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Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko

(Uroplatus henkeli)

Seneca Park Zoo is home to six leaf-tailed geckos. Their habitats can be found inside the Creatures of the River’s Edge building; 3 reside in their on habitat while 3 are in the giant Madagascar Green Gecko habitat.

Animal Facts

Leaf-tailed geckos use their superb coloration, fringed skin, and leaf-like tail to blend into their surroundings.
They usually hide with their tail up, like a leaf.
If threatened, this gecko can drop its tail, leaving it behind to distract the predator. A new, slightly different tail will grow back.
Solitary except for the breeding season
Arboreal; nocturnal, sleep all day in a head down position; no eyelids, licks eyes to keep them clean

Diet

Carnivorous. Eats primarily insects and arachnids, but may also eat some snails.

Status in The Wild

  • Vulnerable

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

Inhabits lower levels of trees in dense, low-altitude rainforest in four separated areas in Western and Northern Madagascar.

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