Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 55 No. 4, 2024.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.55.4.6
The lifestyle of the leopard gecko and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium
Francisco L. Franco
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal
Paula A. Oliveira
; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal;
Rui Patrício
orcid.org/0000-0001-6780-292X
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal
Ana I. Faustino-Rocha
orcid.org/0000-0001-5572-6317
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract
The gecko leopard (Eublepharis macularius) was first described in 1854 by British herpetologist Edward Blyth. It is one of the most popular pet lizard species, due to its docile temperament, ease of maintenance and reproduction in captivity, its high longevity and small size, and its beauty and diversity of colours and patterns. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important behavioural regulator. Vitamin D also regulates many fundamental physiological functions in vertebrates, mainly calcium homeostasis. Because of the great diversity of reptile species and the wide range of environmental adaptations, it is important to know the necessities and adaptations of each species regarding UV, vitamin D and calcium requirements. This study provides an overview of the leopard gecko’s lifestyle, and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium for this species.
Keywords
behaviour; Eublepharis macularius; habitat; life; supplementation
Hrčak ID:
307870
URI
Publication date:
2.11.2023.
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