It is believed that the Crested Gecko also known as the New Caledonian Crested Gecko and the Eyelash Gecko originated in Southern New Caledonia. It was first described by French zoologist Alphon Guichenot in 1866 and is also known as Guichenot’s Giant Gecko. It was believed that the species had long been extinct, but it was rediscovered by a tropical cyclone in 1994.

Since their rediscovery, in 1994, they have become very popular within the pet industry. The exportation of untamed Crested Geckos has been banned, but the species imported to the USA and Europe prior to the ban established the breeding lines that we know today.

Crested Geckos come in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, grey, brown, and many others. All of them have variable markings like spots, blemishes and stripes. The size and location of their crests can also vary greatly. These are all present and not specific to any one family or region. It’s not uncommon for the offspring to have a pattern or coloration that is completely different from their siblings or parents.

Crested Geckos are extremely popular in the pet industry worldwide. This is because they come from cooler climates, and prefer cooler temperatures. Therefore replicating their living conditions isn’t that difficult and the cost is very reasonable. The Crested Gecko prefers temperatures around 24oC during the day, and then drops to 13oC at night. The daytime temperature can be achieved with a little heat or without any additional heating. You’ll need to place a small heat mat on the floor during cold nights. Geckos can suffer serious health issues if temperatures rise above 30oC. Crested Geckos are usually 7-10 inches in length, and the male is larger. You only need a small enclosure for them. For an adult that is large, a vivarium of around 18″x 18″x 24″ would be perfect. Spread some humus on the surface. This will absorb water sprayed in the terrarium and prevent it from turning moldy. Geckos like to climb, so the enclosure should be high and not wide. They are arboreal lizards (climbers) and can climb almost any surface. It is also important to provide them with branches and stones. It’s important to provide the Gecko with a few hiding and resting spots. This will help recreate the Gecko’s natural habitat. They are nocturnal animals and prefer to hide at night. It’s best to set your lighting to a timer that allows for 10-12 hours of sunlight per day.

The Crested Gecko eats both live animals and plants. An honest diet is a mixture of affectionate fruits such as bananas, apricots, and peaches plus locusts and crickets. They also eat mealworms and wax worms. You can buy Gecko Food in pet shops. These are packed with nutrients to ensure a healthy diet. Spray/mist rocks and leaves every day. Geckos like to lick dew off the surfaces. Wash the enclosure at least once a week or monthly. Bacteria can grow quickly on molted skin, feces and old food.

Crested Geckos are not afraid to be handled, and they can become quite tame. However, always handle them with care. Never grab or eat a Crested Gecko’s tail. When you grab a gecko’s tail, the animal will detach it from its body in defense. The tail will not grow back, even though it is usually not fatal to the gecko.