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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, April 16th

April's meeting will focus on how to safely handle and present your reptile to the public. Please feel free to bring your own animal to show off.

Meetings start promptly at 8pm in the Alumni Room of Medaille College.

Annual Banquet

PLEASE NOTE: The annual banquet and recognition dinner will be rescheduled due to conflicts. The new date will likely be a Saturday in May, please contact a board member for more information.

Bibron's Gecko Care Sheet and Information

Please click here for a printable PDF version.

Common Name: Bibron's Gecko

Latin name: Pachydactylus bibroni

Native to: Southern Africa, Angola, and southern Tanzania

Size: Bibron's Geckos generally reach 6 inches (15 cm) in length, though they can reach sizes of 8 to 9 inches (20-22 cm).

General appearance: Bibron's geckos generally reach 6 inches (15 cm) in length, though they can reach sizes of 8 to 9 inches (20-22 cm).

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: Bibron's geckos do well in a 20-gallon or larger aquarium. A screen top for the enclosure will help with air circulation.

Temperature: Bibron's geckos are best kept at a temperature of 75° to 85° F (24° to 29° C) during the day, with a 90° to 95° F (32° to 35° C) basking spot. Nighttime temperatures should be 65° to 75° F (18° to 24° C).

Heat/Light: Both UVA and UVB light is recommended for Bibron's geckos and can be provided with proper fluorescent bulbs. Heat can be provided with infrared heat bulbs, basking bulbs, or ceramic emitters. Newer Active UV bulbs now available can be used as well. These self-ballasted bulbs provide UVA and UVB light as well as heat.

Substrate: Various substrates can be used including crushed coconut shell and orchid bark. Both of these will help to maintain a higher humidity level for the Bibron's gecko. Sphagnum moss can also be used to help raise the humidity.

Environment: Because the Bibron's gecko is an arboreal species, live potted or artificial plants can be used to provide a variety of climbing surfaces to climb on. Live plants can also help maintain the 65% humidity level that these geckos prefer.

Diet: As with most geckos, Bibron's geckos are insectivorous. They will eat a variety of insects including crickets, mealworms, super worms, and wax worms. When feeding your gecko insects it is important to gut load them before feeding to the gecko. Regular vitamin supplements applied to the prey can also prove beneficial in moderation as well.

Maintenance: Fresh water should be provided daily. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily and disinfected regularly. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the before placing the gecko back. Regular misting may also be required in order to maintain humidity levels. After handling your gecko or cage accessories it is always important to thoroughly wash your hands.

Other references or recommended reading:

"Rough Geckos." Cyberlizards. Updated 6 February 2001. Retrieved 8 September 2002. <http://www.nafcon.dircon.co.uk/geckos_pachy.html>

"Bibron Gecko Care Sheets." Animal Allsorts. Retrieved 8 September 2002. <http://www.reptileallsorts.com/bibrongecko.htm>

"Bibron's Gecko." Reptile Trust. Retrieved 8 September 2002. <http://www.eawt.org/reptiles/reptiles.asp>

"Bibron's Gecko." PETsMART. 2002. Retrieved 8 September 2002. <http://www.petsmart.com/.../article_3803.shtml>

Remember that in many places it is illegal to take wildlife out of the wild without the proper permits from local, state, or federal authorities. Please do not release any captive reptiles or amphibians into the wild as this will disrupt the natural order of our environment. See our amphibian and reptile adoptions page for more information on what to do with unwanted herps.

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