Being a newbie to this hobby, it is important to read leopard gecko information in order to understand it. Where they come from, what they are, how they thrive and the like are just a few of the questions that need precise answers.
Let’s start with what is a leopard gecko? They are actually lizards and are scientifically known as Eublepharis macularius and are a nocturnal reptile. They are endemic to the deserts of southern Central Asia. There are several varieties of geckos, but leopard geckos in particular have eyelids.
Leopards today are gaining more and more popularity as captive pets. When kept in aquariums or tanks they do well when provided with a simulation of their natural habitat surrounded by rocks where they can hide during the day. Keep in mind that these pets are nocturnal, meaning they tend to hide in daylight and are naturally active after dark. Therefore, during cooler climates with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, they tend to go underground and hibernate in the wild. So when they are in captivity, they will most likely do the same. Geckos are solitary, which means they don’t feel comfortable living with other animals.
The leopard gecko information that is considered very important to learn is its diet. Leopards are insectivorous, feeding primarily on insects, worms, and spiders. When in captivity, they still prefer to hunt for their own food and most of them also refuse to eat dead prey. The best insects to hunt inside the enclosure are crickets, which are the best food source for geckos so far. In the wild, when food is scarce, they rely primarily on stored fats found in their tail. Geckos have the ability to store excess fat in their tails. They even devour their own shed skin which contains protein and other nutrients. Adults normally shed their skin once a month, while the young may shed twice a fortnight or twice in two weeks. It is critical that they are also provided with sufficient calcium and D3 in their diet. Gecko diet in the wild and in captivity can vary, so the best way to feed them the required calcium is to dust the insects with calcium powder with added D3.
Leopards are basically small in size. The young weigh only about 3 grams with sizes from 6.5 to 8.4 centimeters in length, while the adult can weigh 46 to 65 grams and grows up to 20.5 to 27.5 centimeters in length. Their skin is very durable which will protect them from rough surfaces in nature and with a dull, darker, monotonous skin color. Unlike captive geckos which have more impressive and vividly bright colored patterns and markings.
This is beneficial leopard gecko information that can be used when planning to keep it as a pet at home. Find out more about its amazing features and abilities, especially its superb defensive mechanisms against predators.