Crested Gecko

Distribution: Isle of Pines and Grande Terre (New Caledonia, Australia)

Size Length: up to 20.3 cm

Weight: 30‒35 g

Life Span: 10‒20 years (captivity)

Diet: Omnivore

Social life: Solitary

IUCN red list status: Vulnerable



This lizard member of the gecko family is distinguished by having big eyes, a triangular head and a continuous, calcareous crest project along both sides of the back and also above the eyes and portions of the limbs. In the wild they can present a solid color pattern, a striped pattern or light colored crests contrasting with a darker body. Colors range from brown, yellow, grey or even red.

Beside this, different variations of the above have been obtained by selective breeding much due to the animal pet trade.

These Geckos have four limbs, each ending in four fingers; at the bottom of each finger there is a network of hairs (“setae”) which allow them to walk on very smooth vertical surfaces. Also its tail is prehensile adding extra support when hanging or climbing.

Also known as Eyelash gecko, the tropical rain forest reptile native to Australia was thought to be extinct in the wild for a long time. With nocturnal habits it preys on insects but can also eat fruit and nectar. Its bigger threat is a specie of fire ant that has been introduced in the habitat and started preying on them.