Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko

Appearance

Its adult size is 2.5 to 6 inches in total length, including the tail. As with all ''Uroplatus'' geckos the tail is flattened, but the leaf-like appearance is only seen in the ''ebenaui'' complex . It has often been debated whether ''U. Phantasticus'' is in fact the same species as ''U. ebenaui'' . However ''U. Phantasticus'' possesses more, and longer, spines on the head, body and trunk. Other members of the genus ''Uroplatus'' have flattened tails that serve more to diminish the profile of the gecko while it is inactive. Some ''U. phantasticus'' geckos even have notches in their tails to further mimic a decaying leaf. This is also thought to be a form of sexual dimorphism, as the trait seems more common in the males of the species. In addition, ''U. phantasticus'' has an eyelash-like projection above each eye. During daylight hours, these adaptations help the gecko blend into its surroundings. At night it helps the gecko hunt for prey by providing camouflage.

Geckos possess no eyelids, just a transparent covering over their eyes, and so they use their long, mobile tongues to wipe away any dust or debris that gets into the eye.

The gecko occurs in a variety of colors, including hues of purple, orange, tan and yellow, but is often mottled brown, with small black dots on the underside that help to distinguish it from similar species.

Naming

The generic name, ''Uroplatus'', is a Latinization of two Greek words: "ourá" meaning "tail" and "platys" meaning "flat". Its specific name ''phantasticus'' is the Latin word for "imaginary" based upon the gecko's unique appearance which led Belgian naturalist George Albert Boulenger, to describe it as “mythical” in 1888.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Madagascar, meaning it is found nowhere else. It is an arboreal species that relies on its natural camouflage in the northern and central tropical forests of Madagascar.

Status

The survival of the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is intrinsically linked to the continued existence of its Madagascan rainforest habitat. Protected areas are therefore essential, and at present the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is known to occur in at least three: Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve, Marojejy National Park or Anjanaharibe Special Reserve. However, illegal harvesting of leaf-tailed geckos is known to occur even within protected areas, and efforts to control this threatening activity are required if this extraordinary and unique reptile is to endure. This gecko is not a prey of birds, as commonly thought.

Behavior

A nocturnal reptile, with suitably large eyes, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko moves about its rainforest habitat at night feeding on insects. The adhesive scales under their fingers and toes and their strong curved claws enable them to move adeptly through the trees. The satanic leaf-tailed gecko is somewhat of an expert at avoiding predators, not only through their incredible mimicry, but through a number of behaviours. They can flatten their body against the substrate to reduce the body’s shadow, open their jaws wide to show a frightening, bright red mouth, and voluntarily shed their tail in order to trick a predator.

Like many reptiles, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko is oviparous, or egg-laying. Reproduction starts at the beginning of the rainy season when it lays clutches of two spherical eggs onto the ground under leaf litter, or in the dead leaves of plants.

Habitat

The species is endemic to Madagascar, meaning it is found nowhere else. It is an arboreal species that relies on its natural camouflage in the northern and central tropical forests of Madagascar.

Predators

Habitat destruction, deforestation, and collection for the pet trade all threaten the existence of this animal. Studies suggest that leaf-tailed geckos can only inhabit a very specific environment and are not tolerant of any degradation of its natural habitat. This makes the satanic leaf-tailed gecko very vulnerable to the impacts of habitat degradation and harvesting, a common problem due to it being a very popular pet. The World Wide Fund for Nature lists all of the ''Uroplatus'' species on their "Top ten most wanted species list" of animals threatened by illegal wildlife trade, because of it "being captured and sold at alarming rates for the international pet trade". It is a CITES Appendix 2 protected animal.