Leaf-Tailed Gecko Care Guide: An Intermediate to Hard Challenge
Leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus spp.) are native to Madagascar and are renowned for their exceptional camouflage abilities. This guide provides essential care information for these fascinating reptiles.
**Introduction to Leaf-Tailed Geckos**
Leaf-tailed geckos are crepuscular arboreal geckos, native to Madagascar, known for their remarkable camouflage that allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. There are 18 recognized species within this genus, categorized into four groups. The most common species in the pet trade are marked with an asterisk.
Species within the Genus Uroplatus:
– Fimbriatus (large bark/moss mimics): fimbrriatus, giganteus, henkeli, aff. henkeli, sameitis, ikorae, aff. sikorae
– Alluaudi (small bark mimics): alluaudi, guentheri, malahel, pietschmanni
– Ebenaui (dead leaf mimics): ebenaui, fetsy, fiera, fini, avanavotsivava, kelirambomalama
– Lineatus (bamboo mimics): lineatus
**Physical Characteristics and Lifespan**
Uroplatus geckos vary in length from 4” to 13” (10-33 cm), with males generally larger than females. They can live 5-15 years in captivity, depending on husbandry and origin, with wild-caught individuals typically having shorter lifespans than captive-bred ones.
**Diet and Activity**
These geckos are crepuscular insectivores, primarily active at dawn and dusk, and consume a diet almost entirely of insects.
**Conservation Status**
Protected under CITES Appendix II, leaf-tailed geckos are not formally endangered but may become so without trade restrictions. They face threats mainly from deforestation in Madagascar.
**Responsibility of Hobbyists**
Some argue that hobbyists should breed Uroplatus to assist conservation efforts. However, breeding should never be undertaken lightly, and this guide does not address breeding these species.
**Fun Facts**
– Leaf-tailed geckos lack eyelids and clean their eyes with their tongues.
– They can walk up vertical surfaces due to millions of microscopic ‘hairs’ on their toe pads called setae and have small claws for additional grip.
– They possess some of the most perfect camouflage among reptile species, adapting to mimic lichen, moss, bark, bamboo, or leaves.
– Uroplatus have incredible night vision, seeing 350x better than humans in darkness and can see colors at night.
**Leaf-Tailed Gecko Care — Table of Contents**
– Shopping List
– Terrarium Size Requirements
– Substrate Options
– Temperatures & UVB
– Humidity Requirements
– How to Decorate a Leaf-Tailed Gecko Terrarium
– What to Feed Your Leaf-Tailed Gecko
– Handling Tips & Body Language Info
– Common Diseases & Other Health Questions
– Additional Resources
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