Phylogenically, U. sikorae has been placed within a monophyletic complex consisting of three other species of Uroplatus: U. fimbriatus, U. giganteus, U. henkeli, and U.

The mossy leaf-tailed gecko ranges in size from 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 in) when measured from nose to base of the tail.

Their eyes are large and lidless, and have yellow sclera with elliptical pupils, suited for the gecko's nocturnal habits.

[10] Additionally, the gecko has a limited ability to alter its skin color to match its surroundings.

[10] It has the ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings and possesses dermal flaps which break up its outline when at rest.

Habitat destruction and deforestation in Madagascar is the primary threat to this animal's future as well as collection for the pet trade.

[12] The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) lists all of the Uroplatus species on their "Top ten most wanted species list" of animals threatened by illegal wildlife trade, because of them "being captured and sold at alarming rates for the international pet trade".