Husbandry and mortality data on Malagasy leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus sp.)

Abstract.  Leaf-tailed geckos of the genus Uroplatus are found only on the islands of Madagascar. There are 10 recognized species of Uroplatus: U. fimbriatus, U. sikorae, U. lineatus, U. ebenaui, U. alluaudi, U. guentheri, U. phantasticus, U. malahelo, U. malama, and U. henkeli. In the wild, U. fimbriatus, U. sikorae, and U. phantasticus are relatively abundant while the other species have localized distributions and are rare. According to the International Species Information System (ISIS) Reptile Abstract (December 1995), the captive North American population of Uroplatus consisted of 245 individuals representing six of the 10 species, with U. henkeli, U. fimbriatus, and U. sikorae the predominant captive species. Uroplatus are nocturnal active feeders (versus ambush feeders). They rest in a vertical position with head facing downward and tail flattened. Stress responses include color changes, high-pitched vocalization, and
dropping of the tail. Males can be distinguished from females by thick hemipenal bulges.