Introduction to the natural distribution of Leopard geckos

Distribution information, also referred to as geographic range, is the area where a species is found naturally. This article describes the natural distribution of Leopard geckos (E. macularius). Leopard geckos are distributed over countries that are situated in Southcentral Asia.

Although not considered desert animals per se, Leopard geckos inhabit the arid and semi-arid territories of Afghanistan^{(30)(32)(34)(49)(50)(59)(66)}, Pakistan^{(30)(34)(49)(50)(60)(63)(66)}, Iraq⁽⁵⁹⁾, Iran^(49)(50)(59) and India^{(30)(32)(34)(49)(50)(59)(63)(66)}. Recent reports (2019) shows that Leopard geckos were also distributed through parts of Nepal⁽⁶⁶⁾.

One article also reports Leopard geckos to be native to Vietnam⁽³²⁾, but no further confirmational information was found to substantiate this. In the article Field Herping In Iran, the interviewee Karsten Griesshammer reported having found a Leopard gecko in one of Iran’s smaller villages.

World map showing the natural distribution of Leopard geckos. The geographic range of Leopard geckos is reported to be from the northwestern parts of Nepal and India, spanning Pakistan and the southern parts of Afghanistan, Iran and parts of Iraq. World map vector from freepic.com

Natural distribution (geographic range)

Eublepharis has an apparently relict distribution in southwest Asia, India, and the Riu-Kiu Islands⁽⁶⁴⁾. Today, their populations seemed to have dwindled and are distributed over a smaller area. By looking at various literature sources, one can get more specific areas within the countries mentioned above where Leopard geckos are distributed.

India

In India, Leopard geckos are reported to be from the northwestern parts which include the Rajputana and Khandesh districts/states^(49)(59). Rajputana is mainly covered by the Thar desert – Asia’s only subtropical desert. India borders Pakistan in the north.

The Thar desert is not only comprised of sand dunes and large flat surfaces. Here some vegetation in the form of Acacia trees and scrubs can also be seen. Image Daniel Villafruela (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Pakistan

Part of the Thar desert also occupies the Sindh area of Pakistan. In this country, Leopard geckos have been recorded from Azad Kashmir, North Western Frontier Province, Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh⁽⁴⁹⁾. Occurrence in West Pakistan is apparently general⁽⁶⁴⁾.

Balochistan, situated on the western side of Pakistan, is covered with the Kharan desert and Punjab with the Thal and Cholistan deserts. Pakistan borders India in the south, Afghanistan in the northwest and Iran in the west.

To find wild Leopard geckos in Afghanistan, one more likely needs to visit the southeastern parts which border Pakistan⁽⁴⁹⁾. Wikipedia reports that the Afghan Leopard gecko (a subspecies of E. macularius) is native to the areas of Afghanistan that run along the Kabul River and its tributaries. Afghanistan borders Iran in the west. Henkel reported that Leopard geckos are distributed throughout Afghanistan⁽⁵⁹⁾.

Iran

In Iran, Leopard geckos have also been reported in parts bordering Pakistan⁽⁴⁹⁾. Iran borders Afghanistan in the east, Iraq in the west and Pakistan in the southeastern parts. In his interview with Gecko Time, Karsten Griesshammer reported having found one Leopard gecko after driving towards the border of Iraq. Henkel reported that Leopard geckos are distributed throughout Iran⁽⁵⁹⁾.

Iraq

Henkel reported that Leopard geckos are distributed throughout Iraq⁽⁵⁹⁾. Iraq borders Iran in the east of the country.

Nepal

Leopard geckos have been recently discovered in parts of Nepal⁽⁶⁶⁾. Although only a limited amount of specimens has been discovered in the southern parts of the country, the possibility exists that Leopard geckos are distributed all over the country.

The habitat of the Common Leopard gecko (E. macularius) found in Nepal includes forest areas(66)(67).

The forest of Nepal is currently been destroyed by deforestation⁽⁶⁷⁾.

Habitat

When looking at the traditional deserts with their sparse rainfall one might immediately think sand dunes and long stretches of flat sandy planes. Leopard geckos are often described to be from arid and semi-arid areas — generally referring to too little or not enough rain to sustain vegetation. Although this is the case with the majority of desert surfaces, there are some areas (called niches) that contain vegetation, rocks, trees grass and even rivers.

Photograph of a section of the Kharan desert taken by Najamuddin Shahwani showing an area with shrubs, trees and other vegetation. Image CC BY 3.0

In his Gecko Time interview, Karsten said that the Leopard gecko they found was in an area with hard-packed clay. They also found some Zagros-newts/ Neurergs kaiseri nearby, meaning that “the region will not regularly dry out completely”.

In Nepal, it is reported that Leopard geckos were found in more densely vegetated areas. Although these areas are considered hardwood forests, they still represent the driest mountain ecosystems in Nepal^(66)(67).

Leopard geckos from Pakistan are also described as showing an affinity for humid places⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Summary

Leopard geckos are naturally distributed in, mainly the desert areas of, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northeast India, Iraq and Iran. Although these areas are mainly covered with harsh deserts, Leopard geckos prefer niches where there are vegetation, water and rocks.

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Leopard geckos are naturally found in the desert parts of Pakistan extending into the southern parts of Afghanistan and Iran, and the northern parts of India.

The South Asian deserts consist of multiple series’ of mountains and low lying areas. The desert surface is covered with a wild maize of high and low sand dunes and ridges, separated by sandy plains and low barren hills.

The ground consists of various soil types namely, red soils, brownish-grey soils, red and yellow soils, saline soils, shallow weathered soils and soft loose soils. All these soils are predominantly coarse-textured, well-drained and calcium-bearing.

The Thar desert – an example of the natural habitat of Leopard geckos. Image GFDL (CC BY-SA 3.0)

South Asia’s seasons are at opposite times to those in the southern hemisphere. June to August is summer; September to November is autumn; December to February is winter, and March to May is spring.

Starting to increase after winter, daylengths are at their longest in June (about 12 hours and 50 minutes). The shortest days are in December and January (11 hours and 30 minutes).

The annual rainfall of the South Asian desert areas is generally low of which the most occur from July to September. May and June are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures rising up to 50 °C / 122 °F. During the winter months (December to February), the temperature ranges between 5 and 10 °C / 41 and 50 °F. Frost is frequent.

Desert vegetation is mostly herbaceous or stunted scrub with drought-resistant trees seen here and there.

Leopard geckos in their natural habitats

Wild Leopard geckos are still in existence today. By studying them in their natural environment one can get a better idea of how to keep them as pets.

Leopard geckos are adapted to rocky or scrubby areas which allow better shelter and protection. To avoid the hot temperatures, they will hide and sleep during the day and only come out at night. Another way to avoid warm temperatures is to hide away in tunnels and holes under the sand where it is a little moister and the temperatures are cooler. Also see Leopard gecko hide areas and hide boxes for more information.

Their yellow-brown colouration, spotted appearance and small size help them to blend in with the colours and obstacles of their environment. To protect themselves from other Leopard geckos and predators such as snakes, birds and mammals, Leopard geckos can put up threatening acts and can bite. By opening their mouths, raising their heads, inflating their bodies and lifting themselves up from the ground, a Leopard gecko can make him/herself look larger and more dangerous than they really are. Leopard geckos can also vocalise to fend off predators.

Leopard geckos do not need a lot of food and water to survive. Being able to store fat in their tails, they can also go long periods without food and water. In nature, Leopard geckos will eat anything that is alive and small enough for them to overpower and consume. This includes a variety of insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, spiders, centipedes and small scorpions. Leopard geckos will either drink water as rain or condensed droplets or absorb it through the food they are eating.

Because of high egg hatching failures and mortalities among baby and juvenile Leopard geckos, females will lay eggs over several periods during the breeding season. Eggs will be deposited in moist areas, underground to avoid harsh temperatures. Babies will hatch during late spring / early summer where the temperatures are warmer, insects are more abundant and there are better chances for rain.

References

• Interview with Karsten Griesshammer: Field Herping In Iran

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