The Crested Gecko, once thought to be extinct, is now popularly kept as a pet. These relatively recent additions to herpetology are available in a wide variety of colors and, with their interesting antics, can make great pets for many people.

Wild Crested Geckos inhabit humid forests, where they make use of both arboreal and ground environments. They are fairly hardy and can make good pets for beginning lizard keepers. Unlike many geckos with sensitive skins, Crested Geckos can tolerate some handling. Many can tolerate handling several times each week; however, if these lizards lose a tail, they will not regenerate one, so you should use caution. Many times Crested Geckos become more active after their enclosure has been misted.

As their name would indicate, Crested Geckos have crests. There are two crests, really spiky rows of scales, which run from each shoulder to terminate behind each eye. Their heads are rather triangular in shape. By maturity, these stocky bodied geckos usually attain lengths between five and eight inches (12 to 20 centimeters). Many colors are available, and solid colored Crested Geckos in addition to spotted or patterned Crested Geckos are well loved by many enthusiasts.

Native to New Caledonia, the Crested Gecko was widely believed to be extinct until its rediscovery occurred in 1994. Since then, captive breeding of these lizards has exploded into a popular past time, and a variety of color morphs are available for those wishing to obtain a Crested Gecko.

Crested Geckos should have a cage set up that allows for climbing activity in addition to resting activity on the ground. One Crested Gecko may be housed in a one foot square, one and one half feet tall terrarium, although for two or three lizards, you should use a larger enclosure. A simple newspaper substrate or a more natural substrate can be used. Horizontal and vertical climbing opportunities should be available, and a hiding area on the ground should be present. Daytime cool temperatures should be about 75 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit and there should be an 85 degree Fahrenheit basking area. Nighttime temperatures should drop down to 70 to 75 degrees. Humidity should be maintained at about 65 percent, with nights possibly more humid than daytime hours. A shallow water bowl and twice daily misting can help maintain humidity. The mainstay of Crested Geckos should consist of insects, and some people may offer pinky mice to larger specimens. Many Crested Geckos will also appreciate fruit baby foods to provide about half the bulk of their diets. While adults may be fed three or four times each week, juveniles should be fed between four and five times each week.

Male Crested Geckos can be identified by the presence of hemipenal bulges. Breeding usually takes place in early spring, at night. A moistened moss or peat moss filled nest box should be prepared and placed in the enclosure with the female. Two eggs will usually be deposited here after a gestation period of 30 to 45 days. Some Crested Geckos, particularly older lizards, may only lay one egg. The eggs will usually require about 70 days of incubation in 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celsius). If the eggs are not well calcified, the mother Crested Gecko should not be bred again until she has received sufficient calcium, possibly in the form of calcium supplements, for at least three to six months. Hatchlings should be kept in the cooler ends of temperature ranges, since they can suffer from heat stress more easily than most adults.