Common Barking Gecko

Afrikaans name: Gewone Blawwende Geitjie

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Ptenopus garrulus

The Common Barking Gecko is also known as the African Barking Gecko. It is a small reptile that only reaches a length of around 8 cm.

These small geckos are endemic to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. They favour desert, or semi-desert, conditions so they are only found in the western arid regions of South Africa.

The Common Barking Gecko emerge from their day time shelter around sunset which is when they make their 'barking' call.

They are only active for a short period each day during which they hunt for food. They eat ants, termites and small beetles.

References and further reading

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Published: 2007 - Page: 346

Bill Branchs Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Published: 1988 - Page: 212

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 407

Questions and Answers - Snakes and Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: John Comrie-Greig - Published: 1992 - Page: 22

Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa - Author: Warren Schmidt - Published: 2006 - Page: 52

Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Rod Patterson and Anothony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 40

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 240

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 256

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