Crested Gecko Facts | Anatomy, Diet, Habitat, Behavior

The crested gecko (correlophus ciliates) is a gecko species that is typically found in the rainforests of southern New Caledonia. The gecko was long thought to be extinct until in 1994 when it was rediscovered. It is closely related to gargoyle gecko. Like many other lizards the crested gecko is also nocturnal. They live into the trees.

Crested Gecko Facts

Anatomy

• The crested gecko earns its name because of the hair-like projection that runs from above the eye to the base of the tail. These hairs are similar to eyelashes.
• The average length of crested geckos is about 7 – 9 inches.
• They lack eyelids to clean up their eyes but gecko uses their long tongue to moisten their eyes.
• Crested geckos possess long prehensile tail that helps the animal to keep a balance during the climb. If geckos lose their tail they may never had it again.
• Geckos are likely to show a range of different colors such as orange, yellow, grey, red, and brown.
• The gecko’s body is recognized by the tiger-like stripes and spots. The colors become brighter at night.

Range & Habitat

• Crested geckos are the native lizards of the rainforests of southern New Caledonia. The isolated population also occurs around the Blue River. Geckos also live on the Isle of Pines.

Behavior

• The crested gecko lacks eyelids in fact they don’t need one for they are able to moisten their eyes with their tongue.
• Geckos are arboreal species and their webbed feet and legs are adapted to living in trees.
• They are thought to spend daylight hours in shades and become active during night.
• While crested geckos are good climbers they may not climb as well as Tokay Gecko does.
• The cells around the gecko’s tail are weak and as such it can easily lose its tail when predator gets hold of it. This is also one of the ways geckos escape predators.
• If the tail is separated it keeps moving for about 2 – 5 minutes. Geckos can survive without tail though.
• They are far more social than any other lizard species. However crested geckos are equally aggressively.

Feeding Ecology & Diet

• The crested gecko is an omnivorous species but it also eats fruits and insects. The captive lizard is fed with a variety of insects and fruits. Insects include crickets, wax worms, silk worms, and roaches.

Reproductive Biology

• The reproductive behavior of crested geckos is one of the least understood behaviors in the wild.
• In captivity the female lays 2 eggs.
• The female lays up to 20 eggs per year.
• The hatching period lasts 60 – 150 days.
• The eggs are laid with an interval of about 30 days.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable