Adding to the Crew

My obsession continues.  Today 3 baby Northern Spiny Tail Geckos (Strophurus ciliaris).  Aside from being beautiful animals, my first impression of them is that they are tiny.  They are a month or so old and no more than 6cm in total length.  The first couple of photos here will give you some indication of just how small they are.  The first is of probably the boldest one of the three so far as he makes his way out of the take away container that he arrived in.  The second is the same animal on my thumb for some further perspective.  Now I am the first to admit that I have big thumbs, but, you have to concede, that is one teeny tiny gecko.

This species of gecko is in the same genus (Strophurus) as our other Golden Tail Geckos whose eggs are currently incubating and looking great.  I have gone for another Strophurus as their body shape and general aesthetics appeal to me more so than other species that I have investigated.  They are arboreal, which is a slight draw back when  compared some other of the Australian species that are terrestrial in that their housing requirements are a bit more demanding.  As adults, they can climb pretty much anything.  Fully grown they are only around 12cm long and their slender frames mean that gaps in enclosures that might be fine with other animals will present escape options for these guys.  It's not a big deal, but, there's no keeping them in a low height plastic tub as with a species that does not climb.  These species need a reasonable level of climbing height and structures, as well as a seriously escape proof enclosure.  Certainly things I can live with in order to experience these wonderful creatures.

I shared the last photo here with a friend of mine who said that they thought the markings made it look like a piece of Indigenous art.  I have to agree.  It also makes me think of all the gecko shaped screen prints and wooden carvings I have seen at every market stall I have ever seen.  That archetypal image of a sticky footed lizard scaling an impossible surface.  The markings they show at the moment will change as they mature.  I am looking forward to seeing how they turn out.

Right now they are in a small acrylic critter keeper on the desk in the study, fitted out with a heat mat, sand, a nice piece of wood for climbing and some artificial foliage for cover.  After turning off the main lights in the room, I have spent most of tonight watching the three of them cruise around hunting the little crickets I put in there for them.  They are primarily nocturnal, but, like the golden tails, they will sit out in the open on display, unlike many other Australian gecko species which is another very appealing aspect that attracted them to me.  What's not to like right?