Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko
Uroplatus henkeli
Did you know?
There are many species of Leaf-tailed Geckos and are some of Madagascar’s most unique creatures. Experts in camouflage, their body shape and cryptic colouration disguises them against predators; Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Geckos mimic the bark of the trees they rest on, adjusting their body colouration to their surroundings. Leaf-tailed Geckos bizarre appearance in their native range has earned them the reputation as evil spirits.
Home: Madagascar; from north-western Sambriano region and the offshore island of Nosy Be and Ankarafantsika, to western Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Diet: Insectivorous.
Lifestyle: Arboreal, inhabiting rainforest, dry forest and occasionally bamboo forests. Often found head downwards on small trees,
Young: Females lay 2 eggs per clutch, often laying multiple clutches a year. Females will camouflage the eggs by rolling them in the substrate. Incubation period is 64-100 days.
Lifespan: Up to 15 years.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable. Affected greatly by the deforestation in Madagascar putting the wild population under severe pressure. This species is listed under Appendix II of CITES.
