Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 – 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
Madagascar Leaf Tailed Geckos
Latin
name:
Uroplatus ssp.
Native
to:
Madagascar, There are currently 6 species seen
fairly regularly in the pet trade. They are Giant Leaf Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus), Fringed or Henkel's Leaf Tailed Gecko (U. henkeli), Mossy
Leaf Tailed Gecko (U. sikorae), Lined or Lineated Leaf Tailed Gecko (U.
lineatus), Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko (U. phantasticus) and Spear
Point or Eban's Leaf Tailed Gecko (U. ebanaui). Other species are rarely seen in captivity.
Size:
Leaf Tailed Geckos range in size from the 4-6 inch
Eban's or Spear Point Leaf Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus
ebanaui) to the one-foot plus Giant
Leaf Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus).
Life
span:
3-5 years in the wild, 10-15 in captivity.
General
appearance:
The Madagascar Leaf Tailed Geckos are some of the
most bizarre looking members of the Gecko Family. All species have to some
degree frills and flaps that help to break up the body shape. This, along with
the cryptic coloration, helps the geckos to rely on their primary form of
defense: camouflage. Most specimens are colored in various shades of tans,
browns, grays, and greens. Coloration is usually mottled, to the extreme in
some species, like Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) the animal
seems to actually be growing moss on its back. The eyes are large, suited for
the gecko’s nocturnal habits. The jaws are relatively weak, with small teeth. A
bite from a Leaf Tail, even the large and somewhat intimidating Giant Leaf
Tail, is relatively benign. The tail is leaf shaped, especially so in Uroplatus
phantasticus, the Satanic Leaf Tail, hence the geckos' name. The Cryptic
appearance of these animals has earned them the reputation of evil spirits in
their native Madagascar.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
Enclosures for Leaf Tails are not too complicated.
The size should reflect the lizard(s) size. For the smaller species, enclosures
the size of 20-30 gallon aquariums are adequate. For the larger species, 40-100
gallon aquaria or larger are required. Each animal in the cage should have
enough space to form its own territory. Aquaria are good cages for Uroplatus because they help to contain humidity, which is
very important for the well being of Leaf Tails. Screen tops are adequate,
however a sheet of plexi-glass or plastic should be placed over one half of the
lid to help maintain humidity. Some hobbyists have had success with other
plastic or glass enclosures. Note: The smaller species of Leaf Tail (Eban's and
Satanic) live mostly in low bushes in the wild, so long type terrariums are preferred
for these species. "High" tanks are better for the other 4 common
species.
Temperature:
Leaf Tailed Geckos are from cool, mountain forests
and hobbyists should strive to mimic these conditions. A daytime temperature of
77-84 degrees F will keep the geckos comfortable. For The mossy Leaf tail,
Eban's Leaf Tail, and The Satanic Leaf Tail, a temperature range of 66-78
degrees F is required. At night, the temperature can lower to as much as 70
degrees F. The main thing with Leaf Tails is humidity. A 75-100 % humidity
range is required so that the delicate skin of these animals will not allow
them to desiccate.
Heat/Light:
Heat for Leaf Tailed Geckos should be provided via
nocturnal reptile heat bulbs. These shy, nocturnal animals do not appreciate
harsh, direct lighting. Full spectrum bulbs can be used with Leaf Tailed Geckos
in accompaniment with nocturnal heat lamps. It has been documented that UVB
rays are important to the health of Leaf Tailed Geckos, and will often
stimulate breeding. Lower wattage is all right, as the geckos thrive in
relatively cool temperatures.
Substrate:
A substrate of a forest type, soil based mix is best
for leaf Tailed geckos. Peat moss, non-perlite potting soil, and soil/sand
mixes are all satisfactory.
Environment:
Madagascar Leaf Tailed Geckos thrive in naturalistic
enclosures that mimic their native rainforest home. A soil based mix substrate
can be placed over a layer of large grain aquarium gravel for drainage. Live
plants can be planted either in the substrate directly or in sunken pots, as
these geckos tend to leave cage decorations alone. Live plants with broad
leaves such as philodendrons and pothos are better than plastic plants because
they increase the ever-important humidity. Sections of cork bark will provide shelters
and resting spots for the geckos as well as places for females to lay their
eggs. Thick branches are a must; the geckos will rest on them in full view,
depending on their camouflage for defense.
Diet:
Feeding Leaf Tailed Geckos is relatively simple.
Appropriately sized crickets, mealworms, and waxworms should be offered every
other day to adults, daily to juveniles. Adults of the larger species will also
accept pinkie mice from forceps. All food items should be coated in calcium mineral
supplements. A feeding dish may be used. However these animals tend to feed
with such vigor that they may damage their snouts on the bottoms of hard
dishes. This can be solved by placing a sponge in the bottom of the food dish
to cushion the blow of the gecko striking the cricket. A liquid bird vitamin
mixed with baby food can also be fed via an eyedropper.
Maintenance:
Spot clean the enclosure daily. Mist the geckos
vigorously at least twice daily. A cool air humidifier can help to create the
humid environment these animals require. These geckos move relatively slowly
and brief periods of handling may be tolerated. These animals are not being captive
bred on a large scale. Since many wild caught animals are loaded with internal
parasites, de-worming is recommended. Captive bred individuals, although rare,
are the better choice for a healthy animal.
Other
references or recommended reading:
Burger,
R. M. 1993. "Leaftailed geckos: some notes on the maintenance and
reproduction of Uroplatus
henkeli
(Bohme & Ibish)". Dactylus. 1(4):11-16.
Glaw,
F and M. Vences. 1994. A Fieldguide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of
Madagascar. 2nd ed.
Germany:
Moos Druck, Leverkusen
Henkel,
F. W. and W. Schmidt. 1995. Geckoes. Krieger Publishing Company. Malabar, Fl.
Nussbaum,
R. A. and C. J. Raxworthy. 1994. Herpetologica. 50:319-325
Russell,
M. 1996. "Natural history and captive care of leaf-tailed geckos with
emphasis on Uroplatus
fimbiratus".
Vivarium. 7(5):6-9.