Crested Gecko (Note: Specimen is not a snake)
Correlophus ciliatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Gekkota, Family: Diplodactylidae, Genus: Correlophus, Species: C. ciliatus (Note: This is a lizard, not a snake)
Endemic to the South Province of New Caledonia, including the Isle of Pines and surrounding islets.
Look up Crested Gecko (Note: Specimen is not a snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Lacks fangs and venom glands)
Danger Level
Harmless; they are docile and pose zero medical risk to humans, though they may rarely nip if extremely stressed.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Gekkota, Family: Diplodactylidae, Genus: Correlophus, Species: C. ciliatus (Note: This is a lizard, not a snake)
Conservation
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Threatened by habitat loss, invasive species (like the Little Fire Ant), and the illegal pet trade.
Physical Description
Distinctive wedge-shaped head with hair-like projections (cilia) above the eyes; lacks eyelids. Features a prehensile tail and specialized toe pads for climbing. Body color is highly variable (tan, brown, grey, orange) with various patterns/morphs.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult. Total length ranges from 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) including the tail.
Habitat
Arboreal species inhabiting primary and secondary tropical rainforests; commonly found in the forest canopy and understory shrubs.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal and crepuscular. Generally docile and slow-moving but capable of jumping between branches. They may drop their tail (autotomy) if threatened; unlike many lizards, the tail does not regrow.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of insects, fruit nectar, and pollen. In captivity, they typically eat specialized powdered meal replacements.
Reproduction
Oviparous; females typically lay clutches of two eggs every 4 to 6 weeks during the breeding season.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Other New Caledonian geckos like Mniarogekko chahoua (Mossy Prehensile-tailed Gecko), which lacks the prominent 'eyelash' crests and has different skin textures.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Threatened by habitat loss, invasive species (like the Little Fire Ant), and the illegal pet trade.
Cultural Significance
Thought to be extinct for nearly a century until rediscovered in 1994; now one of the most popular reptilian pets in the world due to their ease of care.
Notable Features
Possesses a prehensile tail with a small adhesive pad at the tip; has no eyelids and must lick its eyes to keep them moist.