What is East Indian leopard gecko?
East Indian leopard gecko is a species of gecko that is mainly found in Bangladesh and India. It belongs to the Eublepharidae of lizards, sometimes referred to as the Hardwicke’s gecko.
This species is unique to Bangladesh and India. One kind of leopard gecko that falls within the Eublepharis genus and Eublepharidae family is the East Indian leopard gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii). John Edward Gray, a British biologist, published the first description of it in 1827.
The East Indian leopard gecko is a tiny species that grows to a maximum length of 10 centimeters.
Although generally arboreal, the East Indian leopard gecko may occasionally be seen on the ground. Although primarily nocturnal, the East Indian leopard gecko will emerge during the day to bask.
It is a solitary lizard that frequently blends with its surroundings. It consumes various insects, spiders, and other tiny arthropods since it is an insectivore. Despite not being aggressively territorial, it will protect its burrow against more giant lizards.
They have a long tail that is almost as long as their body. They have a small head, with eyes that are not as big as a leopard gecko. The male gecko is bigger than the female and has a longer tail.
Origin of East Indian leopard geckos
Although the origin of the East Indian leopard gecko has been contested for many years, it is thought that they are an old hybrid species of the Indian leopard and the leopard gecko.
The East Indian leopard gecko is a native of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India’s wooded regions. They may be found alone or in groups of up to six people and are well known for being very territorial.
They are a little gecko species, only growing to 10 inches. They have a long tail that may reach a length of 6 inches.
Due to their camouflage pattern, which consists of black patches and stripes, these small geckos may be found in trees and on the ground. These geckos are nocturnal, which means that nighttime is when they are most active.
These geckos’ vivid colors are ideal for luring food and frightening predators. A unique gland on the chin of these little geckos is employed to secrete a pungent liquid that serves as a deterrent to predators.
They have been bred for many years to create a variety of colors and patterns, making them one of the most popular pets in the world. Their main diet consists of crickets, mealworms, and cockroaches.
East Indian leopard gecko’s habitat
East Indian leopard geckos are the most unique species of geckos because of their beautiful colors and their large size.
Sometimes East Indian leopard geckos can grow up to 12 inches long, making them the world’s largest gecko. These geckos are found in humid forests and can be found in a variety of colors.
They are also very good at hiding and can be found in natural and human-made areas. These geckos have a diet that includes insects and other small animals but also eat plant material.
These lizards are found in many habitats, from arid deserts to dense rainforests. They are active both during the day and at night and live in a variety of places including trees, rocks, caves, and shrubs.
Article recommendation: RAPTOR Leopard Gecko – A Complete Care Guide
Are East Indian leopard geckos different from west Indian leopard geckos?
East Indian leopard geckos are known for their beautiful spots and the way they move. They are also smaller in size than their west Indian counterparts.
East Indian leopard geckos can be found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. West Indian leopard geckos are found in the wild in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Andaman Islands.
East Indian leopard geckos are also very rare in captivity and have a very small population of only around 100,000 individuals. This is because they are not easy to breed, and they need a lot of space to live.
West Indian leopard geckos are easier to breed and have a much larger population of more than 3 million individuals.
The color of the East Indian leopard gecko is typically more green and brown than the blue and yellow of the West Indian leopard gecko.
Is East Indian leopard gecko poisonous?
Yes, East Indian Leopard Gecko is poisonous. In India, Bangladesh, and other parts of Asia, you can find the East Indian leopard gecko. It can climb trees and is quite toxic.
They are often only seen in the wild and are found in the woods. The toes of this species have cloven grooves.
The gecko’s name derives from the notion that it is extremely dangerous and that after biting, the symptoms of the poison progressively worsen.
According to local legend, these geckos are extremely deadly and can climb trees, and after biting, the higher they climb, the more potent the poison becomes. When startled, the gecko emits a loud vibrating sound.
Can you keep East Indian Leopard geckos pets?
Although East Indian Leopard Geckos can be kept as pets, they need to be handled with extreme caution. They are often kept as pets because they do not require a lot of space, and they have a beautiful appearance.
However, like any other pet, there are some disadvantages to owning an East Indian Leopard Gecko. One of the most difficult parts about owning an East Indian Leopard Gecko is finding a reputable breeder that can guarantee healthy, disease-free animals. Plus you need to be very careful when handling them as they are very poisonous.
These geckos are small and gentle. If you’re interested in keeping these geckos as pets, make sure you know their diet and how often they need to be fed. Also, keep them away from the reach of children and other pets as they can be very poisonous.
Are east Indian leopard geckos rare?
East Indian leopard geckos are not rare, but they are endangered. They are found in many countries in Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
East Indian leopard geckos are mostly found in forested areas, but they also inhabit scrubland, grassland, and agricultural areas.
They are very adaptable and can survive in a variety of different habitats. These geckos have a dark brown and yellow color pattern, which is why they are also called spotted leopard geckos.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions feel free to let me know. I’ll get back to you ASAP!! 🙂
Reference:
- Khajuria, H. “On habits of some Central Indian Lizards with morphological notes on Eublepharis hardwickii Gray.” Records of the Zoological Survey of India 83.1-2 (1986): 19-23.
- Mirza, Zeeshan A., and Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar. “ Description of a new species of leopard geckos, Eublepharis Gray, 1827 from Eastern Ghats, India with notes on Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827.” Evolutionary Systematics 6 (2022): 77-88.
