Description:
Scientific name: Correlophus sarasinorum
Life span: 12-15 years
A member of the family Diplodactylidae, Correlophus sarasinorum is also known as Roux’s gigantic gecko, Sarasins’ giant gecko, Sarasin’s [sic] giant gecko, and the suras gecko. The suras gecko’s natural hue ranges from brown to gray. There are two color patterns. The recessive trait is a white “V” pattern, whereas the dominant trait is a white “spotted” variation. At times, the gecko has been compared to a giant Correlophus ciliatus with larger eyes.
Native Region/Habitat
The species is indigenous to Grande Terre, a small island off the coast of New Caledonia. C. sarasinorum prefers to live in forests and shrubland at altitudes of 20 to 600 m. (66–1,969 ft).
Behavior:
The Rhacodactylus (sensu lato) gecko C. sarasinorum is nocturnal and less arboreal than the others. It frequently turns up concealed beneath loose bark or leaf debris. By sleeping face up on plants or in small trees, this species avoids the usual FTS (Floppy Tail Syndrome) that is brought on by geckos sleeping upside down.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Sarasinorum geckos may resemble the more well-known crested gecko in general, but they require a larger enclosure due to their size. A single Sarasinorum gecko should live in a terrarium that is at least 24″ x 24″ x 48″ in size, however larger is usually preferable.
A digital probe thermometer with the probe on the basking surface should register a moderate basking temperature of 88°F for Sarasinorum geckos. The enclosure’s lower cool zone should maintain a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, heat lamps ought to be switched off. Temperatures at night can fall as low as 65°F.
Sarasinorum geckos require an environment with a high humidity level, ideally between 60 and 80%, though this can fluctuate between 50% and 100%. Use a digital probe hygrometer to measure humidity levels by placing the probe in the center of the terrarium.
Because Sarasinorum geckos are omnivores, they require a balanced diet of both plant and animal stuff to provide their bodies with the nutrients they require. They mostly consume berries and insects in the wild. It is advisable to feed crested geckos in captivity at a premium, specially made crested gecko diet (CGD) in addition to live insect feeders.
Age affects how frequently Sarasinorum geckos must eat:
- Infants (0-12 months): CGD daily, insects once or twice per week.
- Adults (>12 months): CGD every 2 to 3 days; insects: once per week.
Sarasinorum geckos are arboreal, hence CGD shouldn’t be offered on the ground but rather on a feeding ledge installed on a wall.
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