29/10/2016
Leopard gecko facts!
Leopard Gecko Introduction:
Leopard geckos are nocturnal lizards found in desert environments in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and parts of India and have been popular pets in North America since the 1980's. They lack adhesive lamella and have tiny claws instead which gives them an advantage in sandy environments. This also prevents them from climbing up surfaces easily so they primarily live on the ground and do not climb. They are unique from other leopard gecko species because they can move their eyelids.
Despite being one of the most popular lizard pets, little is known about leopard geckos in the wild. Their population numbers are unknown and their unique dots and coloring makes perfect a camouflage for their natural environments which makes them a challenge to find. They are excellent at hiding from predators and stay hidden during the day to avoid being seen (and to stay away from the heat) and leopard geckos shed their skin to prevent their scent from being discovered!
Leopard Gecko History:
The majority of leopard geckos available for pets today originally came from the desert regions of Afghanistan, Iran, India, and Pakistan. Leopard geckos have been bred domestically since the 1970's and are now common enough that it is easier to breed geckos than import new geckos. Since breeding leopard geckos is fairly easy, many breeders have created leopard gecko morphs with unique sizes, coloring, and other traits that makes them popular among reptile enthusiasts.
How Big Do Leopard Geckos Get?
Leopard geckos are the largest species of gecko with adults reaching a max length of 8-11 inches. Below is the average size leopard geckos reach.
Determining the Age of Leopard Geckos:
There is no easy way to determine the exact age of a leopard gecko since their growth rate and size is dependent on their husbandry, genetic traits, health, and food intake.
Its not uncommon to see a leopard gecko's color change as they age. Mack snows, for example, will develop a yellowish color as they age.
Most baby leos will have bands on their body instead of spots. As they get older the band will separate and will develop into spots. This will usually happen when the leopard gecko is one year old. So if your gecko still has bands and not spots, the chances are he/she is still less than a year old.
How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?
Leopard geckos can live to be 20 years old or older if their owner takes care of them properly by making sure they have proper nutrition, habitat, and monitor for health issues. There have been cases of leopard geckos living to be as old as 30, but while possible its usually rare for them to reach that age.
Leopard geckos in the wild will have a much shorter lifespan due to predators, disease, and injuries which are normally avoided when kept as pets.
Leopard Geckos as pets:
Leopard Geckos are one of the most popular lizard pets. They are hardy, easy to maintain, require little space, and have long life spans which make them a perfect companion for individuals and families. They make great first pets for those new to reptiles and can easily be bred to create offspring in various patterns, colors, and sizes making them ideal for experienced reptile owners as well.
They only eat insects, so their diet isn't complicated like other reptiles such as bearded dragons, and they are very docile and can be handled without worrying about aggression.
Since their natural environment consists of harsh conditions including soaring temperatures and weeks without food or water, leopard geckos have adapted to survive where other animals cannot. This makes the leopard gecko extremely hardy is and why many people believe they are so easy to maintain and take care of as pets.
Leopard Gecko Facts:
*When agitated, leopard geckos will bark.
*Leopard geckos tails are used as an emergency fat and water supply.
*When confronted by a predator or if attacked, the leopard gecko will drop their tail to give them enough of a distraction to escape. The leopard gecko's tail will eventually grow back.
*Unlike other geckos, leopard geckos lack adhesive lamella (sticky pads on their feet) and have little claws instead. This is why you can keep a leopard gecko in a cage without worrying about him/her escaping.
*Most geckos cannot blink or close their eyes (which is why many geckos rely on licking their eyes to keep them clean), but leopard geckos have eyelids so they can blink and close their eyes when sleeping.
*They have an unusual anatomy. At the right angle, you can look in one ear, see though their head, and out their other ear.
