Mniarogekko chahoua

Vertical (arboreal) terrarium, planted and preferably bioactive

Minimum dimensions for ONE adult; bigger is always better (60x45x90 cm ideal). Dense vertical layout: cork branches, vines, sturdy plants and elevated hides for a semi-shy animal. Good ventilation essential (all-glass terrarium with high/low airflow) to avoid stagnant air. Raise juveniles in smaller volumes so they can find their food.

Moderate to high humidity with wet/dry cycles. Mist in the evening (rising to 70-90 % at night) then partial drying during the day (back to around 50-60 %). Constantly saturated humidity without ventilation promotes fungal and respiratory infections.

A draining bioactive substrate (soil/coco/sphagnum mix + leaf litter + microfauna) is recommended to retain humidity and recycle waste. For quarantine or young animals, paper towel is safer. Avoid any fine, dry substrate that could be ingested with prey (risk of impaction).

Not strictly essential if D3 is provided through the diet, but low UVB is beneficial. Use a low-intensity tube/UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UVI ~2-3 in the basking area, T5 5-6 % filtered by foliage). Always provide shaded areas.

Drinks mainly the droplets left on foliage and the glass after misting. Also provide a small dish of clean water changed daily.

New Caledonia: Grande Terre (south) and the Isle of Pines. Two main geographic lineages in captivity ('Grande Terre' and 'Isle of Pines').

Omnivore / frugivore — Frugivorous gecko powder (CGD such as Repashy/Pangea) + live insects: crickets, Dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae (calciworms)

Base: reconstituted powder mix (CGD) 2-3 times/week, supplemented with insects 1-2 times/week dusted with calcium. Gut-load insects beforehand. Regular calcium + vitamin D3 supplementation is crucial; breeding females have a VERY high calcium requirement for forming heavily calcified eggs.

Clutch 2–2 eggs/young. Clutches of 2 eggs, a species peculiarity: HARD, heavily calcified shells (unlike the soft eggs of other Rhacodactylus/Correlophus). Several clutches per season (every 4-6 weeks). Incubation at cool temperature (~21-24 °C) for about 60-90 days; eggs can be left in situ in a moist substrate. A humid lay box (sphagnum/coco) is essential. Provide a winter rest/cooling period and increased calcium intake for the female.

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) and calcium deficiency, especially in breeding females
• Egg retention / dystocia (deficient females or lacking a suitable lay site)
• Respiratory infections linked to overly humid, stagnant air (insufficient ventilation)
• Heat stress / hyperthermia above ~29-30 °C
• Internal parasites and skin fungal infections (hygiene, stressed animals)