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

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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