Giant leaf-tail gecko, Madagascar 05 Apr 2017
About this photo
The wide open mouth of the giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) is a sign of its disturbance. Native to Madagascar, the nocturnal gecko spends its days clinging to tree trunks, camouflaged and resting upside down. The gecko lives in the rainforests of the east coast of Madagascar and Nosy Mangabe and Nosy Boraha islands.
Characteristics include a flat body with a large head and large eyes. Pupils of the gecko are vertical, elongated, and very sensitive to light; they can see colour even in darkness. They have muscular legs to allow them to jump and their fringed skin comes in a variety of colours from dark brown to light grey to keep them camouflaged. Spot the giant leaf-tailed gecko while trekking through rainforest reserves on Insight Guides’ Dreaming of Madagascar trip.
