Standing’s day gecko

Scientific name: Phelsuma standingi

IUCN listed as: Vulnerable

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Diet

Standing’s day geckos are omnivores, feeding on a diet that includes insects, small invertebrates, nectar, pollen, and soft fruits. This varied diet allows them to obtain the necessary nutrients and energy to thrive in their arid, forested habitats. They use their long, sticky tongues to capture prey and consume nectar. This diet also helps them play a role in pollination within their ecosystem. Their feeding habits contribute to the control of insect populations and the dispersal of seeds.

 

Standing’s day geckos eat insects, small animals, nectar, pollen, and fruits. They use their sticky tongues to catch food and drink nectar. Their diet helps them stay healthy and strong. By eating insects and spreading seeds, they help their environment.

 

Breeding

The breeding season for Standing’s day geckos typically lasts from November to March, aligning with the wet season in their native habitat. Females lay one or two eggs every four to six weeks, which are incubated for about 70 days. The hatchlings are independent from birth and are capable of fending for themselves immediately. This rapid development helps ensure the survival of the species in the wild.

 

Standing’s day geckos have babies from November to March. The mother lays one or two eggs every few weeks. The eggs hatch in about 70 days, and the baby geckos are ready to live on their own right away. This helps them survive in the wild.

 

Habitat

Standing’s day geckos are native to the dry, arid regions of southwest Madagascar, where they inhabit thorn forests and dry deciduous forests. These environments provide ample food sources and suitable nesting sites. However, habitat destruction due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade pose significant threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their natural habitats and regulating trade to prevent further population decline.

 

Standing’s day geckos live in the dry forests of southwest Madagascar. These areas give them food and places to lay eggs. But cutting down trees and taking them for pets are big problems. Protecting their homes is important to keep them safe.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, Standing’s day geckos are housed in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, complete with plants and climbing structures. They are fed a diet of insects, fruits, nectar, and specially formulated supplements to ensure their health. Zoos play an essential role in educating the public about these geckos and their conservation status. Breeding programs in zoos help maintain healthy populations and support genetic diversity. Observing these geckos in captivity provides valuable insights into their behaviour and needs.

 

In zoos, Standing’s day geckos live in places that look like their natural homes, with lots of plants and things to climb. They eat insects, fruits, and nectar. Zoos teach people about these geckos and help protect them. Watching them in zoos helps us learn more about them.

 

Behaviour

Standing’s day geckos are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are territorial and often engage in displays of aggression to defend their space. These geckos are known for their vocalisations, including clicks and squeaks, used to communicate with each other. Their vibrant colours help them blend into their surroundings, providing camouflage from predators. They are also excellent climbers, using their adhesive toe pads to navigate their arboreal environment.

 

Standing’s day geckos are active during the day and live in trees. They are territorial and can be aggressive to protect their space. They make sounds like clicks and squeaks to talk to each other. Their bright colours help them hide from predators.

Fun facts

  • Large Size: They are among the largest day geckos, reaching up to 28 cm in length.
  • Bright Colours: Their vivid blue and green colours provide excellent camouflage.
  • Vocal Geckos: They produce a variety of sounds to communicate.
  • Calcium Storage: Females have special glands to store calcium for egg production.
  • Longevity: They can live up to 15-20 years in captivity with proper care.
  • Big Geckos: They can grow up to 28 cm long.
  • Colourful Skins: Their bright colours help them blend in with their surroundings.
  • Talkative Geckos: They make sounds like clicks and squeaks.
  • Calcium Storage: Female geckos have special glands to store calcium for their eggs.
  • Long Lives: They can live up to 20 years in zoos.

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