How Long Do Chahoua Geckos Live?
Chahoua geckos commonly live 15 to 20 years, in line with other New Caledonian geckos. Like their relatives they are cool-climate forest animals, and heat is a hazard rather than a need.
Published lifespan figures
| Figure | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly published | 15-20 years | Comparable to other Rhacodactylus-group geckos |
| Long-lived | Yes | A serious commitment |
| Cool-keeping | Required | As with other New Caledonian geckos |
Checked September 20, 2026 against the sources at the foot of this page. Where sources differ the range is shown rather than averaged.
What actually shortens it
Published lifespans describe well-kept animals. The gap between the figure above and what a chahoua gecko actually lives is almost entirely husbandry, and these are the levers that matter most.
Temperatures kept too high
As with the other New Caledonian geckos, warmth is the risk rather than the requirement. Sustained temperatures above the low eighties cause chronic stress.
Low humidity
They come from humid forest and need consistent moisture. Chronic dryness causes retained shed, which around the toes can constrict and cost the animal digits.
Impaction
Loose particulate substrate swallowed with prey or licked up during exploration. It is a slow blockage rather than a sudden event, and it is one of the commonest preventable deaths in captive lizards.
Common questions
How long do chahoua geckos live?
Commonly 15 to 20 years, comparable to other New Caledonian geckos. They are a long-term commitment rather than a short-lived novelty.
What shortens a chahoua gecko's life?
Temperatures kept too high, and humidity kept too low. Retained shed around the toes from chronic dryness can constrict and cost the animal digits.
Are chahoua geckos harder to keep than crested geckos?
Broadly similar in requirements, with humidity needing closer attention. Their considerably higher price makes keepers more cautious, which probably helps.