Gecko Leopardo

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 25cm

Origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and north-western India

Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Natural Habitat: Gecko Leopardo originate from the rocky deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and north-western India

The Gecko Leopardo is today the most common pet reptile species. Small and easy to care for, it comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns and also has a very docile temperament. Overall, it is one of the best reptile species for beginners.

Although this is an easy species to keep, a few aspects require attention and certain conditions must be ensured, as described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: A minimum terrarium of 60x30x30cm is recommended for 1 adult

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

A terrarium with a thermal gradient should be provided, with a minimum temperature of 24ºC on the cool side and around 32ºC on the warm side. At night the temperature should not drop below 21ºC. To achieve both daytime and night-time temperatures, a heat source should be used, ideally a Heat Mat. A Ceramic Heat Emitter or a Deep Heat Projector (properly controlled by a thermostat) can also be used.  

Gecko Leopardo do not require UVB radiation. However, they benefit from exposure to low levels of it (using a ShadeDweller lamp).

- Humidity

Gecko Leopardo are desert animals and therefore need a fairly dry environment to stay healthy. The ideal humidity for this species is between 30% and 40%.

During ecdysis (shedding), Gecko Leopardo need a spot with higher relative humidity (around 80%), so a "humid hide" is recommended in the terrarium. To create one, simply fill a hide with a substrate such as moistened coco fibre or sphagnum moss.

- Decor

Gecko Leopardo originate from rocky arid areas. They should not be kept on sandy substrates since, in the wild, they live on ground with few loose particles. The terrarium can be furnished with rocks, branches and some arid-climate plants, not forgetting to provide several hides/caves where the animal can take shelter. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

 Diet: Juveniles should be fed every day. As they grow, feeding frequency can be reduced to every other day or even every two days.

- Foods

Insects: Roaches, Crickets, Locusts, Calcium Worms, Waxworms, Mealworms...

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, alternate a meal dusted with Calcium Powder with one dusted with a good-quality Multivitamin Complex (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.