Slender Prehensile-tailed Gecko

Rhacodactylus sarasinorum

Description

Slender prehensile-tailed geckos have been called the "least Rhacodactylus-like of the genus" because they lack many of the characteristics of the other species. They were once considered a rare species, having a very limited distribution (only R. trachyrhynchus has a more limited range). They vary in color from golden to reddish brown to a dark chocolate brown, with some exhibiting a mottled pattern. Occasionally they exhibit white spots or a white V-shaped neck marking. They can reach a total length of 10.5 inches and weigh 60-65 grams, making them significantly more slender than either R. chahoua or R. leachianus. Although their lifespan is not known, it is presumed that slender prehensile-tailed geckos have a similar lifespan to that of other Rhacodactylus species (20-30 years).

Natural Habitat

Slender prehensile-tailed geckos, like all Rhacodactylus, are native to New Caledonia, but are known only to occur on the very far south of the main island of Grande Terre, ranging from Baie du Prony in the south, to Mount Koghis in the north. Within this locale, they are usually found in primary forest and seem to have a propensity for smooth-barked tree species. Slender prehensile-tailed geckos are strictly arboreal and have been observed very high in trees, sometimes in excess of 30 feet. Slender prehensile-tailed geckos are also nocturnal and little is known as to where they seek shelter in the wild during the day. Unique among the Rhacodactylus species, captive slender prehensile-tailed geckos will sometimes bury themselves in detritus or other substrative debris.

Artificial Habitat

The habitat requirements of slender prehensile-tailed geckos are similar to those of R. ciliatus and R. chahoua. As an arboreal species, vertical space is more important that horizontal space, so enclosures should be taller than they are wide. Branches and other vertical climbing surfaces (cork bark, plants, egg crates, fencing, etc.) should be provided. If at all possible, branches should be smooth-barked as R. sarasinorum seem to prefer them. As mentioned above, unlike other Rhacodactylus species, many slender prehensile-tailed geckos will readily burrow into any substrate affording such an opportunity. As little is known about the diurnal habits of R. sarasinorum, and because their fossorial habits seem to be innate, it seems wise to provide them with some sort of loose substrate such as soil or a thin layer of leaf-litter (in order to eliminate concerns about parasites or communicable disease, freeze leaf-litter for 24 hours or use Eucalyptus leaves to avoid possible contamination).

Diet

Slender prehensile-tailed geckos, like the other Rhacodactylus species, are omnivorous lizards affording the hobbyist numerous choices for feeding. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, fruits and nectars, and may also ingest bee pollen (presumably while seeking nectar). Until recently, Rhacodactylus were generally fed a pureed mix of fruit and/or meat supplemented with insects. Baby food has often been the puree of choice, but is severely limited in the nutrition area. This need led to the advent of a complete diet created by Allen Repashy of our ranch. These diets incorporate the RhacodactylusÕ natural preferences for fruits and nectars and combines this with the necessary supplementation to ensure a complete nutritional diet. We have been able to maintain our entire Rhacodactylus collection solely upon these diets. This being said, we believe that the geckos also benefit from the occasional feeding of crickets and/or superworms. Insects should be coated with a calcium/D3 dust, or one of our ICB (Insect Cricket Balancer) dusts.

Caveats

Slender prehensile-tailed geckos, possibly more than any other Rhacodactylus species (with the possible exception of R. trachyrhynchus) are prone to "leaps of faith" or the flight response often associated with threats. Due to this fact handling should be kept to a minimum and even then should be done with extra caution. Breeding slender prehensile-tailed geckos is a challenge at best and in many cases can be downright frustrating. While some individuals may produce as many as 6 clutches a year, others may not produce a single egg during the entire breeding season.

Why would I want a slender prehensile-tailed gecko?

Next to R. trachyrhynchus (which is seldom available to hobbyists) slender prehensile-tailed geckos are one of the least common of the Rhacodactylus species. In addition, there is much to be learned about their habits, behavior, and husbandry. The fact that little is known about this species offers the possibility for dedicated enthusiasts to contribute substantially to the field of herpetology. Furthermore, despite the paucity of information about them, slender prehensile-tailed geckos are relatively easy to maintain and can offer untold insights into the genus as a whole.