The leopard gecko, a fascinating creature known for its distinctive spots and friendly demeanor, has long been a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts. But where do these geckos call home? Are they arboreal creatures, preferring to live among the branches, or are they terrestrial dwellers, content with a life on the ground? We discuss this in this guide.
So, Are leopard geckos arboreal?
No, leopard geckos are not arboreal. Instead, they find comfort on the ground and have the earth as their home in the wild. This terrestrial gecko species cannot climb trees, shrubs, and glass. Therefore, you should provide a long, short tank.
While leopard geckos are one of the many types of lizards, they do not climb. Instead, they roam around the earth for shelter and hunting. Their body and way of life are adapted to this, and they do not need to climb.
Reasons Why Leopard Geckos Are Not Arboreal
Arboreal gecko species climb surfaces, but leopard geckos do not, and here’s why.
1. Native To Arid Deserts
Leopard geckos are native to the arid deserts of Asia and the Middle East, where the ground is their primary source of safety, food, and shelter. In this native environment, there are not many climbing surfaces available hence they grow up not climbing.
Furthermore, these lizards feed on insects found on the ground; hence they do not need to climb to feed, which is one of the critical reasons animals climb.
2. They Lack Sticky Pads
Unlike arboreal geckos, such as crested geckos, leopard geckos do not have sticky pads on their feet. These pads are vital for griping climbing surfaces and preventing the lizard from falling. Instead, leopard geckos use claws for gripping surfaces, but these claws are not very effective for climbing.
3. They Have Sturdy, Broad Tails and Stocky, Short Legs
Another reason why leopard geckos are not arboreal is that their body is structured for life on the ground. They have short, stocky legs and sturdy, broad tails that provide them with ground stability and balance. Such makes it easier for the leopard geckos to navigate the rough, challenging terrain of the desert.
Another terrestrial adaptation is that they also have strong, sharp claws that allow them to cling to rocks, burrow into the sand, and climb over obstacles, all of which are essential skills for survival in their native habitat.
4. Leopard Geckos Are Crepuscular
Another critical factor that makes leopard geckos well-suited to life on the ground is their behavior. These lizards are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn when the temperatures are cooler, and the predators are less likely to be out hunting.
They spend much of their day hiding in underground caves, where they can escape the scorching heat of the sun and the harsh winds that often sweep across the desert.
5. Leopard Geckos Are Cold Blooded
Leopard geckos are cold-blooded, and staying on the ground enables them to absorb heat from their surroundings. This is also vital in keeping them warm during cool desert nights. In addition, staying on the ground means that they can burrow into the sand or hide underground to escape the heat of the day.
How To Set Up a Leopard Geckos Tank To Fit Their Terrestrial Behavior?
Given that leopard geckos do not climb, it is vital to set up their tank in a manner that favors and facilitates terrestrial living. Here are key things to facilitate this.
· Choose A Long, Broad, Short Tank
A suitable leopard gecko tank needs to have a wide base and be short. Since these lizards do not climb, they do not need extra height in their tank. On the other hand, a broad base presents plenty of roaming and hiding space. In addition, the tank accessories should not be long but, instead, be short such as hides and burrows.
· Choose An Ideal Substrate
In the wild, leopard geckos absorb heat from the ground to help regulate their body temperature. As such, a sand-based substrate is a good choice to help imitate the gecko’s native habitat. It will also provide the habitat with a natural feel and look besides allowing your leopard gecko to burrow and hide as they would in the wild.
Knowing that leopard geckos are terrestrial, you should avoid substrates such as peat moss and lose sand because they make it challenging for the pet lizard to move around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Leopard Geckos Climb Glass?
No, leopard geckos can’t climb glass. These geckos are terrestrial and don’t have suction foot pads common in some other gecko species. Instead, leopard geckos have claws that help them climb some surfaces but not on the glass. In addition, glass is quite slippery; hence a leopard gecko’s claws are ineffective in climbing it.
However, you may notice that your gecko is attempting to climb the glass tank, known as glass surfing. Some key causes of glass surfing include hunger, cold, and boredom.
Do Leopard Geckos Climb Branches?
Leopard geckos do not climb branches in captivity. They may attempt to do so, but the lack of suction foot pads and the fact that enclosure branches are often fragile makes it challenging for the lizard to climb.
Can Leopard Geckos Jump Up?
No, leopard geckos do not jump up. Even so, the lizard might find its way out of the enclosure if there are tall accessories and if the upper part is left open. As such, always ensure that the enclosure is well sealed and there is no room for the gecko to get out.
Conclusion
Leopard geckos are terrestrial and not arboreal. They are perfectly adapted to life on the ground with these adaptations, including their crepuscular behavior, flat bodies, sturdy tails and legs, sharp claws, and ability to regulate their body temperature by absorbing heat from the ground.
To facilitate an excellent terrestrial habitat for your pet leopard gecko, choose a long, short tank, and provide a suitable substrate for burrowing and hiding.
