Goniurosaurus huuliensis

(Orlov et al., 1897)

Distribution:

Common name- Vietnamese Tiger Gecko

Found in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province, Northeastern Vietnam.  

Currently the Goniurosaurus lichetenfelderi population is considered 'critically endangered'.

Goniurosaurus huuliensis is in the G. luii group of cave geckos.

Description:

G. huuliensis have a more long, slimmer body shape. They are considered the largest of the Goniurosaurus genus and have an overall length of about 22.5 centimeters (9 inches).  Adults have a grey to brown body color with 5 wide yellow/brown bands highlighted in black on their body.    Goniurosaurus hainanensis and G. luii are often confused as they look very similar.  The coloration of the juveniles differs from their parents as they display a very dark black body coloration with 5 white 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. huuliensis are crepuscular (active at dawn and dust) and nocturnal.

Habitat:

The G. huuliensis 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