The nocturnal lizard from the Middle East that is a popular pet and stores fat in its tail is the leopard gecko. Its scientific name is Eublepharis macularius, and its natural range includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
Leopard geckos are ground-dwelling reptiles of rocky deserts, dry grasslands, and scrubby landscapes. They hide during the heat of the day and usually become active around dusk or at night. Their thick tails act as energy reserves, storing fat that can help them survive when food is scarce.
Unlike many geckos, leopard geckos have movable eyelids, which helps explain the genus name Eublepharis, meaning “good eyelid.” They are also capable of caudal autotomy: if seized by a predator, they can shed their tail. A replacement tail grows back, but it is usually shorter and less naturally shaped.
They are popular pets because they are hardy, generally manageable, and readily bred in captivity. Captive breeding has produced many color and pattern varieties that differ from the more subdued wild form.