Leaf-tailed Geckos are a Family of Gecko, endemic to Madagascar. Here his cryptic colouration (generally shades of brown and black, with hints of purple) allow him to all but disappear against the bark of the tree.
Seriously, they are all but impossible to see, here's a photograph I took of some:
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| How many can you see? |
There are numerous species of Leaf-tailed Gecko. This fellow lives in the eastern rainforests (despite the tsingy in the background - oops). He follows a nocturnal lifestyle, venturing out at night to capture insects. If threatened he will also flatten himself against the bark to reduce his shadow and, if that fails, opens his mouth wide to expose the bright red inner. He is also capable of shedding his tail. Leaf-tailed Gecko are threatened by habitat loss - many of the species are vulnerable to extinction - and also by poaching. Due to his impressive appearance, he has become desirable in the pet trade and certain numbers of some species are allowed to be exported every year.
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