Wildlife
Flat-tailed geckos are some of Madagascar's most unusual creatures. Aided by clever colouration and light-reflecting body modifications, these magnificent lizards make themselves almost invisible by day. Some species become indistinguishable from decayed leaves and others simply blend in to the tree bark. At night, however, they emerge from their cover to feast on insects. The 10 or so species are found only in the forests of Madagascar, where habitat loss has put wild populations under severe pressure.
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Gecko vision
Madagascar's geckos can see colour in the dimmest moonlight making them effective night predators.
Madagascar's geckos can see colour in the dimmest moonlight making them effective night predators.
Hard to see
The leaf-tailed gecko is a master of disguise.
David Attenborough finds a leaf-tailed gecko, camouflaged against a tree-trunk. It is so well disguised, it is very hard to see. This little creature terrifies most Madagascans since they believe it to have a powerful evil spirit. If you touch one they say you must cut that part of your body to cleanse the evil with your blood. Its camouflage works because of flaps and growths that prevent it casting any shadows. This clip was first broadcast in 1961.
Hidden hunter
The leaf tailed gecko has extra skin flaps and coloured irises.
The leaf tailed gecko has extra skin flaps and coloured irises.
Masters of disguise
This gecko can even hide from a film crew!
This gecko can even hide from a film crew!
The Flat-tailed geckos can be found in a number of locations including: Africa, Madagascar. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Flat-tailed geckos distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Uroplatus is a genus of geckos commonly referred to as Flat or Leaf-tailed Geckos. All the comprising species are endemic to Madagascar or nearby islands, such as Nosy Be, where they are found in primary and secondary forests.
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Tree dweller
Camouflage
Nocturnal
Egg layer
Predator