Found in savannas throughout West Africa from Senegal to Cameroon, they prefer habitats with warm temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The life of an African fat-tailed gecko
African fat-tailed geckos grow up to 11 inches long, weigh up to 75 grams and live 10 to 15 years, or up to 20 years in human care. They are nocturnal, spending their days sleeping under rocks, burrows, or other hiding places.
African fat-tailed geckos are carnivores, hunting at night and feeding mainly on insects. They shed their skin and consume it to recover calcium and other vitamins lost through the shedding process.
During mating season, males tend to mate with several different females. Males compete for mates and both genders are highly territorial. Females lay one to three eggs at a time. They hatch after six to 12 weeks, depending on the temperature. The warmer it is, the sooner they hatch. Young African fat-tailed geckos reach full maturity within one year.
Their “fat” tails grow to around 1.25 inches thick or more. Predators include snakes, larger reptiles and some mammals and birds. When threatened by predators, they can shed their entire tail to distract their attackers and make an escape. The tail grows back within a few weeks.
African fat-tailed geckos at the zoo
Located in the Africa area.
