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Quick answer
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is an eyelash-crested nocturnal gecko of New Caledonia's rainforests, thought extinct until rediscovered in 1994 and now a global pet-trade staple. Adults weigh about 40 g, eat fruit and insects in the canopy, and are listed Vulnerable in the wild while thriving in captivity.
Top questions about the Crested Gecko
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Crested Gecko facts at a glance
- Weight 40 g
- Length 20 cm
- Top speed 3 km/h
- Lifespan 15 years
| Scientific name | Correlophus ciliatus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest canopy |
| Lifespan | Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.04 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 3 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus | Correlophus |
Where it lives
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is native to Rainforests of New Caledonia; extinct in the wild until rediscovery, now common in captivity. — recorded across Oceania in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a crested gecko?
An adult crested gecko measures 20 cm long — about 12% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 40 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of crested geckos called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Crested Geckos is called a lounge.
Baby name
A baby Crested Gecko is called a hatchling.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Eyelash crests and prehensile tail
Soft crests run from eyes to tail base like eyelashes. Many captives lack regenerated tails if lost — tails do not regrow fully as in some geckos. Toe pads climb glass; they lack eyelids and lick their eyes clean.
Fruit-and-insect omnivore
Wild diet mixes soft fruits, nectar, and insects in the canopy. Commercial crested-gecko diets mimic this mix for pets. Across its range it is tied to tropical rainforest canopy, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
New Caledonia only
Tropical rainforest canopy of New Caledonia. Believed extinct for decades before rediscovery; wild range remains limited. Across its range it is tied to tropical rainforest canopy, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Vulnerable wild, abundant pets
IUCN lists wild populations Vulnerable due to tiny range and introduced fire ants or rats. Captive breeding is so successful that pets no longer need wild collection.
Explore the Crested Gecko
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Range & geography
Conservation status of the Crested Gecko
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Vulnerable (VU) means a species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future. It is the lowest-risk of the three 'threatened' IUCN categories — one step below Endangered, which is itself below Critically Endangered — and is often an early warning that a population is in trouble.
Main threats to the crested gecko
- Habitat loss on New Caledonia
- Invasive species including rodents and ants
- Collection for the pet trade
- Mining and deforestation on ultramafic islands
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Crested Gecko
Were crested geckos extinct?
They were thought extinct until rediscovered in 1994 on New Caledonia.
Do crested gecko tails grow back?
Unlike many lizards, lost crested-gecko tails do not regenerate fully — tailless pets are common.
What do crested geckos eat?
Fruit, nectar, and insects — omnivores rather than strict insectivores.
Why are wild crested geckos Vulnerable?
Restricted New Caledonian range plus invasive species pressures.
Are pet crested geckos wild-caught?
Most are captive-bred; wild export is restricted.
What is a group of crested geckos called?
A group of Crested Geckos is called a lounge.
What is a baby crested gecko called?
A baby Crested Gecko is called a hatchling.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Crested Gecko:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Vulnerable) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Correlophus ciliatus.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Correlophus ciliatus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Correlophus ciliatus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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