Leopard Gecko - MS

The leopard gecko is found in the deserts of Asia and throughout Pakistan, to the north-western parts of India. They have movable eyelids and this is the characteristic which separates different subfamilies of geckos. Leopard geckos are large for a gecko. Hatchlings tend to be 6.5 to 8.4 cm in length and weigh about 3 grams while the adult geckos are about 20.5 to 27.5 cm in length and weigh about 45 to 65 grams. The skin of a leopard gecko is very durable which provides protection from the rough sand and rocky hills of their dry environment. Like all reptiles, leopard geckos shed their skin and in the few days before the shedding the skin will turn to a translucent whitish grey.

Leopard geckos are ectotherms as they absorb warmth and energy during the day when they are sleeping, so they can hunt and digest food at night. They also have short legs, which allow them to be quick while their small nails allow them to climb twigs and rocks. Leopard geckos have openings on either side of their head as ears and a tympanic membrane covers and protects it. They use their ears to locate their prey. Healthy leopard geckos have thick, fleshy tails. A thin tail is an indication that the gecko is not healthy and may be lacking nutrition.

Their keen sense of hearing and sight help them escape from predators during the night. Along with their exceptional sight and hearing abilities, their skin helps camouflage themselves from their predators. Also, the shedding of their skin also removes any scent markers left behind for potential predators to discover. They also stay in underground holes and burrows during the daytime, not only avoid the heat, but to also avoid the risk of getting eaten.