These were thought extinct in 1994, now there are millions in captivity worldwide. (New Caledonian Crested Gecko)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	New Caledonian Crested Gecko
Date:	13/08/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be kept at room temperature, easy to feed and breed.

Disadvantages: None.

Crested Geckos, or "Cresties" as they are often affectionately known, are an extremely popular pet lizard native to the islands of New Caledonia, a "Sui Generis Collectivity" of France. The species was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 and widely spread through the collections of private breeders. It is a classic example of how the captive reptile hobby has had a positive impact environmentally and from a conservationists point of view, because despite it's previously assumed extinction, there are now millions and millions of animals in a back up resevoir across Europe, America and the World.

One of the reasons Crested Geckos are so popular is that unlike many other geckos, they are fine to live at room tempertaure, providing your house it not too cool. Cresties should be maintained at 72 to 80F for pretty much the whole year, they do not tolerate warm temperatures and will become stressed if the temperature moves above 85F. This is great for the keeper as it means there is no need to invest in potentially expensive heating equipment, or see see an increase in your elecricity bill - though it is worth monitoring the temperature of the room to ensure it stays within the ideal range. There is no need to use special UV lights with crested geckos.

The Crested gecko can comfortably be housed in a 20 gallon tank as the Americans would say, one of the larger sized arboreal Exo Terra Glass terrariums would prove more than suitable.

They are often fed on a diet exclusively of "Crested Gecko Diet" which is perfect if you can source the stuff, otherwise you can feed your gecko a diet of feeder insects like crickets and roaches along with Fruit baby foods that you can buy at your local supermarket. It is recommended that insects are dusted with a calcium containing feed powder like Nutrobal.

One of the great things about Cresties is how handleable they are, they are quite tolerant of handling, although handling should be introduced gradually as the gecko may at first be a little nervous. If breeding is your thing, Crested Geckos are fiarly easy to successfully reproduce in captivity and there are lots of different colour and pattern mutations available to work with like "Dalmations" and "Pinstripes".

I have written this review simply to introduce these lizards, and if you are seriously considering investing in one of these lizards, it is absoloutely imperative that you research their needs thoroughly. I hope you will consider them, as they make great pets for those that have properly educated themselves with their care. There are a couple of good online forums based around the Crested Gecko and these are an absoloutely fantastic way to learn more about these fascinating little lizards.

Summary: I love these lizards, and they are only increasing in their popularity.