African fat-tailed gecko
Scientific name: Hemitheconyx caudincinctus
The African fat-tailed gecko is native to west Africa, from Senegal to northern Cameroon, living in dry and arid regions. They are nocturnal and spend most of their time on the ground.
This gecko’s normal colouring is brown with tan/beige stripes. Some have a thin white stripe along the length of their back. The colours and patterns of the gecko match the environment to provide camouflage. They are one of only a few species of gecko that have eyelids, which help to keep their eyes clean.
The African fat-tailed gecko has the ability to lose its tail when threatened or attacked. The tail is regenerated quite quickly, and the new tail will have a more rounded shape and may not match the body coloration and pattern of the gecko.
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We live...
In the reptile house, opposite the gibbon enclosure.
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Size Fact
They are typically 20-35 cm in length, with females being slightly larger than males.
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Food Fact
The African fat-tailed gecko is an insectivore.
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Fun Fact
This gecko can for go days without food due to storing fat in their tail.
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