Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko
Latin Name
Uroplatus henkeli
Class
Reptiles
Order
Sauria
Description
Uroplatus henkeli
Class
Reptiles
Order
Sauria
Description
Henkel's leaf-tailed geckos are named for their distinctive tail, which helps the species blend in among the trees of its home. The lizard is brown-to-green in color, further assisting its camouflage. It can reach up to 11 inches in length.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Special Adaptations
This gecko is found on Madagascar and the nearby island of Nosy Bé.
Status
Henkel's leaf-tailed geckos are vulnerable due to habitat loss and deforestation. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Leaf-Tailed Gecko Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
The species favors forests.
Niche
The leaf-tailed gecko feeds on insects it finds in the treetops as well as the occasional snail.
Life History
Henkel's leaf-tailed geckos spend much of their lives in the trees, descending only to lay eggs in the leaf litter beneath.
Special Adaptations
Tiny pads on the feet of the Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko produce a strong adhesive effect, enabling the species to climb and cling to a variety of surfaces. The Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko at Lincoln Park Zoo can often be found hanging from the glass of its exhibit.
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