Why does the Sphaerodactylus parthenopion prefer the undersides of rocks and leaf litter?

To inhabit humid microhabitats that prevent water evaporation

The primary survival challenge for the Sphaerodactylus parthenopion is moisture conservation. Because the species lacks biological adaptations to prevent rapid desiccation, it relies entirely on its surroundings to maintain hydration. The cool undersides of rocks and the debris found beneath leaf litter provide consistent, humid microclimates where moisture is retained even when the surrounding scrub forest is arid. By residing in these sheltered areas, the gecko minimizes water loss and remains shielded from the drying effects of the environment. This behavioral adaptation is critical, as it allows the gecko to persist in environments that would otherwise be too dehydrating for its high surface-area-to-volume physiology.