PINE ISLE CHAHOUA GECKO (Rhacodactylus chahoua)

Here’s a complete care guide for the Pine Island Chahoua Gecko (Rhacodactylus chahoua), also known as the Pine Isle Gecko, a rare and highly sought-after New Caledonian gecko species.

Species Overview

• Common Name: Pine Island Chahoua Gecko

• Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus chahoua (Pine Island locale)

• Native to: Île des Pins (Pine Island), New Caledonia

• Lifespan: 15–20+ years in captivity

• Size: 11–13 inches (longer/heavier than mainland variety)

• Temperament: Curious, calm, handleable with socialization

• Tail: Prehensile (used for gripping branches and balance)

Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

• Pine Island Chahouas are larger and heavier than their mainland counterparts, so give them more vertical and horizontal space.

Enclosure Type

• Vertical glass terrarium with front-opening doors is best

• Mesh tops allow good airflow

• Ideal for bioactive vivariums

Substrate

• Best options:

  • Bioactive (ABG mix + springtails/isopods)

  • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth), sphagnum moss mix

• Quarantine: Use paper towels for easier cleaning

Décor

• Cork bark, bamboo, driftwood, thick branches

• Dense foliage (live or fake) for climbing and security

• Multiple hides at different levels

• Climbing structures must support a heavier-bodied gecko

️ Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

• Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C)

• Nighttime: 65–72°F (18–22°C)

• Avoid temps over 82°F — they can overheat easily

Heating

• Not usually required if your room is within temp range

• If needed, use a low-watt ceramic heat emitter with a thermostat

Lighting

• Optional low-level UVB (Zoo Med T5 5.0 or Arcadia ShadeDweller)

• 12-hour light/dark cycle

• UVB can enhance activity, bone health, and breeding success

Humidity & Hydration

• Target humidity: 60–80%

• Mist 1–2x/day (morning and evening)

• Use a digital hygrometer to monitor

• Allow some dry-out between mistings

• Water dish optional — most drink from misted surfaces

Diet & Feeding

Staple Diet

• Commercial Gecko Diets (CGDs)

  • Brands: Repashy, Pangea, BPZ, Zoo Med

  • Feed fresh every 2–3 days

  • Rotate flavors for variety

Insects (2–3x/week)

• Gut-loaded and dusted crickets or dubia roaches

• Offer in evening when gecko is active

• Use a feeding tongs or bowl to avoid loose feeders in enclosure

Optional: Waxworms or hornworms as occasional treats.

Supplements

• Calcium + D3: 2x/week (unless using UVB)

• Multivitamin: 1x/week

• If using UVB, adjust D3 to 1x/week or less

Handling & Temperament

• Pine Islands are often calmer and easier to tame than some mainland morphs

• Can become very personable with gentle, regular handling

• Always support their body and tail

• Limit handling to 10–15 minutes a few times a week for trust-building

⚠️ Common Issues to Avoid

✅ Supplies Checklist

• Tall terrarium (18x18x24″+)

• Substrate (bioactive or loose natural)

• Branches, cork bark, foliage

• Digital thermometer & hygrometer

• Misting system or spray bottle

• CGD diet & small food dishes

• Calcium + D3 and multivitamin

• Optional UVB light and timer