Appreciating the efforts of LGPC towards its initiative of informing the hobbyists how to properly take care of a gecko.
Like many other reputable animal groups, Leopard Gecko Philippines – Classifieds (LGPC) was established with the aim of educating the public about their chosen creature and its care as a pet.
Two years ago, the group chose to center their efforts on helping other leopard gecko hobbyists learn more about their pets, particularly how to keep and care for them properly.
Leopard geckos are lizards found in the deserts of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and some parts of India. They have been bred in captivity since the 1970s, though they only became popular pets in North America ten years later.
These lizards are nocturnal (active at night) and terrestrial (land dwelling). They can live up to 20 years in captivity under the right conditions. These include the right temperature and a proper enclosure, with dry/moist hides, a food dish and a water dish, and an optional separate calcium dish.
They also need adequate food. Their diet includes live feeder worms, pinky mice, crickets, and roaches – all dusted with calcium and vitamins.
Established on September 20, 2013, LGPC also had an urgent mission: to make clear the difference between the Leopard Gecko and the Tokay Gecko, which is currently endangered due to the unfounded rumor that its body parts can help cure AIDS or cancer.
The group also aims to help other hobbyists identify the morphs (or mutations) of their leopard geckos; examples of some of these are also posted on their webpage for those who want to learn more.
A recent competition organized by LGPC administrators Norman Roquios, Liezel Delos Reyes, Albert Tagasa, Don Lima, Miguel Villanueva, Nyza Ho, Lemuel Lauigan, and Jeff Diaz was aimed at uplifting the hobby, expanding the public’s knowledge of the Leopard Gecko, and to encourage breeders to do line breeding.
Judges were Brian Santos and Nick Leoncio, considered one of the pioneer hobbyists for Leopard Geckos since 2007. The grand prize was a 36 x 22 x 46 centimeter Otto Aluminum Glass enclosure, and this was taken home by the best leopard gecko in the show, Blood Line from Geofrylle Benamer.
This story appeared in Animal Scene’s March 2015 issue.
