Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko/Fringed Leaf-Tailed Gecko

Characteristics

This gecko's coloring is variable; many have a beige or grey background with black cross-banding. The anterior side is usually a whitish color. This gecko has a large triangular head, prominent eyes with a polka-dot appearance, and vertically-oriented pupils. Possessing flaps of skin around the edges of the head and body, long slender limbs, and a long, broad, flat tail shaped like a leaf!

Species Specifics

Physical Characteristics

Ecology

Habitat

Rainforest

Distribution

Rainforest of northern mainland Madagascar and the island of Nosy Be.

Diet

Carnivorous. Insects and other small invertebrates.

Ecological Web

Secondary consumer.

Activity and Behavior

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal and arboreal. They do not venture high up into the trees or down to the ground.These geckos spend much of their lives in the trees, typically hanging with their heads pointed downward. They descend from the trees only to lay eggs in the leaf litter on the forest floor. Due to tiny pads on the gecko's feet that create a strong adhesive effect, they can cling and climb on a variety of surfaces.

Behavior

The gecko will lick its eye to clean it from dust and other particles.

Social Behavior

Reproductive Behavior

Two eggs are laid by the female and hatching occurs in 85-95 days. Three clutches may be laid per year. Little is known about how they reproduce, but it is believed that they lay between 2-4 eggs, and that the female does not care for the young after they hatch.

Offspring

Precocial. The female does not care for the young after they hatch.

Conservation

Status

CITES is not currently protecting the genus, but at the current rate of deforestation the genus will soon be threatened. This species of Uroplatus are not endangered, but due to the cutting down of the rainforest, many of the species are found in undisturbed parts of Madagascar. Listed by as Vulnerable by IUCN.

Historical

Current Threats

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