Giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus giganteus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus giganteus) (origin: Northern Madagascar (rainforest, Montagne d'Ambre / Marojejy)). Adult size around up to ~32–34 cm total length. Life expectancy ~10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Giant leaf-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 80×60×145 cm for one animal; for a pair from 110×110×145 cm (1997 expert report, at 18 cm SVL).
Giant leaf-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Giant leaf-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional (weak UVB, crepuscular/nocturnal).
Giant leaf-tailed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: ~10–15 years.
Giant leaf-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 80–90 % (up to ~100 % at night), strong ventilation
- UVB
- Optional (weak UVB, crepuscular/nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 80×60×145 cm for one animal; for a pair from 110×110×145 cm (1997 expert report, at 18 cm SVL)
- Substrate
- Damp forest floor, dense planting, vertical branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, locusts, roaches, moths)
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week, in the evening
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to ~32–34 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- ~10–15 years
- Origin
- Northern Madagascar (rainforest, Montagne d'Ambre / Marojejy)
- Protection status
- CITES App. II (all Uroplatus); mostly delicate wild-caught animals
- Brumation
- None (a slight seasonal variation)
- Cohabitation
- Pair / 1 male + female; high space requirement. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding places each; feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
A demanding rainforest dweller (one of the largest geckos), usually as delicate wild-caught animals. Cool nights, high humidity and strong ventilation are needed; no basking, and quiet by day.
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Related species
- Alluaud's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus alluaudi) – Expert
- Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) – Intermediate to expert
- Finiavana leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus finiavana) – Intermediate
- Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) – Intermediate to expert
- Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) – Expert
- Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli) – Expert
- Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni) – Expert
- Lined leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus lineatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Giant leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus giganteus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×60×145 cm for one animal; for a pair from 110×110×145 cm (1997 expert report, at 18 cm SVL)), substrate (Damp forest floor, dense planting, vertical branches, a rain system), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, geckio.de, legislation.gov.uk
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).