Bavay's gecko (Bavayia sauvagii)

Short answers

Bavay's gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×50 cm.

Bavay's gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–21 °C.

Bavay's gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).

Bavay's gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Bavay's gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

17–21 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×50 cm

Substrate

Coco humus, cork bark, climbing branches, planting

Feeding

Food

Small insects, fruit purée (CGD)

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

9–12 cm total length

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

New Caledonia: Grande Terre, Île des Pins and Maré (Loyalty Islands) as well as offshore islets; forest and scrubland

Protection status

Export prohibited – only European captive-bred animals

Brumation

A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is the least stressful. A pair (1.1) is possible, but: the male's courtship can become so rough that the female suffers seriously — watch the animals and be ready to separate the female in time. Two males do not work together; they fight over territory and the best hides. Groups with several females are not recommended: females also attack each other, and keepers report injuries and deaths. Several hides are important so an animal can get out of the way, and feed separately as soon as the animals differ in size.

Notes

A small, nocturnal New Caledonian – ideal for compact terrariums. It takes group keeping better than the giant geckos. It readily accepts fruit puree.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Robust bavayia (Bavayia robusta) – Beginner
• Agricola's chameleon gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) – Intermediate
• Mossy New Caledonian gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) – Beginner to intermediate
• Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) – Beginner
• Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) – Beginner
• New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) – Intermediate
• Jalu mossy gecko (Mniarogekko jalu) – Intermediate
• Rough-snouted giant gecko (Rhacodactylus trachycephalus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bavay's gecko (Bavayia sauvagii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, cork bark, climbing branches, planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.