In the Maltese islands we have two species of geckos: the moorish gecko (Il-wiżgħa tal-kampanja) and the Turkish gecko (Il- wiżgħa tad-djar).

The moorish gecko, native of the Mediterranean region and North Africa, is widespread in Malta and may be found in warm coastal areas, rural areas and even in our gardens and houses.

The moorish gecko is around 10 to 15 cm long and has a robust body with wart-like projections on its back – giving it a spiny armoured appearance. Its flat head has enormous eyes which are permanently closed with a transparent eyelid. It is usually grey or marbled brown in colour, with light or dark markings and a whitish underside. The moorish gecko may have a light or dark form, depending on the intensity of the light. In the morning the Moorish gecko basks in the sun and its skin darkens to almost black; at night the gecko has a very light colour.

Of interest is the fact that this gecko is able to lose its tail as a defence mechanism against predation.

And often the predator is left with a wriggling tail in its mouth while the gecko gets away safely!

Although some people are afraid or dislike geckos, they are part of our Maltese heritage and should be safeguarded. The moorish gecko and the Turkish gecko have been protected since 1992 and one should not pursue, take, kill or keep these rather particular reptiles.

Should you require more information, please contact nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta together with many other countries around the globe is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives.

We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.