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Description
Barking Gecko (Normal)
Scientific Name: Underwoodisaurus milii
Common Name: Barking Gecko, Thick-tailed Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adult Barking Geckos typically reach 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) in total length, with males generally being slightly larger and heavier. Their namesake thick tail serves as a fat store and balance aid when navigating rocky terrain.
Appearance: The Normal Barking Gecko displays a rich, earthy palette of dark chocolate-brown, reddish-brown, or tan body tones marked with bright cream or yellow bands. The head is broad, the body stout, and the tail thick and rounded. The skin is finely granular and soft to the touch, with large, expressive eyes adapted for nocturnal vision. This wild-type coloration offers superb camouflage in its arid native habitat.
Distribution: Native to southern and central Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales, where it inhabits dry shrublands, rocky outcrops, and semi-arid deserts.
Habitat: In the wild, Barking Geckos spend daylight hours hidden in burrows, under bark, or beneath rocks to avoid high temperatures. In captivity, they thrive in terrestrial enclosures that replicate these conditions with warm, dry ground, scattered hides, and stable humidity levels.
Behaviour: This species is famous for the soft barking or chirping sounds males make, particularly during breeding or defensive displays. They are calm, slow-moving, and curious, making them excellent display animals. Their deliberate nature and awareness of their surroundings make them one of the most personable Australian geckos.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure of at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for a single adult. Use compacted sand-soil or clay-based substrates to allow digging and natural behaviour. Include rock formations, cork bark, and multiple hides for security. Ensure good airflow to prevent excessive humidity.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a basking area of 90–95°F (32–35°C) with an ambient gradient between 75–85°F (24–29°C). Nighttime temperatures may drop safely to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Keep humidity low (30–40%), providing a slightly moist hide to aid shedding.
Lighting: Although nocturnal, Barking Geckos benefit from low-level UVB (2–5%) and a 12-hour day/night light cycle to support calcium metabolism and normal behaviour.
Diet: Offer a varied diet of gut-loaded crickets, roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. Dust prey with calcium and multivitamin supplements on a regular schedule. Juveniles should be fed daily; adults every 2–3 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Barking Geckos are calm, easily observed, and quickly learn feeding routines. They tolerate gentle handling and are known for their distinctive chirping when disturbed or during breeding.
Special Considerations: Always regulate heat sources with a thermostat. Avoid overly humid conditions, as this species originates from arid regions. Monitor tail thickness as a reliable indicator of health and nutrition.
Sand: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
When used correctly as part of a compact soil-sand substrate and paired with proper temperature, hydration, and feeding practices, sand poses minimal risk. Issues typically arise from loose or calcium-based sands combined with poor husbandry. For hatchlings or new arrivals, reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are safer until feeding and shedding are consistent.
Taxonomy Note
The Barking Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) belongs to the family Carphodactylidae, a group of geckos endemic to Australia recognized for their thick tails, terrestrial habits, and vocal behaviour. This species is closely related to Underwoodisaurus sphyrurus (the Eastern Barking Gecko). Despite regional colour variation, U. milii remains taxonomically stable and well-defined across its range.
Genetics Note
The Normal Barking Gecko represents the wild-type form of the species. While not a designer morph, its natural coloration forms the foundation for several selectively bred traits such as Hypo (reduced melanin) and Albino lines. Subtle regional differences occur across Australia, with western populations often showing richer red or orange tones.