Leopard Gecko natural history

Leopard Gecko natural history

Can this leopard change its spots?
Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are a small, stocky terrestrial species of gecko found throughout southeast Afghanistan, western India, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran (this also includes a subspecies – The Montanus leopard gecko). Leopard geckos inhabit arid areas including semidesert environments and dry scrubland which are filled with loose, sandy gravel, rock outcrops, coarse grasses and hard packed clays. The leopard geckos spotty, bumpy skin reflects this harsh environment, allowing for excellent camouflage. A crepuscular species, leopard geckos are mostly active during the early morning and early evening when temperatures allow it. Wild specimens will seek shelter from extreme temperatures and have been known to brumate during the colder months (with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C) and even become dormant during the hottest part of the year where temperatures can exceed 40°C.
Leopard geckos and their relatives (fat tailed geckos, the American banded geckos and the largest member of the family, the dusky gecko) are the only gecko species to have moveable eyelids. In all other gecko species, the eyelid is fused into an immovable transparent cap known as a spectacle. Uniquely to the leopard gecko and its close relatives, they are lacking adhesive foot pads (lamellae) that allow other members of the family to scale walls and ceilings. It is generally believed that leopard geckos lost their lamellae due to the climate they inhabit, with microscopic grooves and hairs not being effective in a dry and dusty environment. A leopard geckos’ ears are also one of their more peculiar features. Due to the placement on the head, if you look at just the right angle, you can see straight through to the other side.
Leopard geckos are general insectivores and will tackle some large and formidable prey in the wild such as large spiders, centipedes and even scorpions. Crickets and grasshoppers are consumed when they are found, small lizards, snakes and even infant rodents and nestling birds will be taken. Leopard geckos themselves, not being the largest reptiles in their habitat, will fall prey to monitor lizards, snakes, foxes and predatory birds. The first defensive response a leopard gecko has to potential predation is caudal autonomy. The gecko can detach its tail (which can move and wiggle independently for up to 60 minutes) which can distract the predator, and then escape. This method of defence is commonly seen in the gecko family with dozens of species dropping their tails to escape. Leopard geckos can replace their lost tails continuously should the need arise (unlike crested geckos which cannot regrow their shed tails). The leopard geckos’ tail is used as fat storage as there are times when resources become scarce in the wild.
Leopard geckos are thought to live in loose colonies in the wild, generally a male and several females inhabiting overlapping territories, although the males have been seen with females (it is assumed for breeding purposes) and females have been found in burrows with other females. There does not appear to be any record of violent interactions between males and females (outside of breeding) but males will fight with each other to ascertain dominance and maintain territory. The male will secrete a waxing substance from his precloacal glands loaded with scents and pheromones. With theses he will mark his territory warning other males away from the area. There is no parental care given by adult leopard geckos, rather, the adults will view the hatchlings as a food source and almost always consume them.
How did it all begin?
Leopard geckos first appeared commercially in the early 1990’s. All captive bred modern day leopard geckos are thought to have been bred from Pakistani animals collected in 1990. As leopard geckos are easy to house, feed, maintain and breed in captivity and having a very docile nature, it’s no real surprise that they find themselves as one of the top 3 most popular pet reptiles.

i. Behaviours
Leopard geckos are a large bodied, docile species that have a very slow and deliberate movement to them. They can and do display a number of behaviours that we will discuss here;
• Tail shaking/wiggling – tail movements can be used by leopard geckos in many ways, fast twitching motions can be seen while hunting, slow movements with a raised tail can show irritation or defence (vigorous shaking of the tail often comes before autonomy), and males will use very specific movements of the tail when introducing himself to a female.
• Head shaking and swaying – this is almost exclusively seen while feeding. The leopard gecko will move its head and neck to swallow, effectively moving the prey item from the throat to the stomach.
• Chirping and squeaking – some of the only noises you may hear from your leopard gecko. Squeaks are used defensively if the leopard gecko feels threatened. This noise is intended to startle the potential predator and allow the gecko to escape. Chirps can be heard from a breeding colony of leopard geckos, but no one is sure who is making the noise.
• Glass surfing – all leopard geckos can be seen glass surfing at some point in their lives. There are multiple reasons for this:
o The leopard gecko has learned this behaviour and is wanting attention or more likely, food.
o The temperature is incorrect.
o There are mites in the substrate or on the gecko.
o There is inadequate hiding places or cover in the enclosure.
o The gecko is being picked on or there is not enough room for multiple specimens.
o The animal has not long been in the new enclosure and is familiarising itself with its surroundings.
• Hiding – leopard geckos are crepuscular and will only be active early evening and early morning. The rest of the time they will be asleep, happily curled up out of sight. This is perfectly natural behaviour and, as long as the temperature gradients are correct, should not be discouraged.
One of the best pet reptiles in the world

Leopard Gecko natural history – Conclusion #

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular captive reptiles in the world and are enjoyed by both new and experienced keepers. With a calm temperament, inquisitive nature, a good average lifespan, relative ease of care, inexpensive running costs and attractive appearance leopard geckos can make interactive and entertaining pets. Being so easy to breed in captivity and with new, beautiful morphs of an already pretty lizard being produced around the world, leopard geckos will be a family favourite reptile pet for many years to come.

Not sure about keeping a Leopard Gecko? Contact us and a member of our friendly reptile team will happily answer all of your questions.

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