Yes, I observed both S. petrii and S. stheno. both in Morocco. Under
proper conditions they are both very common. My observations agree
completely with Werner's account (petrii in loose sand, stheno. on packed
soils). They can be very common.
<< As the desert
formed, each little favored area with its remnant population of geckos
would act as an island - ideal conditions for speciation!>>
Agreed. Quedenfeldtia is an example of a species which has several
isolated populations which are, by my understanding, shut off to any
migratory routes - in fact they're nothing more than "islands". There is
no telling what is left in the Atlas Mountains. These are tremendous
mountains, honey-combed with massive rocks, and are home to the highest
point in the northern half of Africa (Mt. Toubkal). I've stood on mountain
slopes of granitic slabs the size most people's houses. It would be
necessary to skillfully free-climb, or with the aid of climbing gear,
ascend these imposing slopes. To an average unprepared visitor, the only
thing accessible would be the foot-hills, and the smaller rubbish which had
dislodged at some point and slid or free-fell to the base.
Jon
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