Small reptile found near petrol station
A species of gecko native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe has been found in Guernsey.
The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) said the reptile, believed to be a Tarentola Mauritancia – or a moorish gecko – was found near a petrol station on Ruette Braye on Thursday.
Manager Steve Byrne said: “Now named Rosey, she is in quarantine at the GSPCA and like previous reptile arrivals, if healthy, then we will look to find it a new home as it is so difficult to get them back to their native lands.”
Seb Goman, senior animal care and welfare assistant, added: “Every day at the GSPCA is different…we never know what will come in next”.
‘A real surprise’
The lizard was found alive in a holidaymaker’s suitcase as they unpacked after a trip to a Portuguese island.
Mr Gowman said the gecko would be kept in a vivarium in a quarantined area.
The Moorish gecko is also known as a common wall gecko, according to the British Herpetological Society.
GSPCA said a number of non-indigenous animals had been found on the island this year, including a grey squirrel which jumped out of the back of a van and a Madeiran lizard which was found in a suitcase.
“This year has been a real surprise,” Mr Byrne added.
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