When it comes to the Leaf Tailed Geckos of Madagascar, we are one of the World’s leading facilities for the care and captive breeding of these unique species.
At Nealon Reptiles, we are proud to specialize in Uroplatus geckos, often referred to as leaf-tailed geckos, a truly remarkable group of reptiles native to the lush forests of Madagascar. These geckos are renowned for their unparalleled camouflage, with each species having evolved unique adaptations to blend seamlessly into their natural environment. The name “Uroplatus” itself comes from the Greek words “oura” (tail) and “platys” (flat), perfectly describing their iconic flattened tails that resemble dried leaves. Their ability to mimic the colors and textures of leaves, bark, and moss is nothing short of extraordinary, making them some of the most well-camouflaged animals in the world. For us, working with these masters of disguise is both a privilege and a responsibility.
We’ve been working with the Leaf-Tailed Geckos of Madagascar for many years, accumulating knowledge through successes and heartaches. We’ve put together what we hope is the most complete Husbandry Guide for Uroplatus. Whether you’re looking to add Uroplatus to your collection or a seasoned breeder, you’ll find a lot of helpful information about ensuring your Leaf-Tailed Geckos thrive.
Below are the main topics of caring for Uroplatus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know!
Here at Nealon Reptiles, Tim works and breeds the following Uroplatus species
Uroplatus phantasticus
Learn about Uroplatus phantasticus, otherwise known as the Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko. This iconic gecko is perhaps the most well-known species of the Uroplatus genus.
We maintain a breeding collection of around 1oo Phants (short for phantasticus) in our collection. One of the more delicate of the Leaf Talied Geckos, Phants can make excellent breeding projects with the right care.
Uroplatus ebenaui
Uroplatus ebenaui, otherwise known as the Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko, is one of the most hardy Leaf-Tailed Geckos in the hobby. It also happens to be the smallest. This means Ebenaui are a great option for people taking their first steps into the World of Uroplatus keeping.
Here at Nealon Reptiles, we work with many Ebenaui from diverse bloodlines. We’re currently working on our F4 generation of Ebenaui. Whether you’re looking for information about keeping your Ebenaui healthy and happy or want to purchase them, we are here to help.
Uroplatus fiera
Uroplatus fiera are one of the newest species of Leaf-Tailed Geckos that we work with. We’ve collected a number of different Wild Caught pairs and have successfully bred them to F2 generations.
Similar in size and appearance to Uroplatus ebenaui, these Geckos are easy to keep. While breeding is a little more difficult than ebenaui, the efforts are worth the results. Not many keepers work with fiera, so we are happy to do our part to ensure this amazing little gecko is well represented in herpetoculture.
Uroplatus pietschmanni
Uroplatus pietschmanni, also known as the Cork Bark Leaf-Tailed Gecko, is one of the rarer and unique Leaf-Tailed Geckos in our collection. Masters of camouflage, these small geckos can be hard to find if you give them some cork bark (even though there is no cork in their native habitat).
This is one species for which we are actively trying to acquire more individuals for our breeding efforts. Not many people work with them, so getting to where we want to be takes some time.
Uroplatus sikorae
Well known by its common name, the Mossy Leaf-Tailed Gecko, Uroplatus sikorae, is one of our favorite geckos to work with. We have an amazing breeding collection numbering over 100 individual animals. Yearly, it is possible that we will produce more Uroplatus sikorae than any other facility on the planet.
Sikorae are commonly imported from the Wild. Unless you are very experienced, we don’t recommend purchasing them unless you’re experienced and they’re being used to diversify bloodlines. In contrast, Captive Bred and Born individuals are much more hardy. While not for beginners, Uroplatus sikorae is a great gecko for someone with some experience with more delicate reptiles.
Uroplatus sameiti
“The Other Mossy Leaf-Tailed Gecko”, Uroplatus sameiti, is very similar, if not identical to Uroplatus sikorae – on the surface. While there are some slight differences in their care, this species is often confused for sikorae (and vis-versa).
Some of the best camouflage in the Uroplatus genus can be seen on Uroplatus sameiti. Often blending perfectly into the lichen-covered oak branches we use in their enclosures, they make amazing ‘look but don’t touch’ display specimens.
Uroplatus guentheri
We’re excited to work with Uroplatus guentheri, the newest species of leaf-tailed gecko here at Nealon Reptiles. This unique little Gecko from the forests of Madagascar is still uncommon in collections, but we’re hoping to change that.
Uroplatus lineatus
Perhaps the most unique of the Uroplatus, Uroplatus lineatus, stands out with its striped appearance and long body shape. Also known as the Lined Leaf-Tailed Gecko, lineatus is one of the more hardy species in the genus.
Uroplatus lineatus are fun to work with and rank up as one of our favorite Leaf-Tailed Geckos. They’re one of the species we recommend to people getting into Uroplatus for the first time.
Uroplatus garamaso
The most recently described species of Uroplatus, Uroplatus garamaso, was already represented in captive collection and known as Uroplatus henkeli aff. Not many people work with them, but we are proud to be one of them.
We’ve successfully bred Uroplatus garamaso through two generations and look forward to continued success with them.
Uroplatus henkeli
We don’t have a favorite Uroplatus species, but if you made us choose, we’d probably choose Uroplatus henkeli. The impressive gecko, often with a high white (mistakenly called Pied) pattern in the females, is a real show-stopper in anyone’s collection.
We maintain numerous breeding pairs of Uroplatus henkeli in our facility.
Uroplatus fimbriatus
A few years ago, we made the decision to go all in on our Uroplatus fimbriatus breeding efforts – and the results are really paying off!
One of the largest gecko species in the World, Uroplatus fimbriatus is as impressive as it is large. We maintain a large breeding group of both Wild Caught and Captive Bred individuals, hatching out dozens of young per year.
Uroplatus giganteus
Uroplatus giganteus, the Giant Leaf-Tailed Gecko, is the second largest Gecko in the World. As large as they are, they sure can be hard to find in captivity.
We work with a small group of Uroplatus giganteus and are actively working to expand our collection through purchase and captive breeding efforts.
Uroplatus Geckos come from Madagascar, the land of strange and wonderful reptiles! Mostly found in the eastern rainforests, Leaf-tailed Geckos are also found in the North and North-West areas of Madagascar. They live in a variety of habitats.
Our goal with the Uroplatus is pretty simple: Tim is dedicated to doing everything he can to provide the best environment for a thriving breeding facility of Uroplatus Geckos. The goal is to do everything we can to learn, protect, and preserve these amazing Geckos for future generations.
With over a dozen recognized species in the Uroplatus genus, we keep and breed a range of these geckos, from smaller species like Uroplatus ebenaui, which reaches just 3-4 inches in length, to the impressive Uroplatus giganteus, which can grow to over a foot long. While each species has its own unique features, all Uroplatus geckos share some striking characteristics: large lidless eyes adapted for night vision, delicate fringes that break up their outline, and intricately patterned skin that enhances their ability to blend into their surroundings. These geckos are nocturnal hunters, emerging at night to feed on insects and other invertebrates while remaining perfectly concealed during the day. We often observe behaviors such as flattening their bodies against tree trunks, displaying brightly colored mouths when threatened, or mimicking the subtle movements of a dead leaf blowing in the breeze.
At Nealon Reptiles, we are committed to not only breeding these incredible geckos but also contributing to their conservation. Madagascar’s leaf-tailed geckos face growing threats from habitat destruction, deforestation, and the illegal pet trade, making it more important than ever to work toward the sustainable propagation of captive-bred populations. By breeding Uroplatus in captivity, we aim to reduce the need for wild-caught specimens and raise awareness about the challenges these geckos face in the wild. For us, Uroplatus geckos aren’t just another breeding project—they are a passion and a mission to protect some of the world’s most captivating and delicate reptiles.
