Triumph of the Chameleon Gecko
The antiquity of the Chameleon Gecko Carphodactylus laevis has been used as evidence for a Gondwanan origin. It is the only member of its genus and is found exclusively in the Wet Tropical Rainforests of North Queensland.
Its largely fleshy, white-tipped tail is held aloft and even waggled from side to side, in the face of ominous danger. Under extreme threat, it will jettison its tail, which flip-flops from side to side. An opening on the broken surface opens and closes with each flexion, producing a sound which is remarkably similar to the distress call of a juvenile rodent.
The predator has its attention strategically drawn to the bouncing, squeaking, flip-flopping, white-tipped morsel, whilst the more important part of the gecko conceals itself into hiding. Regeneration of the tail is complete in about six months. The original tail (shown in the inset) is even more distinctive than all successive tails.
Such is the effectiveness of this decoy and regeneration strategy, that the Chameleon Gecko has endured remarkably.