Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) Care Sheet
Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko (Eurydactylodes agricolae) is a small arboreal gecko endemic to New Caledonia. It belongs to a distinctive group of geckos commonly known as chameleon geckos because of their slow, deliberate movements, prehensile-looking tail use, textured skin and ability to alter their colour and pattern to some degree.
Although considerably smaller than Crested, Gargoyle and Leachianus Geckos, Eurydactylodes should not simply be maintained as miniature versions of those species.
They require:
- A vertically structured enclosure
- Dense planting and fine climbing branches
- Moderate temperatures
- Avoidance of excessive heat
- Appropriate humidity cycles
- Good ventilation
- Low-level UVB
- Bright daytime illumination
- A nutritionally complete gecko diet
- Regular appropriately sized live insects
Their small size makes them particularly vulnerable to:
overheating, dehydration and escape.
Captive-bred animals should always be preferred.
QUICK FACTS
Scientific name: Eurydactylodes agricolae
Common names: Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko, Agricola’s Chameleon Gecko
Family: Diplodactylidae
Native range: New Caledonia
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Primarily crepuscular/nocturnal, with some daytime activity possible
Adult total length: Approximately 4–5 in
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15+ years with appropriate care
Diet: Omnivorous — fruit/nectar-based foods and live invertebrates
Minimum enclosure for one adult: Approximately 1½ × 1½ × 2 ft
Preferred enclosure: Approximately 2 × 2 × 3 ft or larger
Warm daytime area: Approximately 23–26°C (73–79°F)
Cool area: Approximately 20–23°C (68–73°F)
Night: Approximately 18–22°C (64–72°F)
Maximum temperatures: Prolonged temperatures above approximately 28°C (82°F) should be avoided
Humidity: Approximately 60–80% with a clear drying cycle and good ventilation
UVB: Recommended
Suggested exposed UVI: Approximately 1–2
Diet: Complete gecko diet plus live insects
Housing: Individual housing safest; compatible pairs may be maintained for breeding
Handling: Limited and gentle
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Experience level: Beginner-intermediate to intermediate
TAXONOMY
The accepted scientific name is:
Eurydactylodes agricolae
It belongs to:
Family: Diplodactylidae
Genus: Eurydactylodes
The genus contains several closely related New Caledonian chameleon geckos.
OTHER CHAMELEON GECKOS
Other recognised members of the genus include species such as:
- Eurydactylodes vieillardi
- Eurydactylodes symmetricus
- Eurydactylodes occidentalis
Although their husbandry has similarities, animals should be identified correctly rather than assuming every Eurydactylodes is:
E. agricolae**.**
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko is endemic to:
New Caledonia.
This means its natural wild distribution is restricted to this island region of the southwest Pacific.
NATURAL HABITAT
The species occupies vegetated environments where it makes extensive use of:
- Shrubs
- Fine branches
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Bark
Unlike a heavy-bodied terrestrial gecko, Eurydactylodes is adapted to moving through:
dense three-dimensional vegetation.
ARBOREAL LIFESTYLE
Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos spend much of their time:
above ground.
The enclosure should therefore prioritise:
- Height
- Fine branches
- Dense foliage
- Horizontal perches
- Diagonal climbing routes
ADULT SIZE
Adults generally reach approximately:
4–5 in total length.
They are considerably smaller and more delicate than many other New Caledonian geckos commonly kept in captivity.
BODY STRUCTURE
Characteristic features include:
- Large eyes
- Broad adhesive toe pads
- Textured skin
- Slender limbs
- Relatively short, thick tail
- Slow deliberate movements
TAIL
The tail is used extensively while climbing and helps the animal negotiate:
fine branches and vegetation.
Never restrain a chameleon gecko by its tail.
DEFENSIVE SECRETION
One of the most unusual features of Eurydactylodes is the presence of specialised glands associated with the tail.
When severely disturbed, the gecko can produce a:
sticky defensive secretion.
This is another reason unnecessary restraint should be avoided.
COLOURATION
Individuals may display combinations of:
- Green
- Olive
- Brown
- Grey
- Cream
Colour and pattern can alter according to:
- Activity
- Environment
- Stress
- Time of day
BEHAVIOUR
These geckos are generally:
- Slow-moving
- Secretive
- Deliberate
- Arboreal
- Relatively calm
They are often seen resting on:
- Stems
- Branches
- Leaves
rather than hiding exclusively inside enclosed caves.
ACTIVITY
Activity is primarily:
crepuscular and nocturnal.
However, individuals may:
- Change resting position
- Drink
- Explore
- Cryptically bask
during daylight.
TEMPERAMENT
Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos can become tolerant of normal keeper activity.
However, their small size means they should be treated as:
delicate display animals.
HANDLING
Routine handling is unnecessary.
If handling is required:
- Allow the gecko to walk onto the hand
- Keep movements slow
- Remain close to a safe surface
- Avoid grabbing
ENCLOSURE PHILOSOPHY
A suitable enclosure should resemble:
dense, vertically structured vegetation.
An empty tall enclosure is not appropriate.
The gecko should be able to move between branches without repeatedly crossing exposed open space.
MINIMUM ADULT ENCLOSURE
For one adult, approximately:
1½ × 1½ × 2 ft
should be regarded as a practical minimum.
PREFERRED ENCLOSURE
Approximately:
2 × 2 × 3 ft
or larger provides considerably better opportunities for:
- Climbing
- Planting
- Thermal gradients
- Humidity gradients
- Enrichment
USABLE SPACE
Fill the enclosure with:
- Fine branches
- Cork
- Vines
- Live or artificial foliage
- Horizontal perches
- Diagonal climbing routes
BRANCH DIAMETER
Provide branches of:
several diameters.
Many should be relatively narrow because these small geckos naturally move through fine vegetation.
FOLIAGE
Dense foliage provides:
- Security
- Drinking surfaces
- Visual barriers
- Humidity pockets
- Resting sites
LIVE PLANTS
Suitable live plants can improve:
- Environmental complexity
- Humidity stability
- Drinking opportunities
- Visual cover
Ensure all plants are:
non-toxic and free from pesticides.
HIDES
Although foliage itself provides substantial security, also provide:
- Cork tubes
- Bark crevices
- Dense plant cover
The animal should always be able to:
remove itself from view.
SECURITY
This is a small gecko capable of exploiting:
very narrow gaps.
Check carefully around:
- Doors
- Cable ports
- Ventilation
- Backgrounds
- Lid edges
VENTILATION
Good airflow is essential.
High humidity should never be created by keeping the enclosure:
sealed and stagnant.
SUBSTRATE
Suitable substrates include moisture-retentive naturalistic mixtures containing:
- Organic topsoil
- Coco fibre in moderation
- Fine bark
- Leaf litter
A bioactive setup can work particularly well when properly established.
SUBSTRATE DEPTH
Approximately:
2–4 in
is adequate for general adult husbandry.
A deeper area is useful for:
- Plant roots
- Moisture buffering
- Breeding females
LEAF LITTER
A layer of leaf litter can provide:
- Moisture retention
- Microfauna habitat
- Environmental complexity
TEMPERATURE
Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos require:
moderate temperatures rather than intense tropical heat.
Overheating is a significant husbandry risk.
DAYTIME TEMPERATURE
Maintain most of the enclosure around:
23–26°C (73–79°F)
during the day.
COOL AREA
Provide cooler areas approximately:
20–23°C (68–73°F).
NIGHT TEMPERATURE
Night temperatures can fall toward approximately:
18–22°C (64–72°F).
HIGH TEMPERATURES
Prolonged temperatures above approximately:
28°C (82°F)
should be avoided.
Temperatures approaching or exceeding:
30°C (86°F)
can become dangerous, particularly without cooler refuges and adequate hydration.
SUMMER MANAGEMENT
During unusually warm weather, keepers may need to use:
- Increased room ventilation
- Fans outside the enclosure
- Cooler room positioning
- Air conditioning
to prevent dangerous overheating.
Never rely on spraying alone to correct:
excessive enclosure temperature.
BASKING
This species does not require the extreme basking temperatures associated with open-habitat diurnal lizards.
A gently warmed upper zone around:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
is sufficient.
HEAT SOURCE
Many homes may require little or no additional daytime heating.
If supplementary heat is necessary, use:
low-intensity thermostatically controlled overhead heat.
HEAT MATS
Heat mats are generally poor primary heat sources for an:
arboreal gecko.
Overhead heating produces a more natural vertical thermal gradient.
TEMPERATURE MONITORING
Use digital thermometers at:
- Upper warm area
- Middle enclosure
- Lower/cool area
Do not rely on a single thermometer.
UVB
Controlled UVB is recommended.
Although primarily crepuscular/nocturnal, these geckos inhabit environments where low-level ultraviolet exposure is available.
SUGGESTED EXPOSED UVI
Provide approximately:
UVI 1–2
in an accessible exposed upper area.
UV GRADIENT
The enclosure should also contain:
- Lower UVI
- Dense foliage
- Complete shade
- UV-free retreats
The animal should determine its own exposure.
WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE
A low-to-moderate output:
linear T5 UVB lamp
can be positioned above part of the enclosure.
Avoid flooding the entire enclosure with:
high UVI.
UVB AND FOLIAGE
Dense planting naturally creates:
dappled UV exposure.
This is highly appropriate for an arboreal gecko living among vegetation.
UVB PERCENTAGE
Do not choose a lamp solely by its advertised percentage.
Actual UVI depends on:
- Lamp model
- Reflector
- Distance
- Mesh
- Foliage
- Lamp age
MESH
Mesh can substantially reduce UVB reaching the animal.
Account for this when determining:
lamp distance.
UV METER
A UV meter provides the most reliable way to determine:
actual UVI at perch height.
VISIBLE-SPECTRUM LIGHTING
Provide:
bright daytime illumination.
Daylight-spectrum LED lighting is particularly useful in planted enclosures.
WHY DAYLIGHT MATTERS
Even a primarily nocturnal gecko experiences a strong natural:
day/night cycle.
Bright daytime lighting supports normal circadian cues.
PHOTOPERIOD
Approximately:
12 hours light / 12 hours dark
is a useful baseline.
Seasonal variation can also be provided.
NIGHT LIGHTING
Provide:
darkness at night.
Avoid permanent:
- Red lamps
- Blue lamps
- Purple lamps
HUMIDITY
Humidity should:
rise and fall naturally.
Constant saturation is inappropriate.
GENERAL HUMIDITY
Approximately:
60–80%
is a useful general range, but the enclosure should not remain continuously at the upper end.
HUMIDITY CYCLE
After misting, humidity may temporarily rise substantially.
It should then:
fall as surfaces dry.
This cycle is more important than trying to maintain one exact humidity number continuously.
MISTING
Light misting can normally be provided:
once or twice daily as required
depending on:
- Ventilation
- Room humidity
- Season
- Planting
- Substrate
DRYING PERIOD
Allow foliage and enclosure surfaces to:
partially dry between misting sessions.
VENTILATION
Good cross-ventilation helps prevent:
- Stagnant air
- Mould
- Persistent condensation
- Excessive bacterial growth
WATER
Provide fresh drinking water:
continuously.
DRINKING DROPLETS
Chameleon Geckos readily lick droplets from:
- Leaves
- Branches
- Glass
after misting.
This is an important hydration opportunity.
WATER BOWL
A small shallow water dish should still be provided.
Do not assume misting alone guarantees adequate hydration.
DIET
Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos are:
omnivorous.
Their captive diet should include both:
- Nutritionally complete fruit/nectar-style gecko diet
- Live invertebrates
COMPLETE GECKO DIET
A reputable nutritionally complete powdered gecko diet formulated for:
New Caledonian geckos
can form an important part of the diet.
Prepare according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
FRESHNESS
Remove uneaten prepared diet before it:
spoils.
In warm conditions this may need to be done relatively quickly.
LIVE INVERTEBRATES
Suitable prey includes:
- Small crickets
- Small roach nymphs
- Small locusts
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Small silkworms
- Other appropriately sized cultured insects
PREY SIZE
Because these are small geckos, feeder insects should be:
appropriately small.
Avoid excessively large prey.
WHY LIVE PREY MATTERS
Live insects provide:
- Animal protein
- Nutritional diversity
- Hunting opportunities
- Behavioural enrichment
A complete gecko diet should not automatically eliminate live-prey feeding.
FEEDING ADULTS
A practical adult schedule can include complete gecko diet approximately:
3–4 times per week
with appropriately sized live insects approximately:
1–2 times per week.
Adjust according to:
- Body condition
- Activity
- Reproductive status
- Individual appetite
FEEDING JUVENILES
Growing juveniles should receive food:
more frequently.
Complete gecko diet can be offered regularly, with small live insects several times per week.
GUT LOADING
Feeder insects should be:
properly gut loaded.
CALCIUM
Live insects should receive appropriate:
calcium supplementation.
MULTIVITAMINS
If a genuinely complete gecko diet forms a substantial part of feeding, remember that it already contains:
vitamins and minerals.
Avoid unnecessary over-supplementation.
VITAMIN D3
Where effective UVB is provided, supplemental vitamin D3 should generally be used:
conservatively.
BODY CONDITION
Monitor body condition carefully.
These are small animals, so seemingly minor changes in weight can be significant.
WEIGHING
An accurate digital gram scale is useful for monitoring:
- Juveniles
- Breeding females
- Newly acquired animals
- Animals with reduced appetite
ENRICHMENT
Useful enrichment includes:
- Dense vegetation
- Fine branches
- Multiple climbing routes
- Different perch diameters
- Live-prey hunting
- Visual barriers
- Different resting heights
HANDLING
Handling should be:
limited and gentle.
Allow the animal to walk voluntarily between hands rather than restraining it.
FALL RISK
Although excellent climbers, these are small animals.
Handle close to:
a safe surface.
DEFENSIVE SECRETIONS
Persistent grabbing or restraint can provoke the animal’s sticky defensive secretion.
This is a clear indication that the gecko is:
highly stressed.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Chameleon Geckos can display:
territorial behaviour.
MALES
Do not house:
adult males together.
Aggression and chronic social stress can occur.
MALE AND FEMALE PAIRS
Compatible male/female pairs are sometimes maintained successfully for breeding.
However, compatibility should always be:
monitored rather than assumed.
FEMALE STRESS
Watch for:
- Persistent hiding
- Weight loss
- Reduced feeding
- Repeated male pursuit
- Bite injuries
Separate animals where necessary.
INDIVIDUAL HOUSING
Individual housing remains:
the safest general recommendation.
BREEDING
Bauer’s Chameleon Geckos are:
oviparous — egg-laying.
Captive breeding is well established.
SEXUAL MATURITY
Do not breed animals merely because they have begun displaying reproductive behaviour.
Females should be:
- Mature
- Well grown
- In good body condition
before breeding.
FEMALE CONDITION
Egg production places increased demands on:
- Calcium
- Energy
- Hydration
Monitor breeding females carefully.
NESTING
Provide suitable laying areas containing:
slightly moist, diggable substrate.
LAYING AREA
Approximately:
3–4 in or more
of suitable substrate is useful in potential nesting areas.
CLUTCH SIZE
Females typically produce:
small clutches, commonly two eggs.
More than one clutch may be produced during a reproductive season.
SPERM STORAGE
Female geckos may be capable of producing additional fertile clutches after mating.
Therefore, separating a female from a male does not necessarily mean:
subsequent eggs will be infertile.
EGG HANDLING
If eggs are removed for artificial incubation:
avoid unnecessary rotation.
INCUBATION
Eggs should be incubated under:
- Stable moderate temperatures
- Appropriate humidity
- Adequate gas exchange
Avoid excessively high temperatures in an attempt to:
accelerate development.
HATCHLINGS
Hatchlings are extremely small.
Accommodation must be:
completely escape-proof.
HATCHLING ENCLOSURE
Provide:
- Fine branches
- Dense foliage
- Small hides
- Appropriate humidity
- Gentle warmth
- Low-level UVB
- Fresh water
- Tiny food portions
HATCHLING FEEDING
Offer:
- Small portions of complete gecko diet
- Pinhead crickets
- Tiny roach nymphs
- Other appropriately sized cultured insects
Growing juveniles should receive food:
frequently.
HATCHLING HYDRATION
Small juveniles can dehydrate quickly.
Provide regular:
fine drinking droplets
while maintaining good ventilation.
QUARANTINE
New animals should undergo:
strict quarantine.
Approximately:
60–90 days
is a sensible minimum.
QUARANTINE MONITORING
Record:
- Weight
- Appetite
- Faeces
- Hydration
- Shedding
- Activity
- Respiration
CAPTIVE-BRED SOURCING
Animals in the hobby should be sourced from:
responsible captive-bred lines wherever possible.
Keep records of:
- Breeder
- Parentage where known
- Hatch date
- Sex
- Acquisition date
COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS
Potential problems include:
- Overheating
- Dehydration
- Metabolic bone disease
- Retained shed
- Weight loss
- Obesity
- Respiratory disease
- Skin problems
- Parasites
- Reproductive disease
OVERHEATING
Overheating is one of the most important preventable risks.
Warning signs can include:
- Persistent attempts to escape heat
- Unusual inactivity
- Weakness
- Open-mouth breathing
- Loss of coordination
A severely overheated reptile requires:
urgent attention.
DEHYDRATION
Possible signs include:
- Sunken appearance
- Poor shedding
- Reduced activity
- Weight loss
Review:
- Misting
- Drinking opportunities
- Ventilation
- Temperature
- Humidity cycle
METABOLIC BONE DISEASE
Possible signs include:
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Abnormal limbs
- Soft jaw
- Poor climbing ability
- Fractures
MBD PREVENTION
Provide:
- Appropriate UVB
- Balanced complete diet
- Properly supplemented insects
- Appropriate calcium
- Correct temperatures
RETAINED SHED
Pay particular attention to:
- Toes
- Feet
- Tail
Persistent retained shed can impair circulation.
TOE HEALTH
Healthy toes are essential for an:
arboreal adhesive climber.
Inspect them regularly.
RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Potential contributing factors include:
- Constantly wet conditions
- Poor ventilation
- Incorrect temperatures
- Chronic stress
Abnormal breathing requires veterinary assessment.
CLEANING
Remove:
- Faeces
- Spoiled prepared diet
- Dead insects
- Contaminated substrate
promptly.
FEEDING LEDGES
Food cups and feeding ledges should be:
washed regularly.
Prepared gecko diet should never be allowed to remain until it becomes mouldy.
BIOACTIVE ENCLOSURES
A bioactive system can be highly suitable but is:
not maintenance-free.
Continue to monitor:
- Waste accumulation
- Plant condition
- Drainage
- Mould
- Pest populations
- Substrate condition
CONSERVATION AND SOURCING
New Caledonia contains an exceptionally distinctive reptile fauna with many:
endemic species.
Captive populations should therefore be maintained with good provenance records wherever possible.
CITES
Eurydactylodes agricolae is not generally treated as a CITES-listed species at present.
However, CITES status is not the only legislation that may govern:
- Collection
- Export
- Import
- Transport
- Sale
IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN
Requirements concerning:
- Acquisition
- Import
- Export
- Commercial movement
- Sale
- Transport
can differ between:
- Republic of Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Great Britain
- European Union
Check current requirements before international movement.
NEVER RELEASE CAPTIVE ANIMALS
Never release a captive Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko into:
the wild.
COMMON HUSBANDRY MISTAKES
Common mistakes include:
- Keeping the species too warm
- Allowing prolonged temperatures above approximately 28°C (82°F)
- Providing no cool retreat
- Using intense basking heat intended for desert reptiles
- Using a small empty enclosure
- Providing height without fine climbing structure
- Providing too little foliage
- Poor ventilation
- Keeping the enclosure constantly saturated
- Allowing the enclosure to become completely dry for prolonged periods
- Providing no UVB solely because the species is nocturnal
- Using excessive UVB without shaded retreats
- Failing to account for mesh and lamp distance
- Maintaining a dim daytime environment
- Relying entirely on misting without providing drinking water
- Feeding only prepared gecko diet
- Feeding only insects
- Using oversized insects
- Poor feeder gut loading
- Excessive supplementation
- Excessive handling
- Restraining the animal by its tail
- Housing adult males together
- Ignoring social stress
- Breeding undersized females
- Failing to quarantine new animals
- Failing to maintain provenance records
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
Before obtaining a Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko, ensure you can provide:
- At least approximately 1½ × 1½ × 2 ft for one adult
- Preferably approximately 2 × 2 × 3 ft or larger
- Dense vertical structure
- Fine branches and vines
- Abundant foliage
- Multiple secure retreats
- Daytime temperatures around 23–26°C (73–79°F)
- Cooler areas around 20–23°C (68–73°F)
- Night temperatures around 18–22°C (64–72°F)
- Protection from prolonged temperatures above approximately 28°C (82°F)
- Low-level controlled UVB
- Approximately UVI 1–2 in accessible exposed areas
- Extensive shade and UV-free retreats
- Bright daytime illumination
- Approximately 60–80% humidity with a clear drying cycle
- Good ventilation
- Fresh drinking water
- Regular drinking droplets
- A nutritionally complete gecko diet
- Appropriately sized live insects
- Correct supplementation
- Escape-proof accommodation
- Quarantine facilities
- Access to a suitably experienced reptile veterinarian
- The ability to provide care for potentially 10–15+ years
HUSBANDRY SUMMARY
Adult size: Approximately 4–5 in total length
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15+ years
Adult enclosure: Minimum approximately 1½ × 1½ × 2 ft; approximately 2 × 2 × 3 ft or larger preferred
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Daytime temperature: Approximately 23–26°C (73–79°F)
Cool area: Approximately 20–23°C (68–73°F)
Night: Approximately 18–22°C (64–72°F)
Upper warm area: Approximately 26–28°C (79–82°F)
High-temperature warning: Avoid prolonged temperatures above approximately 28°C (82°F)
UVB: Low-level linear UVB recommended
Suggested exposed UVI: Approximately 1–2 with extensive shade
Humidity: Approximately 60–80% with a clear daily drying cycle
Water: Fresh water continuously plus drinking droplets after misting
Diet: Complete New Caledonian gecko diet plus appropriately sized live insects
Housing: Individual housing safest; compatible breeding pairs with careful monitoring
Handling: Limited and gentle
Experience level: Beginner-intermediate to intermediate
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: September 2026