This article was used by express permission by the author, Allen Repashy of Repashy Reptiles.

I'd like to personally thank Allen for not only letting me use this article on my website, but also for writing it.  This article actually introduced me to the crested gecko and little did I know at the time, this article would eventually lead to me pursuing my hobby as a career.  A lot has changed with crested gecko morphs and such in the 6+ years since this article was written, but it still remains the most comprehensive artcle written on the species to date.

-Anthony Caponetto

A note from the Author
This is the unedited version of my article for the Reptiles USA 2002 Annual. It is about 5500 words as compared to the edited version of about 3800 that was published in the Reptiles USA Annual.

Allen Repashy
Repashy Reptiles

All images found in the unedited version of the article are property of Anthony Caponetto Reptiles.
All images were added in 2003 at the recommendation of the author. 

The Perfect Pet Gecko - 2002

Introduction
The Crested gecko was introduced into the hobby in 1994, when it was brought into the limelight by its "rediscovery" (from a presumed extinction) in that year by two independent parties searching for herpetofauna in New Caledonia. Who could know, then, that this interesting species would in the matter of five years become one of the most popular species of geckos kept in captivity. Not since the Leopard Gecko, has there been a species with so many interesting characteristics and positive qualities. In many ways, the Crested Gecko is the perfect gecko for both the beginner and advanced Reptile hobbyist.

Behavior
The Crested Gecko is a large, and very robust species of gecko that can reach a total length of about ten inches. It falls into the "wall climbing" category. Like many Geckos, It has adhesive toe pads that allow it to climb almost any surface, including glass. Rhacodactylus, however, also has a prehensile tail with an additional adhesive pad on the tip. This "extra limb", allows the Crested Gecko excellent maneuverability in its primary habitat of dense vegetation. They have also developed the ability to leap several feet, in an almost frog-like fashion. This skill allows
The Crested Gecko quick access to that branch that is just out of reach.
They also have the ability to vocalize, and at night, sounds can be heard that are similar to growls, barks and clicks. These sounds seem to be the result of interaction between individuals, as specimens kept individually do not seem to call (casual observation).

Crested Geckos, as with the other members of Rhacodactylus, have shown to be a very long lived species. Only time will tell the average life expectancy of the Crested Gecko. At Sandfire Dragon Ranch, we have specimens that were acquired as adults in 1994. This would put their minimum age at the writing of this article at about 10 years. We have not yet had any Crested Geckos die from what would appear to be old age. These individuals, and their first generation offspring still have the look of animals in their prime, and the original females are still producing eggs on par with our young females. It is my estimation that Crested Geckos could easily live in excess of 20 years.

In Captivity, the Crested Gecko has proven to be amongst the hardiest of all Reptiles. They are recommended as one of the best species for a beginning hobbyist, yet they have many characteristics that will attract even the most advanced of keepers.