The crested gecko, Correlophus ciliatus, is a small lizard highly valued in the pet trade due to its docile nature and distinct fringe of scales above its eyes. Its straightforward care requirements have made it one of the most popular reptile pets globally. Understanding the gecko’s natural environment and geographical origin helps determine the specific conditions it needs to thrive in captivity.
The Geographical Cradle
The natural home of the crested gecko is the archipelago of New Caledonia, situated in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. The species is endemic to this region, with wild populations concentrated in the southern part of New Caledonia.
These geckos are found on the main island, Grande Terre, and the smaller, nearby Isle of Pines (Île des Pins). On Grande Terre, the population is split into two distinct groups, one near the Blue River protected area and another further north.
The Natural Environment
The crested gecko’s existence is tied to the humid, tropical rainforests of New Caledonia. The species is primarily arboreal, spending most of its life in the trees, often navigating the canopy between one and four meters above the ground. Their lifestyle is supported by the dense foliage and network of vines that characterize the moist primary forest.
The climate they inhabit is characterized by high humidity, typically ranging between 60% and 70%, and moderate temperatures. These geckos prefer temperatures that stay in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit, rarely exceeding 85°F. As nocturnal animals, they spend the daylight hours sleeping in secure, elevated spots, such as high branches or tree hollows, becoming active only after dusk.
In the wild, their diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of ripe fruits, nectar, and pollen. They also opportunistically consume small invertebrates. This natural diet emphasizes the need for a varied nutritional intake, even for those kept in human care.
A Story of Rediscovery
The crested gecko was first scientifically described in 1866 by the French zoologist Alphonse Guichenot. Following this initial observation, the geckos seemed to vanish. Over the following century, no verified sightings were recorded, leading the species to be widely considered extinct.
The species’ reappearance occurred in 1994 during an expedition to the Isle of Pines. A team of herpetologists, including Robert Seipp, rediscovered living specimens, an event that made headlines in the herpetological community. The rediscovery led to a small number of geckos being exported for study before New Caledonia prohibited the practice. All crested geckos in the pet trade today are descendants of those originally collected specimens, which quickly established a captive breeding population in Europe and the United States.