Crested Gecko

The crested gecko, also known commonly as the eyelash gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is native to southern New Caledonia. Originally described in 1866 by French zoologist Alphonse Guichenot, the species was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 during an expedition led by German herpetologist Robert Seipp. Along with several other New Caledonian gecko species, it is being considered for protected status by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage and explore their arboreal habitat. They exhibit a sit-and-wait predatory strategy, remaining motionless before lunging at passing insects, but will also actively search for ripe fruit and nectar. Their feeding is facilitated by a long, protrusible tongue used for licking surfaces and gathering food. Social interactions are minimal outside of the breeding season; individuals are generally solitary and may display territorial behaviors such as tail waving, vocalizations (chirps, squeaks), and posturing when encountering conspecifics. During the day, they seek shelter in dense vegetation, bark crevices, or under leaves to avoid predators and desiccation. They are adept climbers, using their adhesive toe pads and prehensile tail for stability and navigation among branches. Stress behaviors include tail dropping, color darkening, and rapid escape movements.

Crested geckos reach sexual maturity at approximately 12–18 months of age. The breeding season in the wild typically coincides with the warmer, wetter months (November to March in New Caledonia). Courtship involves males approaching females with head bobbing and tail waving; receptive females allow copulation, which can last several minutes. Females lay clutches of two soft-shelled eggs every 30–45 days during the breeding season, burying them in moist substrate. Incubation lasts 60–120 days, depending on temperature (optimal range: 22–26°C/72–79°F). There is no parental care after egg laying; hatchlings are independent from birth, measuring about 5–6 cm (2–2.5 in) in total length. Sex determination is temperature-independent (genetic). In captivity, breeding success is high, contributing to the species' prevalence in the pet trade.

Crested geckos exhibit several adaptations for arboreal life, including expanded toe pads with lamellae covered in microscopic setae, enabling adhesion to smooth surfaces via van der Waals forces. Their prehensile tail acts as a fifth limb for balance and grasping branches, though it can be voluntarily shed to escape predators (autotomy). The lack of eyelids is compensated by a transparent spectacle (brille) over the eyes, which they clean with their tongue. Their cryptic coloration and patterning provide camouflage among leaves and bark. Nocturnal habits reduce predation risk and water loss. The ability to metabolize both animal and plant matter (omnivory) allows dietary flexibility in fluctuating environments.

Crested geckos have limited traditional significance in New Caledonian indigenous cultures, but their striking appearance and docile temperament have made them highly popular in the global reptile pet trade since the late 1990s. They are often featured in educational programs and reptile exhibitions, symbolizing the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Their rediscovery is sometimes cited as an example of 'Lazarus species' in popular science media, highlighting the potential for overlooked species to persist in isolated habitats.

Recent research on Correlophus ciliatus has focused on adhesive mechanisms of their toe pads, providing insights into biomimetic applications for synthetic adhesives. Genetic studies have clarified their phylogenetic relationships within the Diplodactylidae family, supporting the reclassification from Rhacodactylus to Correlophus. Ongoing ecological studies in New Caledonia are examining population densities, habitat preferences, and the impact of invasive species. Captive breeding programs have enabled investigation into color morph genetics and developmental biology. Conservation research is assessing the effectiveness of protected areas and the potential for reintroduction into restored habitats.

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The Crested Gecko is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

The primary threats to wild crested gecko populations are habitat destruction due to logging, wildfires, and land conversion for agriculture in southern New Caledonia. Invasive species, particularly rodents, feral cats, and fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata), pose significant predation risks to eggs, juveniles, and adults. Climate change may exacerbate habitat loss and alter the availability of food resources. Although the species is widely bred in captivity, wild populations are considered Vulnerable by the IUCN, with a restricted range and ongoing decline in habitat quality. Illegal collection for the pet trade is now rare due to successful captive breeding, but continued habitat protection and monitoring are essential for long-term survival.