Class Mascot

 Class Mascot

Halei Akins

I think the class mascot should one of three animals: Mourning Geckos, Crested Gecko, or Gargoyle Geckos. I chose all of these because they could easily be cared for in a class room setting, are generally hardy, and don't require too much expensive equipment, or any overly large enclosure. 

-The first suggestion would be mourning geckos. Scientific name Lepidodactylus lugubris. Mourning geckos would be a good mascot for a few reasons 

Pros: 

-Tiny 

-Easily cared for

-All female species which reproduces through parthenogenesis. Would be perfect for studying. 

-Also extremely easy to create a bio-active vivarium with this species. 

Cons: 

-Easy to escape

-very difficult handling

https://www.reptiledirect.com/mourning-gecko/

-Would have to get multiple

-Reproduce a lot

-My second suggestion is two in one, which would either be Gargoyle Geckos or Crested Geckos. Gargoyle geckos scientific name is Rhacodactylus auriculatus, while Crested Geckos are called Correlophus ciliatus. These both require extremely similar care and are both easy to care for, but here are the pros and cons for each. 

Crested Geckos 

Pros: 

-Very common pets 

-Inexpensive setup

https://zoomed.com/crested-gecko/ 

-Easy to care for

-Easy handling

Cons: 

-Can lose their tail when stressed 

-Tail does not regrow 

-Very sensitive to high temperatures

-Needs easy but frequent maintenance

Gargoyle Geckos

Pros: 

-A bit more hardy/tough

https://www.robersonreptiles.com/products/gargoyle-gecko-gm1-20 

-Less jumpy/easier to handle

-Can regrow tail if lost

Cons: 

-Much more expensive