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Description
Mocquard’s Madagascar Ground Gecko
Scientific Name: Paroedura bastardi
Common Name: Mocquard’s Madagascar Ground Gecko, Mocquard’s Ground Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adult Mocquard’s Madagascar Ground Geckos typically reach 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in total length, including the tail. They are medium-sized, ground-dwelling geckos with a sturdy build and large eyes adapted for nocturnal life.
Appearance: Paroedura bastardi features an attractive mottled pattern of browns, tans, and creams that provides excellent camouflage against rocky or sandy terrain. The body is robust with slightly rough, granular scales and a short, rounded tail. A distinct pale dorsal band or broken line often runs from the neck to the tail base. The head is broad and triangular, with large, lidless eyes of golden or silver hue. Their coloration can darken or lighten slightly depending on mood and lighting conditions.
Distribution: Endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs in the dry forests and scrublands of the island’s southern and southwestern regions.
Habitat: In the wild, Mocquard’s Ground Geckos inhabit semi-arid forests, rocky outcrops, and sandy plains. They hide beneath stones, bark, or debris during the day and emerge at night to hunt insects. In captivity, they thrive in semi-arid enclosures that balance warmth and moderate nighttime humidity.
Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial, these geckos are alert but generally calm once acclimated. They are active hunters and can become quite bold during nighttime hours. While hardy and adaptable, they remain best suited as display animals due to their speed and fragility.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial enclosure measuring at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (45 × 45 × 30 cm) for a single adult. Use a naturalistic semi-arid substrate mix of sand and soil (2–3 inches deep) to allow burrowing and moisture retention. Include flat rocks, cork bark, and hides to offer secure retreats.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime temperature gradient of 78–86°F (26–30°C) with a basking area near 90°F (32°C). Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 50–70%, achieved through light evening misting. Provide a small humid hide to aid with shedding.
Lighting: Although nocturnal, Paroedura bastardi benefits from low-level UVB lighting (2–5%) to support calcium metabolism and establish a natural circadian rhythm. Maintain a 12-hour light/dark cycle with soft ambient illumination.
Diet: Feed a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Offer food 3–4 times per week and dust all prey with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Juveniles should be fed smaller insects daily.
Behaviour in Captivity: Mocquard’s Ground Geckos are hardy, inquisitive, and excellent feeders. They are often visible shortly after lights-out, actively exploring and hunting. With consistent care and appropriate environmental conditions, they thrive long-term in captivity and display fascinating natural behaviours.
Special Considerations: Avoid overly damp substrate or poor ventilation, as these geckos prefer moderate dryness. Ensure access to a humid retreat to prevent shedding problems. Due to their speed and delicate tails, handling should be minimized.
Taxonomy Note
The Mocquard’s Madagascar Ground Gecko (Paroedura bastardi) belongs to the family Gekkonidae and is one of several Paroedura species native to Madagascar. It is closely related to Paroedura picta (Madagascar Ground Gecko) but differs in its more muted pattern, slightly rougher scales, and preference for drier habitats. The species is named in honour of the French herpetologist François Mocquard.
Genetics Note
There are currently no recognized morphs or selectively bred variants of Paroedura bastardi. However, minor natural variation occurs in body colour and dorsal patterning depending on the locality and environmental conditions. These are naturally occurring differences, not the result of selective breeding.