Reptile
West African Fat-tailed Gecko
Hemitheconyx caudicinctusAlso known as African Fat-tailed Gecko, Fat-tail Gecko
These nocturnal, ground-dwelling lizards spend daylight hours resting in rodent burrows, rock crevices, or termite mounds to conserve moisture. Unlike most geckos, they possess functional eyelids and lack adhesive toe pads, relying instead on sturdy clawed digits to navigate the dry savanna terrain. Their thick, bulbous tails serve as vital fat reservoirs during seasonal droughts and can be shed defensively to distract predators.
NocturnalTerrestrialSavanna
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrickets, Ground beetles, Spiders
Predators
- Snakes
- Birds of prey
- Small carnivorous mammals
ThreatsOvercollection for the international pet trade and local habitat degradation
HabitatsArid savanna, dry shrubland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal riverbanks
Life span12–20 years
Classification
- FamilyEublepharidae
- SpeciesHemitheconyx caudicinctus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Timing: Search after dusk around rocky crevices and fallen logs with a red-filtered flashlight.
- Handling: Avoid touching wild individuals, as grabbing the tail triggers sudden defensive autotomy.
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family "Al the Leopard Gecko" by simply.jessi is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-bySame Family
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