The Cape rock gecko or Hawequa flat gecko (Afroedura hawequensis) is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae.[2] The species is endemic to South Africa.

Cape rock gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Afroedura
Species:
A. hawequensis
Binomial name
Afroedura hawequensis
Mouton & Mostert, 1985

Distribution

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A. hawequensis is endemic to the Du Toitskloof and Limietberg mountains in the Western Cape providence of South Africa.[3]

Habitat

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A. hawequensis is commonly found in mesic habitats with sandstone boulders and outcroppings within fynbos. A. hawequensis is found between elevations of 1,100m-1,400m.[3]

Conservation status

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The Cape rock gecko has gone through a number of different statuses within the IUCN redlist. From 1996 until 2017 the species was classified as near threatened. In 2018, the species would be upgraded to Least Concern. The IUCN cites that despite the species small distribution, A. hawequensis can be found abundantly within protected areas, with no decline in habitat or population.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Bates, M.F.; Bauer, A.M. (2018). "Afroedura hawequensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T612A115649151. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T612A115649151.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Afroedura hawequensis". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
  3. ^ a b Bauer, Aaron (2014). Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. p. 136. ISBN 978-1-919976-96-9.

Further reading

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  • Mouton PFN, Mostert DP. 1985. "Description of a new species of Afroedura (Loveridge) [sic] (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the south-western Cape". South African J. Zool. 20 (4): 246-249. (Afroedura hawequensis, new species).