Namib Ground Gecko

A terrestrial enclosure with plenty of floor space is more important than height, as Namib ground geckos spend most of their time on or beneath the sand. Provide a generous layer of fine, clean desert sand that allows natural digging and burrowing behaviour, together with lightweight hides such as cork bark or securely positioned shelters.

Good ventilation is particularly important because the species comes from an arid environment. Avoid heavy decorations that could shift or collapse if the gecko digs underneath them. A naturalistic sandy setup gives them the opportunity to display their characteristic burrowing and hunting behaviours.

Provide a warm area of approximately 29–32°C during the day, allowing the gecko to move into cooler areas of the enclosure as required. Heating should always be controlled by a suitable thermostat and temperatures should be monitored with accurate digital thermometers.

Temperatures can be allowed to fall overnight to recreate the cooler conditions experienced when these nocturnal geckos become active. Although they are mainly active after dark, providing a natural day/night light cycle is recommended. Low-level UVB may also be beneficial when provided correctly alongside appropriate calcium supplementation.

The enclosure should remain predominantly dry and well ventilated, but Namib ground geckos should not be kept completely without moisture. In their natural habitat, coastal fog provides an important source of hydration.

Lightly misting a small section of the enclosure or beneath a hide can provide localised moisture while allowing the majority of the sand to remain dry. The dampened area should be able to dry again rather than leaving the enclosure continuously wet. A small, shallow dish of fresh drinking water can also be provided and refreshed regularly.

Namib ground geckos are insectivores and should be offered appropriately sized live insects. Suitable foods include small crickets, small locusts and appropriately sized roaches, with occasional variety from other suitable feeder insects.

Prey should generally be no larger than the width of the gecko’s head. Feeder insects should be well gut-loaded before feeding and appropriately supplemented with calcium and reptile vitamins. Their natural hunting behaviour makes feeding particularly enjoyable to observe, as they emerge after dark to pursue insects across the sand.

Namib ground geckos are generally shy, delicate and non-aggressive, but they are not ideally suited to regular handling. Their small size and delicate build mean unnecessary handling can cause stress or injury.

They are best enjoyed as a hands-off display animal, with handling kept to a minimum and primarily reserved for essential enclosure maintenance or health checks. If handling is necessary, allow the gecko to walk gently onto the hands rather than grabbing or restraining it.