leaftailed gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Leaf tailed Gecko
Scientific Name: Uroplatus Sp.
This is a tree-dwelling nocturnal animal of sluggish movement and thus relies on its camouflaged
appearance to avoid detection by predators. They may be found in rainforests beneath loose tree
bark or in tree crevices during the day and active on trees, rocks and on the forest floor at
night. This gecko has developed a tail which looks like a leaf and is similar in shape and size
to that of its own head. When disturbed the gecko raises and moves its tail to attract the
predator to its tail (as opposed to its head). If the predator then grasps the fatty tail, the
gecko is able to drop it and escape. Leaf-Tail geckos may be various shades of brown or green
with a mottling that looks so much lichen that they can be very difficult to distinguish from the
trees on which they live.
Captive Environment:
A pair of leaf tailed gecko’s can be housed in a minimum enclosure size of 20 US gallons. A 30-
gallon long is much more comfortable, or a 30-gallon extra high can be used. As a general rule,
males shouldn’t be housed together. Most leaf tailed geckos require a vertically oriented
enclosure with many tall plants and branches to climb on. Decorate the aquarium with live, silk
or plastic plants and vines and include lots of climbing branches. Substrate may be reptile bark,
soil mixes or reptile carpet. It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places that they
can blend into which will help to reduce stress. It is also important to provide proper
ventilation in the enclosure while keeping proper humidity.
Temperature:
Maintain a temperature of between 70F-80F. There are several methods for establishing the proper
temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on
the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or any combination of these. When using
spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day /
night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in
contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is
maintained.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove
to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less
than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation,
therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting
cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the
proper amount of light is received.
Food:
Crickets will be readily taken. Always use a good Calcium/Vitamin dusting supplement. Best time
to feed is early evening.
Water:
Provide fresh de-chlorinated drinking water daily. Mist enclosure daily to maintain humidity.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it
