Madagascar Ground Gecko - Paroedura pictus　

　

General Information

 

 

Distribution — West, south, and east Madagascar

 

Habitat — Madagascar Ground Geckos inhabit dry forests, savannah, and semi-desert areas of Madagascar

 

Adult Size — An average adult Madagascar Ground Gecko is typically about 14 cm total length. Hatchlings have a total length ranging from 4 to 5 cm and grow to adult size in approximately one year.

 

Temperament — Young Madagascar Ground Geckos - like most small animals - are highly sensitive to potential threats. They will typically try and escape whenever an attempt is made to pick them up. Despite this initial sensitivity, Madagascar Ground Geckos are actually very easy to handle and adults are typically very docile animals.

 

Longevity — This species lives to be between 8 and 10 years old in captivity.

 

Captive Care

 

Rating: 2 — Due to this animal's good nature, feeding habits, and adult size it receives a better rating than most. Watch out for wild caught specimens - this species is easy to breed, yet, some people still prefer to import wild animals. A domestically bred Madagascar Ground Gecko makes an excellent starter lizard.

 

 

Diet: Hatchlings and Juveniles - crickets, meal worms, wax worms, and other insects; Adults - crickets, meal worms, wax worms, and the occasional pink mouse.

 

Temperature: 28 to 32C (83-90F) during the day and 22 to 25C (74-80F) at night.

 

Space: An adult can be housed a 10-15 gallon terrarium. As a matter of fact, a breeding group of two females and one male can be housed in a 15-20 gallon terrarium.

 

Breeding: Madagascar Ground Geckos are one of the easiest species of lizard to breed in captivity. These animals do not require any special conditioning before breeding with the exception of being in good health. Some authors recommend a cooling period and a reduction in the day length but this is not necessary to induce breeding. Breeding can occur year round with proper care of the adults. Females typically lay three clutches of two eggs which they fertilize with sperm from an earlier mating. Eggs should be removed and placed in an incubator. Incubation of the eggs should take place at a temperature of 26-29C (82- 88F) and a relative humidity of 60 to 70%.

 

Special Requirements: This species is docile, eats readily, and is long lived which makes it a hardy animal ideally suited for beginners.; however, hatchlings should be left for about a month without any handling to make sure they get on a good feeding schedule. Most people make the mistake of handling their animal too soon and they end up with a very stressed lizard that refuses to eat. For the first few months, the contact you should have with your lizard should be for feeding, cleaning, and changing water only.

 

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1997. Lizard Care from A to Z. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 178.

Henkel, Friedrich-Wilhelm and Wolfgang Schmidt. 1995. Geckos: Biology, Husbandry, and Reproduction. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Pp. 237.

Rogner, Manfred. 1997. Lizards, Volume 1. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Pp. 317.

Seufer, Hermann. 1991. Keeping and Breeding Geckos. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune, New Jersey. Pp. 189

 

 

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