Leaf-tailed gecko lips

Uroplatus is the genus of leaf-tailed geckos endemic to Madagascar, one of many herps I was fortunate enough to see in the wild on a trip there 10 years ago. Although nocturnal and cryptic, there were so abundant we had no trouble finding them hanging head-down on tree trunks, and they seemed pretty calm and philosophical about our handling them. Though named for their tails (Uro = tail and platy = flat), and famed for the scales on their toes which allow them to adhere even to glass by using vanderWaals forces, I love their lips and eyes. (see photos). Pet trade and habitat destruction are their biggest threat. Uroplatus species are CITES Appendix 2 protected animal. Madagascar is a desperately poor country, whose current government is corrupt, not interested in protecting habitat, or enforcing laws that are in effect regarding deforestation.