Kingdom : Animalia Class : Reptilia Family : Gekkonidae Scientific Name : Uroplatus Size(L) : 10cm - 30cm (4in - 12in) Weight : 10g - 30g (0.35oz - 1oz) Top Speed : 48km/h (30mph) Life Span : 2 - 9 years Colour : Green, Black, Brown, Tan Skin Type : Scales Distinctive Features : Sticky toes and broad, flattened tail
- Leaf Tailed Geckos are a group of Geckos found in the island of Madagascar and a few islands surrounding it.
- They are also known as the flat-tailed gecko.
- There are around 8 species of the leaf-tailed gecko and all of them are found exclusively in Madagascar.
- They inhabit the primary and secondary tropical forests, resting amongst the twigs or being vertically stuck to the tree trunks.
- They get their name from their broad flat tail which extend between their hind legs and gives a leaf-like appearance.
- Their body resembles a tree bark and is green or brown in color, providing them with exceptional camouflage.
- Depending on the species, they vary in size from 10cm-30cm.
- The various species of leaf-tailed gecko also vary in their appearance and habitat.
- They are carnivores, feeding mainly on insects and occasionally on small rodents, invertebrates and reptiles.
- Their natural predators are large birds of prey, rats and snakes.
- The female leaf-tailed gecko lays around 2-4 eggs in a safe place.
- Habitat loss through deforestation has made the leaf-tailed geckos a species that is threatened with extinction.