Leopard gecko

Leopard geckos originate from the grasslands and dry or semi-dry desert regions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and northern India. They can be found up to altitudes of 2,500 meters. They like rocky deserts and sparse grasslands with crevices that serve as shelter.

The leopard gecko is nocturnal; unlike other gecko species, its pupils are vertically slit. During the day, it stays sheltered under a rock or in a burrow, and only comes out at dusk.

They live in colonies, especially during the warm, humid nights of the rainy season when they gather in large groups. During the winter period, which lasts from October to February, the leopard gecko undergoes a change in physiological status and enters hibernation. Depending on the habitat and thus the different climates encountered, this period of hibernation varies between populations.

Its feet, equipped with claws, allow it to move easily on branches or rocks in search of warmth, which it stores through its belly. Reptiles are actually unable to produce their own heat; they are “cold-blooded” animals. In reality, these are not animals with cold blood, but the body’s temperature depends on the outside temperature. They must therefore find a heat source to avoid hypothermia and ensure their bodies can function. Conversely, to avoid overheating they must find shade or a water source.

It has a rather thick tail, which serves as a fat reserve.

The leopard gecko is a carnivorous lizard. Once night falls, the leopard gecko comes out of hiding to hunt scorpions, centipedes, spiders, insects, larvae, as well as small rodents. It also regularly happens that the gecko eats its own shed skin. This allows it to recover some nutrients lost during the shedding, but it also erases its tracks so it won’t be found by predators.

The female lays 1 to 2 eggs which she buries in a moist environment. She can have up to 6 clutches per year. The eggs measure about 28 x 15 mm. The young emerge from the eggs after 45-53 days and are sexually mature at 18 months. Like many reptiles, sex is determined by temperature.

In case of immediate danger, the leopard gecko can separate from its tail, which will grow back later; this is called autotomy. The leopard gecko’s tail has the incredible ability to keep moving for up to 30 minutes after it has detached. This allows the predator to be distracted and increases the gecko’s chances of survival. Its tail gradually grows back after some time. The gecko can fall prey to many animals, particularly snakes.

The leopard gecko is not particularly threatened. It is classified as “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. However, it is still taken from the wild to supply the pet trade. Many are intercepted by authorities, especially at the Indian border. There is a legal collection, but it is regulated, so illegal collection still continues today. The majority of individuals found in Europe are captive-bred.

Discover other animals from Asia and Europe: red panda, brown bear, Amur leopard, snow leopard, Siberian tiger, orangutan, golden eagle, caracal, binturong, white tiger, siamang, bearded vulture, sugar glider, Asian small-clawed otter, peregrine falcon, steppe eagle, white-handed gibbon.