Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Sarasins’ Giant Gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum), a stunning and rare reptile that hails from the lush tropical forests of New Caledonia. Known for their unique patterns, robust size, and prehensile tails, these geckos are a captivating addition to any reptile collection. But are they the right pet for you? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Sarasins’ Giant Geckos, from their temperament and care requirements to their availability and costs. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or just curious about these remarkable creatures, this guide will help you decide if they’re the perfect pet for your home.

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Overview

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are a rare and fascinating species that share many similarities with their more popular cousins, the Crested Gecko and Gargoyle Gecko. However, they stand out with their unique appearance, including their slender bodies, prehensile tails, and striking patterns. Here’s a quick summary of what makes them special:

• Handling and Temperament: Generally calm but can be flighty and prefer minimal handling.
• Care and Maintenance: Moderate care requirements with a focus on humidity and climbing space.
• Health and Durability: Hardy but sensitive to environmental changes and improper handling.
• Availability: Rare and not commonly found in pet stores or expos.
• Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to more common gecko species.

Overall: Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are a rewarding choice for intermediate to advanced reptile keepers who are looking for a unique and rare pet.

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Why Choose a Sarasins’ Giant Gecko?

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are ideal for reptile enthusiasts who want something a little different from the more common gecko species. Their unique appearance, fascinating behaviors, and relatively manageable care requirements make them a standout choice for those willing to invest time and effort into their care. While they may not be as beginner-friendly as Crested Geckos, their rarity and charm make them a prized addition to any reptile collection.

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Handling and Temperament

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are generally calm and handleable, but they are not the most beginner-friendly geckos. They tend to be more flighty and skittish compared to Crested Geckos, and they prefer not to be handled frequently. Their delicate skin and climbing habits make them better suited for observation rather than excessive handling.

Personality Variations

• Some Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are calm and tolerate handling well, while others are more energetic and prone to jumping.
• Their behavior as juveniles often reflects their adult temperament. A calm juvenile will likely remain calm as an adult, while a more active one will stay energetic.

Handling Tips

• Always handle them gently to avoid stress or injury.
• Avoid handing them to small children, as rough handling can harm the gecko.
• Be mindful of their tails, which they can drop if stressed. Unlike Crested Geckos, their tails do grow back, but the new tail may not be as prehensile or adhesive as the original.

Biting

• Sarasins’ Giant Geckos rarely bite, but if they do, it’s usually a small nip that might draw a drop of blood. It’s not painful or dangerous.

Overall, Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are a joy to observe and interact with, but their individual temperaments should be respected.

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Care and Maintenance

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos have moderate care requirements that are manageable for intermediate to advanced reptile keepers. They thrive in bioactive or naturalistic enclosures that replicate their tropical forest habitat.

Enclosure Setup

• Size: A vertical enclosure is essential for these arboreal geckos. A tank size of at least 18x18x24 inches is recommended for a single gecko, though larger enclosures are always better.
• Climbing Space: Include plenty of branches, cork bark, and vines for climbing, as well as hiding spots for them to retreat during the day.
• Substrate: Use coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or paper towels. Avoid loose substrates that could cause impaction if ingested.
• Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spots to make them feel secure.

Humidity and Temperature

• Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 60-80%. Mist the enclosure daily to provide water droplets for drinking and to maintain proper humidity.
• Temperature: They thrive at room temperature (70-80°F). Avoid temperatures above 85°F, as this can cause stress and health issues.

Feeding

• Diet: Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are omnivores and enjoy a mix of fruit-based diets and live insects. Commercially available gecko diets, such as those designed for Crested Geckos, work well as a staple.
• Supplements: Occasionally offer live insects like crickets or dubia roaches for variety. Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed them every other day, adjusting portion sizes based on their appetite.

Lighting

• Sarasins’ Giant Geckos do not require UVB lighting if their diet is properly supplemented, but providing low-level UVB can benefit their overall health.

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Health and Durability

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are generally hardy but can be sensitive to environmental changes and improper care. With proper care, they can live 15-20 years in captivity.

Common Health Issues

• Respiratory Infections: Caused by excessive humidity or poor ventilation.
• Dehydration: Occurs if humidity levels are too low.
• Tail Loss: While not harmful, it’s a sign of stress.

Preventative Care

• Maintain proper humidity and temperature levels.
• Handle them gently to avoid injury.
• Provide a balanced diet and clean water.

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Availability and Cost

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are not as commonly available as other gecko species, such as Crested Geckos or Leopard Geckos. They are considered a niche species in the reptile trade due to their limited natural habitat and specific care needs.

Where to Buy

• Breeders: The best option, as breeders can provide healthy, well-cared-for geckos.
• Reptile Expos: Occasionally available at specialty reptile expos.
• Pet Stores: Rarely found in pet stores.

Cost

• Gecko Price: Typically ranges from $300 to $500, depending on age, sex, and coloration.
• Setup Cost: Around $200 to $500 for a quality enclosure and supplies.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique and rare appearance.
• Fascinating behaviors and prehensile tail.
• Relatively low-maintenance compared to other reptiles.
• Long lifespan (15-20 years).

Cons

• Sensitive to environmental changes.
• Require daily misting and monitoring of humidity.
• Can be flighty, which may not suit all owners.
• Higher upfront cost compared to more common gecko species.

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Final Thoughts

Sarasins’ Giant Geckos are a truly unique and rewarding pet for reptile enthusiasts who are looking for something a little different. While they may not be as beginner-friendly as Crested Geckos, their rarity, beauty, and fascinating behaviors make them a standout choice for intermediate to advanced keepers. If you’re ready to commit to their specific care requirements and appreciate their observational charm, Sarasins’ Giant Geckos could be the perfect addition to your reptile family.

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Have you owned a Sarasins’ Giant Gecko? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you care for your gecko and what makes them special to you.

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