Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko |
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Uroplatus
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ebenaui
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The Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (scientific name: Uroplatus ebenaui) is a super cool type of lizard. People also call it the Nosy Be flat-tail gecko or the spearpoint leaf-tail gecko. This amazing creature lives only on the island of Madagascar. It belongs to the gecko family, called Gekkonidae.
Where it Lives
This gecko lives in a few special places in Madagascar. You can find it on Nosy Bé island, which is off the northwest coast of Madagascar. It also lives in the eastern and northern parts of Madagascar. These geckos can be found from sea level all the way up to about 500 meters (1,640 feet) high.
Its Home
The Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko loves to live in warm, wet places. Its favorite homes are tropical rain forests. It can also be found in dry deciduous forests. These are forests where trees lose their leaves during the dry season.
What it Looks Like
The Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko is the smallest kind of Uroplatus gecko. It can grow to be about 4 inches long, including its tail. That's about the length of a small smartphone! Its small size helps it blend in with its surroundings.
How it Behaves
This gecko is a true night owl! It is nocturnal, which means it is active at night. During the day, it sleeps. It is also arboreal, meaning it lives in trees.
At night, it hunts for insects to eat. When the sun comes up, it finds a tree trunk to rest on. It flattens its body against the bark. This helps it become almost invisible. Its amazing camouflage makes it look just like part of the tree!
Baby Geckos
The Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko is oviparous. This means it lays eggs. When it's time to have babies, the female gecko lays two round eggs. She usually lays them on the ground.
