Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Gecko

ANIMAL:
Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Gecko      Uroplatus henkeli

Type of Animal:
Gecko

Habitat:
Forests

Location(s):
Madagascar: NW Sambirano region & island of Nosy Be, Tsingy de Bemaraha & Ankarafantsika in W Madagascar

Appearance:
Grey or brown w/ noticeable short flat leafy tail, some charcoal w/ light grey, large triangular head, bulging eyes, usually light pink-brown, orangish, or beige w/ red spots, large adhesive toe pads

Food/Diet:
Insects, snails, worms, spiders, young rats, smaller lizards (including younger members of own species)

Status in Wild:
Threatened

Conservation:
Breeding from zoos, wildlife parks, & breeders

Lifestyle:
Solitary or small groups of a male w/ 2-3 females

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young-Hatchling
Group-Leap

Weight:
1 oz

Gestation:
2-3 months 

Life Span:
5 years

Body Length:
10 in

Tail Length:
1 in

Main predators are rats, snakes, owls, & eagles

They’re nocturnal (active at night).

Threatened due to pet trade, habitat loss, deforestation, & agriculture.

Captive breeders are breeding them to be pets to reduce collection from wild.

Only leaves trees to lay eggs in leaf litter on forest floor.

Females lay 2 eggs per clutch & can lay up to 6 clutches a year.

They’re very sensitive & don’t like being handled often.

Due to elusive nature, there is more to be learned about this species.

Named after German herpetologist Friedrich-Wilhelm Henkel.

Fun Fact(s):
Since it doesn’t have eyelids, it has to lick its own eyes.

They’re masters at camouflage, perfect for catching unsuspecting prey & great at evading predators.

Adhesive toe pads great for climbing & clinging to variety of surfaces.

Can shed tail to escape/confuse predators.

Can frighten predators by opening mouth wide & revealing bright red cavity inside.

Can make loud distress calls.