Goniurosaurus kuriowae

(Namive, 1912)

Distribution:

Common name- Kuroiwa's ground gecko

Found in the Japanese islands of Okinawajima, and northern islands of Okinawa Sesokojima and Kourijima.  

Currently the Goniurosaurus hainanensis population is considered 'vulnerable'.

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

Description:

G. hainanensis have slimmer body shapes. They have an overall length of about 15 centimeters (6 inches).  They have a very dark body color with small ringed bands on their tails.  There is thought that there are two different locations or, possible subspecies in the hobby.  The G. kuriowae found in the north have bands.  The G. kuriowae found in the south have a stripe running down their dorsal and seem to be a bit darker in color.  The coloration of the juveniles differs from their parents as they display a very dark black body coloration with 4 bright 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. kuriowae are crepuscular (active at dawn and dust) and nocturnal.

Habitat:

The G. kuriowae 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