Leopard gecko - CYP

Introduction
The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a lizard naturally found in the deserts of Asia.

Leopard geckos are rather large compared to the average gecko. Hatchlings tend to be 6.5-8.4 cm  in length and weighing about 3 grams while the adult geckos are about 20.5-27.5 cm in length and weigh about 45-65 grams.

During the winter, temperatures are often below 10 °C which forces the animals underground into semi-hibernation, called brumation. Brumation usually beings in late Autumn. During this period, they often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep". They can go for months without food, instead living on fat reserves. Brumation is triggered by the lack of heat and the decrease in the hours of daylight in winter which is similar to hibernation. Leopard geckos are crepuscular reptiles, meaning that they are limited to the burrows during the day but become active at dawn and dusk when the temperature is more favourable.

Characteristics
Leopard geckos have short legs, which enable them to be quick and agile while their small nails allow them to climb twigs and rocks. They have openings on either side of their head as ears where 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. 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.

Thermoregulation
Leopard geckos are ectothermic. They absorb warmth and energy during the day as they are sleeping, so they can hunt and digest food at night. Due to their behavioural changes, leopard geckos often place themselves in the best position to receive heat from an external source. During low temperatures, leopard geckos will bask themselves on sunny rocks and receive the heat of the sun and the heat of the heated rock. However, when the leopard geckos have been sufficiently warmed up, they will be found on wet, shady, cool rocks, transferring their excess body heat away.

To prevent heat loss, leopard geckos can constrict the blood vessels in their extremities, in order to limit blood flow to these vulnerable areas. When it wants to get rid of excess heat, it can increase blood flow to the extremities so that the heat can be released.