Yellow headed day gecko

Summary

These lizards have distinguishable features; a yellow head, a flattened body, a long snout and a turquoise back and tail.

Geckos can make a range of squeaks, clicks and croaks, which actually sound more like a frog than a lizard.

The geckos are most active in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Dietary

These lizards are omnivores, feeding on a combination of insects and other invertebrates, fruit, pollen and nectar.

Habitat

This species can be found in the tropical rainforest of Madagascar; the only place in the world they can be found. They usually live in small groups and spend most of their day basking in the sunshine. If disturbed, however, the lizards will immediately return to their hiding place; usually a small crack in the older or dead bamboo.

Conservation

The yellow headed day gecko population is declining in the wild due to habitat loss. As a result, it is now classified as an Endangered species.

Yellow headed day geckos are a EAZA European Studbook species (ESB), and the European breeding programme is coordinated here at Bristol Zoo.

IUCN Red List species link

Did you know...

There are almost 50 different species of Phelsuma living on Madagascar or around various Islands of the Indian Ocean. A quarter are Endangered or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN.

Where to find us at Bristol Zoo

You can find our yellow headed day gecko in the Reptile House, near Twilight World and the Aquarium