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leaf-tailed gecko

The leaf-tailed gecko is a type of lizard with a broad, flat leaf-like tail that extends out between its hind legs. They are usually found on the African island of Madagascar and many little islands surrounding it. However, recent expeditions have found them in the remote part of northern Australia. Leaf-tailed geckos have a brown or green color with spot-marked skin that resembles tree bark. This gives the leaf-tailed gecko excellent camouflage when it is basking in the sun amongst the branches during the day.

Leaf-tailed geckos can range in size from just 10cm to more than 30cm in length depending on the species. They are carnivorous animals and the bulk of their diet consists of insects. Leaf-tailed geckos are nocturnal hunters, most actively searching the forest for food under the cover of night.

Due to the secretive nature of the leaf-tailed gecko, little is known about their reproductive behaviors. It is thought that the female lays 2 to 4 eggs in a safe place for the eggs to hatch on their own. There are about a dozen species of leaf-tailed geckos in the world and most of them are either distinct or endangered as deforestation has removed much of their natural habitats.

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