Standing’s Day Gecko Natural History
Size
The Standing’s Day Gecko can reach lengths of 10 inches (25cm) including the tail.
Habitat and Distribution
These geckos inhabit the forests and scrublands of Southeast Madagascar.
Age
In captivity these reptiles can live up to 20 years.
Diet
They are omnivores which feed on invertebrates, smaller lizards, fruit, pollen and nectar.
Groups and Breeding
Young hatch from eggs at around 60–70 days and measure roughly 80 mm. They reach sexual maturity after just one year. Hatchlings have a yellow-green head and light bands on their backs. With age they can develop into a range of colours including brown, grey, blue and turquoise. They are sexually dimorphic, with females having chalk sacs either side of the throats. This chalk is used for the formation of egg shells during reproduction.
They are arboreal and males are very territorial towards other males while females are territorial towards other females.
Threats
The Standing’s Day Gecko is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, threatened by agriculture (particularly livestock farming and ranching), hunting, trapping, illegal pet trade, logging and fire.
Interesting Facts
They spend much of their time soaking in the sun on the highest tree branches.
The Standing’s Day Geckos During Your Day Out in Kent
This was a new species to the park in 2023 when the new Reptile House opened. They share this home with a number of other reptiles and amphibians including White’s Tree Frogs, Spectacled Caimans and Hog Nosed Snakes.