Hielscher's Day Gecko (Phelsuma hielscheri)

Hielscher's Day Gecko Phelsuma hielscheri
Name	Hielscher's Day Gecko
Name Lat.	Phelsuma hielscheri
Family	Geckos
Family lat.	Gekkonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Madagascar
Habitat	Humid savanna
Diet	Insects, fruits
Humidity	70-90 %
Behavior	♂ territorial
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	8-10 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	17 cm
Temperature	24-30 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	60 x 60 x 80 cm
US Units
Size	6.7"
Temperature	75-86 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	25" x 25" x 30"

Distribution and habitat

The diurnal Hielscher's day geckos are found exclusively on the west coast of Madagascar, southwest of Morondava. They prefer to live on palms, banana trees and occasionally on shrubs, as well as in gardens and houses as crop followers.

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. 60 x 60 x 80 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

You need a terrarium with partly vertical climbing branches and branch cavities as well as plants, like Ficus, Bromeliads, Sindapsus etc. (hiding and shadow places), structured back and side walls (e.g. cork covering), a substrate of forest soil-peat mixture and a water basin (waterfall). The substrate should always be kept slightly moist. Several times a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better

Temp. day: 24-30 °C

Temp. night: 20-23 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 70-90

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 10-14 hrs depending on the season. They need high light intensity and daily UV irradiation as well as sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

The diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, zophobas and mealybug larvae; alternatively, special ready-made food for geckos or insectivorous reptiles can be offered, supplemented with some fruit pulp, sweet fruits (e.g. bananas, papaya), flower pollen and honey (lick bowls). Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts because of 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

Males have enlarged scale seams (preanofemoral pores) running from the cloacal opening along the inner thighs.

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 45-55 days at a temperature of 25-30 °C. Small insects, such as fruit flies and micro crickets, are suitable as initial food for the young. The life expectancy can be 10-12 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported to the competent authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Protection of species: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!

Important

With their lamellar toes (adhesive toes) they can also climb on smooth, vertical surfaces (e.g. glass). They are sun-loving and require sunny spots

Adult males behave very territorial and are incompatible with each other

For the dormancy period, shorten the lighting duration by 2-3 hours and lower the temperature by 3-4 °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: petdata; Image: petdata

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