Giant ground geckos

Introduction: The Giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer) has a big head with a short snout on a large, strong, cylindrical body. The tail is shorter than the body. The eyes are a prominent feature, bulging with vertical pupils adding to the charisma of this species. They are terrestrial and nocturnal which stay in a short burrow, re-dug of an evening time, or a disused scorpion den that they have enlarged.

When these geckos feel endangered they will stand with their stiffened legs allowing the tail to arch in a scorpion fashion over their back. They will lunge and bite if necessary. They do carry a small amount of poison, which is harmless. Predators include the horned adder, bat-eared fox, suricates and owls.

Distribution: The Namib Desert regions from Luderitz to western Kaokoland.

Diet: Giant ground geckos hunt at night foraging on the sand flats for termites, moths, spiders and beetles. They will also eat other small geckos.

Colouring: The back varies from pale orange to red-brown with a variety of irregular, overlapping patterns. The belly is pink-white.

Breeding: Females lay 1 or 2 large hard-shelled eggs in a sand chamber. More than 1 clutch per female is laid each breeding season. They will hatch after a period of about 90 days.

Size: SVL 70 to 90mm. Max SVL 113mm for the male and 98mm for the female.