Rhacodactylus: Complete Guide to their Selection

This book has already been on store shelves for a few months now, and it has made quite a splash. The secret to the success of this publication is really no secret at all. Excellent research and writing combined with impeccable timing have made this work one of this years finest.

Avid reptile keepers should be well familiar with the work of Mr. de Vosjoli. Aside from founding the American Federation of Herpetoculturists, and publishing Vivarium magazine, he has also authored dozens of books on all aspects of reptile keeping. His experience with a huge variety of harps is truly astounding. Co-authors Fast and Repashy have also done their part to further the advancement of reptile keeping world wide. Both Repashy and Fast have had great success with establishing large breeding colonies of many different species. In fact, you may recognize Allen Repahsy's name as co-owner of the famous Sandfire Dragon Ranch in Southern California. Fast on the other hand is responsible for obtaining much of what we know of these geckos natural history based on a series of expeditions to their home range of New Caledonia.

I could easily go on and on about the various contributions that this trio has made to our hobby, but I would be doing you all a disservice if I failed to move along and point out some of the fine features of this book.

The genus Rhacodactylus includes a small group of very unique geckos endemic to New Caledonia, and nowhere else in the world. By far the most widely known of these is R. ciliatus, the created gecko. Crested geckos are unquestionably growing in popularity like weeds due to their ease of care and personable attitudes. Despite the thousands of crested geckos being sold annually, their was no definitive book on their natural history and care, mainly because up to only a few years ago, the species was assumed to be extinct. This book arrived just in time, and has given new insight into the care and breeding of a truly awesome group of lizards.

Aside from the very large in-depth chapter on Crested Geckos, you will also find complete care and breeding data on all of the other known species in the genus. As mentioned, R. ciliatus and R. leachianus are covered. Additionally there are chapters on R. auriculatus, R. chahoua, R. sarasinorum, and R. trachyphalus, as well as all recognized subspecies.

Much of the information shared in this book is being published for the first time. Years of hard work, and much trial and error have gone into the refinement of the husbandry techniques revealed in these pages. This is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill care book. This is a professional quality, scholastic work that we are very lucky to have access to. The manufacturer's suggested retail price of $39.95 is surprisingly low for such valuable information.

An introduction, chapter on gecko diseases, as well as 5 appendices will no doubt leave little to the imagination. The production quality of this book is fantastic, the photos are outstanding, and the information is unsurpassed. If you have a Rhacodactylus gecko, are thinking of getting one, or just want to add a book to your library that is sure to become a classic, then pick up a copy today!

Soft Cover, 296 pages, many glossy color photos. As always, you can get your copy today at LLLReptile.com