The Crested gecko is one of 5 species in the genus currently known, but due to the remote and inaccessible nature of some of the offshore islands they inhabit there may be other species and sub-species described in the future. The Crested Gecko was thought to be possibly extinct for over 100 years until in 1994 it was rediscovered by two independent groups (Wilhelm Henkel, & Philippe DeVosjoli, Frank Fast) on the Isle of Pines.

It is found on or near ground level often in leaf litter during the day, from where it climbs into trees and shrubs at dusk. Unlike the New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus ) , the largest living gecko in the world, which lives most of its life 30-120 ft  off the ground, the Crested Gecko rarely ascends to more than 12 feet (de Vosjoli 1995 ).

Despite the recent rediscovery of this amazing looking gecko, it was found to be more numerous than was originally thought, and furthermore has proved to be a prolific breeder in captivity. The maintenance temperature for this species should be between 74.3 F (23.5 C) to 84 F (28.8 C) which corresponds to the night / day temperatures experienced in the wild. A period of cooler night temperatures can be instigated in winter 60-66 F (16-19 C). Humidity levels at 74% to 84% can be maintained by simply spraying through the screen tops or sides of their cage. Good ventilation is essential for these animals and mesh cages such as RepCage aluminium screen cages have proven to be excellent for this purpose.

Cage furniture should  consist of cork bark hides or cardboard tubes for them to hide in, with floor coverings of Bark chips, dry leaves or newspaper. Food consists of crickets, giant mealworms, cockroaches, locusts, wax moth larvae and pink mice. Equally alternate this with such foods as nectar mixes, baby foods, mashed non citrus fruits such as mango, banana and papaya. The baby foods are a good method of adding calcium and multivitamins to the diet. Fresh water should be provided in a ceramic dish at all times.