The Mossy Leaf-Tailed Gecko Uroplatus sikorae
One species that gets a constant love is the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko, Uroplatus sikorae from Madagascar. This is one of the extreme bark mimics and the camouflage is freakishly good! Not only is the coloration perfect, but the frill around their lower jaw serves to ear the typical animal shape and make the gecko appear to meld onto the branch. Yes, definitely a unique lizard that checks the boxes to be adored by people attracted to chameleons!
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An Introduction to this interview
Uroplatus sikorae is wide spread across Madagascar and is considered Least Concern by the IUCN Realist. This suggests that imports are likely to continue for as long as Madagascar exports are allowed. Although people looking for a quick buck may lose interest in that, those wanting to work with a species long term will have increased interest. Availability of wild caught bloodlines is a critical component to a long term healthy captive population. Uroplatus sikorae checks all the boxes of high appeal, hardy, and low threat to wild populations. It is an excellent candidate for those interested in a Uroplatus breeding project. Add in the wide variety of cryptic colorations and you have a breeding project candidate that is taking all the will power I can muster not to add it to my dance card!
I had this interview with Dave Bagshaw about his experience with the Mossy Leaf-Tailed Gecko. We talk a bit about the natural history and the husbandry conditions. You will find their conditions are similar to cool weather chameleons. The fact that Uroplatus and chameleons tend to be in the same areas make them a natural candidate for being in the same reptile room. Of course, like any reptile, there needs to be careful consideration that the right conditions are maintained.
So, I invite you to join me for the interview!
Images of the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko
Image Courtesy of Dave Bagshaw
Image Courtesy of Dave Bagshaw
Image Courtesy of Dave Bagshaw
A uroplatus facebook group
