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Rare Gecko Returns After Rat Eradication on Rábida

8/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Mares’s leaf-toed gecko, believed to be lost forever on Rábida Island in the Galápagos, has made a stunning comeback following the eradication of invasive rats in 2011. Genetic studies reveal this unique population endured the invasion, showcasing the remarkable resilience of island ecosystems and underscoring the critical need for conservation initiatives.

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Story summary

The Mares’s leaf-toed gecko, believed to be lost forever on Rábida Island in the Galápagos, has made a stunning comeback following the eradication of invasive rats in 2011. Genetic studies reveal this unique population endured the invasion, showcasing the remarkable resilience of island ecosystems and underscoring the critical need for conservation initiatives.