Leopard Gecko | Leopard gecko is a nocturnal ground-dwelling lizard that occurs
naturally in the deserts of South-Central Asia, and the rest of
Pakistan, on the northwestern parts of India. It is located where the terrain is dry and rocky. Leopard geckos live on and under the ground and are nocturnal. As
nocturnal animals, they spend all day hidden under rocks or in burrows
to escape the heat by day and emerge at dusk to feed themselves by
hunting insects. Unlike most geckos, Leopard geckos have movable eyelids. It has become an established and popular pet in captivity. These Geckos are solitary, and usually do not live with other animals.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Eublepharinae
Genus: Eublepharis
Species: E. macularius
Leopard geckos are usually large for a gecko. Found in the wild usually have a dark, dull and gray color than those kept in captivity as pets. Those in captivity generally have a range of skin colors and patterns. The skin of a leopard gecko is very durable, which protects against the rough sand and rocky terrain of their dry environment. Their
dorsal side is covered with small bumps, which has a rough texture and
appearance, while their belly is thin, transparent, and smooth. Like all reptiles, Leopard geckos shed their skin. In the few days before shedding, the skin will change color to a translucent whitish gray. Adults shed an average of once a month, while the young will sometimes throw twice. The gecko eats after shedding its old skin, revealing a lighter color.
A Leopard gecko has a triangular head and a large tail, which stores the fat. His skin is bumpy and heavy pattern. The cartridges are designed for the gecko to camouflage from predators. Moreover, Leopard geckos are ectothermic. They absorb heat and energy during the day when they sleep so they can hunt and digest food at night. They
also have short legs, allowing them to be quick and agile, while their
small nails enable them to branches and rocks to climb. Leopard geckos have openings on both sides of their head as ears. A covers and protects the eardrum. They use their ears to locate their prey. HealthyLeopard geckos have a thick, fleshy tail, while a thin tail is an
indication that the gecko is not healthy and may be lacking power.
Leopard geckos have predators such as snakes, frogs, and foxes and other large reptiles. Their acute hearing and sight helping them to escape during the night. Along with their exceptional vision and hearing skills, their skin helps to camouflage themselves from their predators. Their sense of taste and smell also helps them to survive. The shedding of their skin also removes any odor markers left for potential predators to detect. If they are threatened, frightened, or scared, Leopard geckos noise to ward off predators feel. Also,
they remain in underground burrows and caves during the day, not only
avoid the heat, but also prevent the risk of getting eaten.
Leopard gecko is an excellent pet. They are small, have minimal care needs, and can be left alone for severals days. They are quiet, no smell, and do not need attention. Leopard geckos are cheap and readily available at pet stores and breeders. They do not have much space. They have a large number of colors and pattern variations. Leopard geckos are the perfect pet lizard.
