African Fat-Tailed Gecko

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Hey everyone, welcome back to The World of Geckos! I'm James Walker, and as always, I'm joined by the wonderful Charlotte Davies. Today, we're diving into a species that's a bit of a personal favorite of mine—the African fat-tailed gecko.

Charlotte Davies

Hello, everyone! Yes, the African fat-tailed gecko—Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, if you want to get technical. They're such fascinating little creatures, aren't they, James? Native to West Africa, from Senegal all the way to northern Cameroon. I actually first encountered one while filming in northern Cameroon, and I have to say, I was completely charmed.

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Oh, that's brilliant! I mean, you can't help but notice how different they are from, say, the crested geckos we talked about in earlier episodes. These guys are ground-dwellers, right? They thrive in those dry savannahs and scrublands, but they always find these humid little hideouts—like termite mounds—during the day. Then, as soon as night falls, they're out and about.

Charlotte Davies

Exactly. And what really sets them apart, besides their adorable chunky tails, are their movable eyelids. Most geckos don't have those, but fat-tails do. Plus, they've got vertical pupils and, interestingly, they lack those sticky toe pads you see on other geckos. So, no wall-climbing antics from these chaps—they're strictly terrestrial.

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Yeah, and I always think that's such a neat adaptation. It makes sense, given their environment. They're not darting up trees or glass, they're sticking close to the ground, keeping out of sight. And, uh, I remember reading that their coloration helps them blend right in with the sandy soil and leaf litter. It's a classic case of camouflage, isn't it?

Charlotte Davies

It is. And watching them move at night, they're so deliberate—almost cautious. I remember thinking, "This is a gecko with a plan." They're not flashy, but they're incredibly well-adapted to their habitat. And, honestly, I think that's part of their charm.

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So, let's talk about how these geckos went from being, well, relatively unknown to becoming a bit of a star in the reptile hobby. They were first described way back in 1851 by a French zoologist—Duméril, if I'm not mistaken. But it wasn't until the late 20th century that they really started popping up in the pet trade.

Charlotte Davies

That's right. And compared to leopard geckos, which seem to be everywhere, fat-tails are still a bit of a hidden gem. But their popularity has definitely grown, especially as more people discover their calm, docile nature. They're just so easy-going, aren't they?

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Absolutely. I mean, if you're new to reptiles, they're a fantastic choice. They're not skittish, they're not likely to bolt or bite, and they're pretty forgiving if you make the occasional husbandry mistake—though, obviously, we always encourage folks to do their homework first.

Charlotte Davies

Of course. And then there's the whole world of color morphs. Selective breeding has produced some really striking varieties—tangerine, albino, whiteout, patternless, and a few others. They're not as common as the morphs you see in leopard geckos, but they're certainly eye-catching.

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Yeah, and I think that's part of the appeal for collectors and hobbyists. But, you know, for me, it's their temperament that really stands out. They're just... chill. I mean, I love crested geckos, but fat-tails have this almost—uh, I don't know—gentle vibe? It's hard to describe, but you know it when you handle one.

Charlotte Davies

I agree. They're not flashy show-offs, but they're steady and reliable. And, as you said, they're a great fit for both beginners and experienced keepers. I suppose that's why they've carved out their own little niche in the reptile world.

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Now, here's the thing a lot of people don't realize—keeping a fat-tailed gecko is a long-term commitment. With proper care, they can live fifteen to twenty years. That's a big chunk of your life! It's not something to take lightly.

Charlotte Davies

No, absolutely not. And while they're thriving in captivity, their wild counterparts are facing some real challenges. Habitat loss is a big one—agricultural expansion, urban development, all the usual suspects. And then there's the issue of unregulated collection for the pet trade, which can really put pressure on wild populations if it's not managed responsibly.

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Yeah, and that actually reminds me of a project I worked on a few years back. We were surveying gecko populations in West Africa, and, uh, it was pretty clear that areas with heavy collection had noticeably fewer fat-tails. It really drove home how important it is for hobbyists and breeders to source their animals responsibly. I mean, as we talked about with crested geckos in earlier episodes, responsible ownership isn't just about the animal in your home—it's about the species as a whole.

Charlotte Davies

Exactly. And I think that's a message that can't be repeated enough. If you're considering bringing a fat-tailed gecko into your life, do your research, make sure you're ready for the commitment, and always choose reputable sources. That way, you're not just getting a wonderful pet—you're helping to protect these remarkable animals for the future.

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Well said, Charlotte. I think that's a perfect note to end on for today. Thanks so much for joining us, everyone. We'll be back soon with more stories from the world of geckos.

Charlotte Davies

Thank you, James, and thank you to all our listeners. Take care, and we'll see you next time.

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Remember, this podcast is brought to you by Repticon Reptile Shows. Go to their website to see when they have a show near you. And maybe while you are there you can pick up your very own African Fat Tailed Gecko. Bye, everyone!