Due to its small, webbed feet, the Namib Sand Gecko is also known as the web-footed Gecko. This little sand burrower is a fascinating companion for the pet owner who prefers to be hands-off. They dislike being touched and would rather be left alone. If you're searching for an easy-to-care-for pet to watch, then continue reading to discover more about these adorable tiny geckos!
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Namib Sand Geckos: A Few Interesting Facts
- Pachydactylus rangei
- Gekkonidae is a family of fish.
- Maintenance: Very little.
- Temperatures range from 85 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and are somewhat lower at night.
- Solitary and nocturnal in nature
- Pale salmon with pale brown streaks
- Life expectancy: 5 years
- 5 inches in length
- Insects are their main source of nutrition.
- 10-gallon minimum tank size
- Tank setup: sand, hiding spots
- Compatibility: They can coexist.
Overview of the Namib Sand Gecko
The Namib Desert in southern Africa is home to the Namib Sand Gecko, as its name suggests. They are also known as web-footed Geckos because of the webbed feet on their hind legs. Their feet are thought to be an adaption that allows them to sprint on top of the sand and then dig under it, as well.
These geckos like to be left alone and not touched regularly when kept as house pets. Ideally, they should be housed in a tank with just one or two other members of their species. Because of their speed and ability to dig, climb, and hunt insects, they are popular as a source of entertainment for the general public. Their thin, almost transparent skin, enormous eyes, and webbed feet also make them stand out.
A nocturnal creature, the Namib Sand Gecko has big eyes as a result of its nocturnal habits. When hunting, they are able to see even the tiniest of insects.
What's the going rate for Namib Sand Geckos?
Namib Sand Geckos may be purchased for a price that varies widely. Because they are exclusively found in the Namib Desert and are seldom produced in captivity, this might be the case. These geckos may be found for anywhere from $70 to $300 at the moment. As a reminder, many of these animals are taken from the wild and sold as pets, which is not optimal for the creature.
Typical Personality Traits and Attitudes
If you plan on keeping the Namib Sand Gecko as a pet, you'll want to avoid the Namib Sand Gecko. They want to be left alone because they are fearful. If you have more than one gecko in a same cage, they may get along, but for the most part, geckos dislike human interaction.
In the sand, their bodies are designed to hide, burrow, and run rapidly. They are nocturnal and lie on the sand at night. These geckos are nocturnal hunters that grab insects with their darting tongues and swift feet.
Appearance and Varieties.
The Namib Sand in all its glory The gecko's look shows that it has adapted to its surroundings. They're nocturnal desert dwellers that like to blend in with the sand dunes. As a result of their light, almost transparent skin hue, they easily blend in.
For sprinting and digging in the sand, their feet are webbed and feature minuscule hooks that provide them excellent grip. The large eyes of the Namib Sand Gecko are either dark brown or red in color. Insects may be seen at night because to their huge, lidless eyes. They lick their eyes to remove dirt and debris since they lack eyelids.
About 5 inches long when fully mature, the Namib Sand Gecko is. Their tails account for half of that length. Males tend to have thicker tails, while females tend to be a little heavier.
Namib Sand Geckos: How to Care for Them
Environment, Tank Setup and Conditions
Sands of Namib Keeping geckos as pets necessitates that you provide them with an environment that is as similar to their native habitat as possible. If you want your cacti to remain healthy and happy, you'll need to establish an environment that mimics the desert environment in their tank.
Tank
A minimum of a 10-gallon glass tank is required for your Namib Sand Gecko. A tank of this size may house up to three geckos. If you have more, or just want to give them more freedom to roam, a bigger tank will suffice.
Bedding
The Namib Sand Gecko's tank must contain sand. The minimum depth is four inches, but six to eight inches would be preferable. They must burrow during the day, and the sand must be deep enough to accommodate them.
Temperature
This desert inhabitant likes it scorching. The tank's temperature should be maintained between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be set at 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit at night. An occasional gentle, warm mist at night would replicate their native environment; however, caution should be used to avoid overdoing it.
Lighting
Unlike several other reptiles, the Namib Sand Gecko does not need specific UVA or UVB lights. Rather than that, an overhead heat lamp will provide them with the necessary heat throughout the day. It is advised to utilize just an overhead heat light. When they dig in the sand, a heating pad placed under the tank may get too hot for them.
Decoration
They do not need a great deal of ornamentation in the tank. A few boulders behind which they may hide or burrow should suffice.
How Are Namib Sand Geckos With Other Pets?
Sand of Namib Geckos may coexist, however caution should be used when keeping two males in the same tank. When they perceive rivalry for food and females, they have been known to turn hostile against one another.
To ensure their protection, these little geckos should be kept apart from other pets. They are little in stature and delicate in appearance. Their skin and limbs are very vulnerable to injury from bigger or more aggressive dogs.
What Kind of Food Should You Feed Your Namib Sand Gecko?
Because the Namib Sand Gecko feeds on insects in the nature, its diet in captivity should be similar. Live crickets are the best diet for your pet gecko. They'll gain exercise chasing their prey, while insects give nutrients for geckos. Additionally, they may consume worms. Young geckos should be fed daily, while adults may be fed every three days.
Maintaining the Health of Your Namib Sand Gecko
Due to the fact that they are wild animals, nothing is known about any particular health problems to which they are prone. However, the two most critical things you can do to keep your pet gecko healthy are to maintain a good habitat and to give them the necessary quantity of food.
If you observe discoloration or redness of the skin or eyes, sluggish behavior, or lack of appetite in your exotic animal, you should visit an exotic animal veterinarian.
Breeding
The breeding season in the wild occurs in the spring. The Namib Sand Gecko's female lays eggs in pairs. They may lay up to eight pairs at once. They bury their eggs in the sand after laying them to keep them warm. The eggs hatch in around 8 weeks. Within a day or two of hatching, baby geckos begin consuming insects.
Are Namib Sand Geckos Good for You?
If you are a reptile enthusiast looking for a hands-off pet that you can observe, the Namib Sand Gecko could be a good choice. They are quite simple to care for as long as their surroundings is properly set up. You can keep more than one in the same tank as long as they are not both males. For the experienced reptile owner, watching these adorable little geckos can provide hours of entertainment.