Goniurosaurus hainanensis

(Barbour, 1908)

Distribution:

Common name- Chinese cave gecko, Hainen cave gecko, cave gecko

Found in the south east section of the Hainan Island, China.  

Currently the Goniurosaurus hainanensis population is stable.

Goniurosaurus hainanensis is in the G. lichtenfelderi group of cave geckos.

G. hainanensis is the most common cave gecko species found in the hobby.   Almost all geckos labeled 'cave gecko' or 'Chinese cave gecko' will be Goniurosaurus hainanensis.  You can most often find them for sale at reptile shows, local pet stores, or on-line.    

Description:

G. hainanensis have a more compact or robust body shape. They have an overall length of about 17.5 centimeters (7 inches).  They have a grey to dark black body color with broad 4 broad bands on their bodies.   A feature of G. hainanensis that stands out is the bright red eyes.  The coloration of the juveniles differs from their parents as they display a very dark black body coloration with 4 bright white/yellow/orange bands across their body.   They typically live to around 10 years but may live as long as 15.  This is a very shy gecko and special setup considerations should be followed.  G. hainanensis are crepuscular (active at dawn and dust) and nocturnal.

Habitat:

The G. hainanensis geckos can be found in forest areas featuring rocky areas of limestone.  It is found along streams with thick forest vegetation nearby.  Occasionally they can be found in caves as well.  These areas offer consistent high humidity and a cooler environment.   They will be found occasionally in cave areas but mostly feel more comfortable hiding beneath rocks, fallen wood, and within the leaf litter of the forest floor.   Note- they are found in a very specific microhabitats and generally in low population densities.

Husbandry and Breeding:

See Cave Gecko General Care.

Text and Photos: Wally Kern, Supreme Gecko