the survival of the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is intrinsically linked to the continued existence of its madagascan rainforest habitat. protected areas are therefore essential, and at present, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is known to occur in at least three: tsaratanana strict nature reserve, marojejy national park or anjanaharibe special reserve. however, illegal harvesting of leaf-tailed geckos is known to occur even within protected areas, and efforts to control this threatening activity are required if this extraordinary and unique reptile is to endure. this gecko is not a prey of birds, as commonly thought.