Gekko gecko

Vertical arboreal terrarium, well ventilated, with numerous climbing supports (branches, vines, cork bark panels, sturdy or artificial plants) and several elevated hides (cork tubes, panels).

Indicative minimum for a single adult; bigger is always better. A pair requires more space. Keep strictly solitary or as a well-matched, monitored pair: this species is very territorial and fights (between males, or even incompatible pairs) can be serious. Lid and fastenings perfectly secure, as the animal is powerful and a good escape artist.

A humid tropical atmosphere. Achieve it through daily misting (morning and/or evening) and a substrate kept slightly moist, while ensuring good ventilation to avoid stagnation and mould. Brief humidity peaks after misting are normal; the terrarium should be able to partially dry out between them.

A substrate that retains moisture but stays airy. Avoid toxic resinous shavings (pine/cedar), dry sand and any dusty material. Regularly remove droppings and replace the substrate if mould appears; a bioactive-type layer with drainage suits this forest species well.

A nocturnal species: long kept without UVB with D3 supplementation. Low-intensity UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UV index ~0.5-1.5 at the closest perches) is now recommended for long-term health and calcium metabolism. Provide a densely shaded area so the animal can self-regulate, respect a photoperiod (~12 h) and replace the UVB tube according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A small bowl of clean water renewed daily, but the animal mainly drinks the droplets deposited on the décor and glass after misting. Ensure regular misting for hydration and to facilitate sheds.

South and Southeast Asia (northeastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Indochina, southern China, the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago). Introduced in several tropical regions (Florida, the Caribbean, Pacific islands).

Insectivore/carnivore — Large insects (crickets, roaches, locusts) and occasionally, for adults, a pinky mouse very sparingly.

A voracious, opportunistic predator. Vary the prey, of suitable size (no wider than the inter-orbital space). Calcium dusting (with or without D3 depending on the UVB lighting) at most meals and a vitamin/mineral supplement 1 to 2 times a week. Juveniles fed ~daily to every other day; adults 2 to 4 times a week. Rodents remain occasional to avoid obesity.

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. A clutch of usually 2 eggs (sometimes 1), stuck very firmly to a wall, glass pane, cork tube or panel: the eggs are practically impossible to remove without damaging them, so it is often advised to incubate them in place or to choose removable laying sites. Several clutches possible per season. Incubation of about 2.5 to 4 months depending on temperature (~26-30 °C); as in many geckos, incubation temperature can influence sex. Beware of aggression and pair compatibility during breeding.

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency or a phosphocalcic imbalance
• Internal and external parasitoses, common in wild-caught (WC) specimens that are often dehydrated and stressed
• Dysecdysis (difficult or incomplete shedding, particularly on the toes and tail) linked to insufficient humidity
• Respiratory infections (an environment that is too cold, damp and poorly ventilated)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and thermal burns from accessible heating equipment