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Lima's Urban Growth Threatens Endangered Gecko Habitat

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Lima, Peru, urban development endangers the Lima leaf-toed gecko's habitat, leaving the population critically endangered.
Alejandra Arana, a PhD student, notes that these lizards primarily inhabit huacas, pre-Hispanic sacred monuments like Huaca Pucllana.
These sites are the last remnants of Lima's native desert ecosystem, offering shelter for the geckos amid urban growth.

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Story summary

In Lima, Peru, urban development endangers the Lima leaf-toed gecko's habitat, leaving the population critically endangered.
Alejandra Arana, a PhD student, notes that these lizards primarily inhabit huacas, pre-Hispanic sacred monuments like Huaca Pucllana.
These sites are the last remnants of Lima's native desert ecosystem, offering shelter for the geckos amid urban growth.