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Leopard geckos have been popular pets in North America since the 1980’s. 

Instead of the adhesive lamella found on the feet of most geckos, the leopard gecko has tiny claws, giving them an advantage in sandy environments. Because of this, they primarily live on the ground and do not climb surfaces. Able to move their eyelids, they are unique from other gecko species.

Although they are popular pets, little is known about the leopard gecko in the wild. Their unique dots and coloring make them a perfect camouflage for natural environments, making them a challenge to find, and therefore, their population numbers are unknown.

Leopard geckos are the largest species of gecko, with adults reaching up to 8-11 inches. They can live to be 20 years or older, if cared for properly, although, there have been cases of leopard geckos living to be as old as 30 years.

Hardy, easy to maintain, and requiring little space, Leopard Geckos make great first pets for those new to reptiles. Since their natural environment consists of harsh conditions, including soaring temperatures and weeks without food and water, they have adapted to survive where other animals cannot. This makes the leopard gecko extremely hardy, and explains why many people believe them to be easy to maintain and take care of as pets.