LEAF
TAIL GECKOS
Uroplatus species
Origin:
mainland Madagascar and surrounding islands.
Family:
Gekkonidae  The leaf-tailed gecko family has nine members ranging in size
from 30cm to 8cm. This cryptic gecko has excellent camouflage
skills making it “blend” in to its natural environment
of the rainforests of Madagascar. Larger members of the genus
have beards and fringes around the whole body. When at rest
laying head down on a mossy or lichen covered branch are almost
impossible to see, the beard and fringes are flattened to the
branch creating a perfect match and avoiding any shadow being
cast. Small members have tails mimicking leaves, bodies resemble
dead leaves and twigs. Overall this species is a master at
disguise. Large eyes help this nocturnal species hunt its prey,
large mouths are capable of tackling oversized prey. The common
leaf-tailed gecko has more teeth than any other lizard on earth.
After a night’s hunting an individual will often return
to the same resting place, reports of lichen covered branches
with bare patches where the geckos rest are reported. Colour
change is possible and most dramatic at night, some specimens
can be stunning in colours of lichen and mosses from pinks
to oranges, on the other hand some can be dull patterns of
browns.
This species is totally adapted to life in a primary rainforest,
so cryptic are their disguises species and sub-species are
still being discovered today. The locals are afraid of them
and refer to them as the devil. When disturbed larger members
of the species especially Uroplatus fimbriatus stand up open
mouthed and let out a large hiss, to an observer I can imagine
a branch “coming to life” and hissing at you would
be disturbing.
In captivity a tropical rainforest set-up is required heavily
planted with lots of climbing branches. I would highly recommend
live plants & mosses planted in a peat substrate, as high
humidity is required. As with all highly humid vivariums air
circulation is essential to avoid stagnant air. This species
does not like it hot and will dehydrate quickly if kept so.
A temperature range of 75-80°F is ideal remember this species
will not move during the day unless disturbed, so it will hopefully
settle in a thermally comfortable place itself. Water requirements
are critical especially when dealing with newly acquired specimens.
Re-hydration is critical and should be done as a priority,
once settled they usually adapt well to drinking from a dish
at night, regular sprays are essential. To stimulate drinking
gentle airflow in the water dish works well. Food can consist
of all suitably sized commercially produced live foods, and
hedge sweeping, remember to only collect from areas you are
sure pesticides have not been used. Nectar may be licked.
On a final note after you have carefully made your “rainforest”,
marvelled at your achievements and settled your gecko in, it will probably
rest all day on the glass doors! A happy, hydrated leaf-tailed gecko of the
following species should be resting head down with a completely flat tail:
U. fimbriatus, U. henkeli, U. sikorae.
The species:
Common leaf-tailed geckos Uroplatus
fimbriatus
This species is as its name suggests the most common species on Madagascar,
and the largest. Occurring along almost the length of the east side, in primary
rainforest. Attaining a total length of almost 30cm this is one of the biggest
geckos in the world. It can be distinguished from other large species by its
amber eyes with vertically striped pattern. Usually two eggs are laid in leaf
litter and take 90 days+.
Henkles leaf-tailed geckos Uroplatus henkeli
This is one of the most variable coloured species. Specimens can range from
almost completely white to stunning oranges and pinks, with all the mossy colours
in between. Attaining a total length of 25cm it is slightly smaller than the
common leaf-tail and differences can be seen in the eyes. This species usually
has pink eyes with little or no markings. Usually two but up to four eggs are
laid on the forest floor where they take 90 days+ to hatch. This species is
found in the north west of the island.
Mossy leaf-tailed geckos Uroplatus
sikorae
This species is one of my favourite, smaller than the before
mentioned species reaching a total length of 18.5cm. Resembling
a lichen or mossy branch some
species have “twig” like pimples and bumps. Occurring on the on
the east coast and northern tip on off shore islands. A sub-species is recognised
on the island of Nosy boraha U. s. sameiti, difference in the sub-species can
be determined by the inner colouration of the mouth U. sikorae has a black
mouth whereas U. s. sameiti has a flesh coloured inner mouth. Again usually
two eggs are laid and hatch after 90 days+.
Lined
leaf-tailed gecko Uroplatus lineatus
This species occurs in the north east in bamboo forest. As its name suggests
it has several longitudinal brown lines on the body and head, on a yellow background.
Reaching a length of 25cm its quite a large gecko, the inner mouth is black
in colour, its tail is slim compared to the above species and is used in display,
waving it slowly. In captivity bamboo canes work well.
Satanic
leaf-tailed geckos (American name) Uroplatus
phantasticus
This is a stunning species reaching a total length of 9cm,
its range is the central eastern side of the island. This
species mimics to great success a
dead leaf, its whole body resembles a curled up leaf, its tail leaf shaped.
This is a truly amazing gecko. Colouration can be brown/grey to amazing yellows,
green, oranges, and pinks. Called the Satanic leaf-tailed geckos as this
species looks like it has “horns”, and some
specimens have red eyes. Two eggs are laid and hatch after
60-70 days.
Nosey be leaf-tailed gecko Uroplatus
ebenaui
Found at the north western tip of the island, and surrounding islands. This
species is similar to U. phantasticus but slightly larger in body, with a very
small tail. Again this species mimics dead leafs well and can be very hard
to spot even in captivity. Two eggs are laid and take 60-70 days to hatch.
The following species are very rarely imported, if ever and
are locally rare in Madagascar.
Uroplatus alluaudi Only known from the type locality.
Uroplatus malahelo discovered in 1994 and
only known from two specimens.
Uroplatus guentheri West coast.
Overall this is a wonderful gecko to keep and hopefully breed,
not that common in collections, its unusual appearance gives
it a certain appeal.
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