Fat Tailed Gecko

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.

Least Concern (Inc. Bar)

  1. We live...

    In the reptile house, opposite the gibbon enclosure.

Adopt an animal Animal Encounters

  1. Size Fact

    They are typically 20-35 cm in length, with females being slightly larger than males.

  2. Food Fact

    The African fat-tailed gecko is an insectivore.

  3. Fun Fact

    This gecko can for go days without food due to storing fat in their tail.

You might also like...

  1. Meerkats

    Meerkat Keeper Talk

    Come along and learn about our mob of Meerkats from our experienced animal keepers.

    Find out more

  2. Zoe And Falcon

    Bird of Prey Flying Display

    Watch our majestic birds of prey in our new Wings of Wonder flying display.

    Find out more

  3. Andean Bear

    Bear Keeper Talk

    Learn about our Spectacled bears from our experts and find out what it is like to be a Spectacled bear keeper.

    Find out more

  4. African Elephant - Shaka 2

    Elephant Keeper Talk

    Did you know Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth? Come and join our Elephant Keepers and learn about our bulls.

    Find out more