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Description
Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko
Scientific Name: Eurydactylodes agricolae
Common Name: Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko, New Caledonian Chameleon Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adult Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos typically reach 4–5.5 inches (10–14 cm) in total length, including the tail. They have slender, elongated bodies, fine granular skin, and a prehensile tail that aids in balance and climbing.
Appearance: Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos are among the most distinctive species from New Caledonia, capable of subtle colour changes based on mood, temperature, and lighting. Their base colour ranges from soft olive green to grey or brown, often mottled with pale yellow, white, or mossy speckles that mimic lichen. Their granular skin diffuses light, enhancing camouflage among bark and leaves. With large, expressive eyes and a gentle demeanour, they are prized as one of the more delicate and visually fascinating arboreal geckos.
Distribution: Endemic to New Caledonia, particularly the southern and southeastern regions of Grande Terre, where they inhabit humid forests and densely vegetated woodlands.
Habitat: In nature, Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos live in humid, arboreal environments, often on tree branches or within dense foliage. In captivity, they thrive in vertically oriented, naturalistic terrariums that provide climbing opportunities, moisture, and heavy plant cover.
Behaviour: These geckos are calm, deliberate, and primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They rely on camouflage rather than speed and can shift between subtle shades to match their surroundings. Though gentle, their skin and tails are fragile, so handling should be kept to a minimum.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a vertical enclosure of at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) for an adult or pair. Furnish with cork bark, vines, driftwood, and dense live or artificial foliage to offer climbing and hiding opportunities. Bioactive or naturalistic setups with live plants such as pothos, philodendron, and ficus are ideal for maintaining humidity and environmental balance.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures between 75–82°F (24–28°C) and nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Avoid temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Keep humidity between 70–90%, achieved through daily misting and adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation.
Lighting: Provide low to moderate UVB lighting (2–7%) on a 12-hour day/night cycle. While largely nocturnal, Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos benefit from low-level UVB exposure and natural light cycles to maintain healthy calcium metabolism and stable activity patterns.
Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of gut-loaded crickets, roaches, silkworms, and black soldier fly larvae, alongside fruit-nectar diets formulated for New Caledonian species. Dust live insects with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Adults can be fed 3–4 times per week.
Behaviour in Captivity: Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos are calm and make excellent display animals for naturalistic terrariums. They adapt well to stable, humid conditions and often perch in open view during the evening. With proper care, they can live 10–15 years in captivity.
Special Considerations: These geckos are delicate and capable of tail autotomy (dropping the tail) if stressed. Handle only when necessary, supporting the body fully. Avoid dry or overheated conditions, as humidity and temperature stability are key to long-term health.
Taxonomy Note
The Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) belongs to the family Diplodactylidae, which includes other New Caledonian species such as Rhacodactylus (Crested Geckos) and Mniarogekko (Mossy Geckos). Members of Eurydactylodes are known for their prehensile tails, granular skin, and slow, chameleon-like movement. The species was named in honour of herpetologist Aaron Bauer, who extensively studied New Caledonian reptiles.
Genetics Note
There are currently no recognized morphs or genetic colour variations of Eurydactylodes agricolae. However, natural locality variation occurs, with some individuals showing brighter greens, heavier speckling, or subtle yellow undertones. These differences are environmental and regional rather than selectively bred traits.