Leopard Gecko- ST

Background

Eublepharis macularius is the scientific name given to Leopard Geckos, it is found in the highlands of Asia including Afghanistan and regions of northern India. Their native habitat is dry grassland and the desert parts of south Asia. They feed on worms, crickets and many other insects. Leopard geckos can live up to 20 years in the wild and die as a result of predators and diseases. They shed their skin like all reptiles and the gecko eats the old skin. They do this to so predators have no evidence that the leopard gecko was there and another theory suggests that eating the shed skin gives the gecko the essential proteins needed for growth. However, unlike most geckos, leopard geckos can open and close their eyelids.

Thermoregulation

A leopard Gecko is an ectotherm so its body temperature changes with the temperature of the surrounding. They are nocturnal: they keep out of the heat throughout the day and become active at night to prevent evaporation of water. To warm up, they bask in the sun and position them so there is an increased surface area exposed to the sun. If the lizard Gecko gets too hot, it will occupy burrows to regulate temperature or move into the shade.

During times of extreme drought, they convert the fat stored in their tails into energy, which is used to maintain metabolic reactions. They conserve water by excreting nitrogenous waste like uric acid instead of urine.

They have a thick skin to avoid then from drying out in the desert but it also acts as a protective layer when moving around sharp rocks. Leapord Geckos have the ability to change colour to regulate their temperature; their skin turns darker to absorb more heat. During hot conditions, it turns into light colours to absorb less heat.