Bauer's Chameleon Gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae)

Bauer's Chameleon Gecko Eurydactylodes agricolae
Name	Bauer's Chameleon Gecko
Name Lat.	Eurydactylodes agricolae
Family	Diplodactylid Geckos
Family lat.	Diplodactylidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	New Caledonia
Habitat	Shrubland
Diet	Insects, fruits
Humidity	60-80 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, ♂ territorial
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Semi-humid terrarium
Life Span	2-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	13 cm
Temperature	22-28 °C
Temperature Local	30-35 °C
Housing Size	50 x 50 x 70 cm
US Units
Size	5"
Temperature	72-82 °F
Temperature Local	86-95 °F
Housing Size	20" x 20" x 30"

Distribution and habitat

The mainly nocturnal Bauers chameleon geckos are exclusively (endemic) distributed on the island of New Caledonia. They prefer to live on low trees, bushes and shrubs and can also be found in settlements as cultural successors.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

6KRL x 6KRL x 8KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 50 x 50 x 70 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

You need a terrarium with, thin partly vertical climbing branches (bamboo) and roots (hiding places and privacy screen), structured back and side walls (e.g. cork lining), a substrate of forest soil-peat mixture or terrarium humus, a drip drinker as well as potted plants (e.g. Ficus, Bromeliads, Scindapsus, Clorophytum etc.). Several times a day, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity). A rain or mist system is ideal

Temp. day: 22-28 °C

Temp. night: 18-23 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 60-80

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal. A special UV light is not necessary.

Diet

The diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, zophobas and mealybug larvae, supplemented with some fruit pulp and sweet fruits (e.g. bananas, papaya). Alternatively, special ready-made food for geckos or insectivorous reptiles can be offered. Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts due to their large fat content. Young animals should be offered food daily, adults 4-5 times a week. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (dusting of feed) is important. Drinking water must always be available, but is preferably taken in drop form from leaves or furnishings

A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The adult male has a thickened caudal root with a distinct hemipenis pouch.

The female lays her glued-together eggs (2 pieces) in hidden and protected places, such as rock crevices or branch forks. The incubation period is strongly temperature dependent and is 70-120 days at 25-27 °C. Small insects, such as fruit flies and micro crickets, are suitable as initial food.

Important

They have adhesive lamellae on their fingers and toes that enable them to climb on smooth, vertical surfaces (adhesive toes)

Adult males are very territorial and incompatible with each other

For the dormancy period, the lighting duration is reduced by 2-3 hours and the temperature is lowered by 4-6 °C for about two months

With fruit and honey water as food for the feeders, their quality can be upgraded.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF