
