Kuhl's Flying Gecko (Ptychozoon kuhlii)

Common Name: Kuhl's Flying Gecko
Scientific Name: Ptychozoon kuhlii
Source: WC
Adult Size: 15–20cm (6–8 inches) including tail
Native Range: South-East Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and surrounding islands

Enclosure: A minimum 60×45×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult — a taller enclosure is preferred as this is an arboreal (tree-dwelling) species that spends most of its time elevated. Furnish with plenty of vertical cork bark, sturdy branches, and live or artificial tropical foliage to provide cover and climbing opportunities. A bioactive-style substrate of coconut fibre or organic topsoil helps maintain the high humidity this species requires.
Heating: Aim for a daytime ambient temperature of 26–29°C, with a warm basking area around 30–32°C. Temperatures can drop to 22–24°C overnight, mimicking the natural cooling of tropical forest nights.
Humidity: Maintain humidity between 70–90%. This is best achieved through regular misting of the enclosure once or twice daily, combined with live plants and a moisture-retentive substrate. Good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant, overly saturated air.
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 20–30cm from the lamp if it chooses. Although Kuhl's Flying Geckos are largely crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), low-level UVB exposure supports long-term health and is strongly recommended.
Diet: Insectivorous (insect-eating) — feed a varied diet of appropriately sized live insects including crickets, dubia roaches, and small mealworms. Adults can be fed every 2–3 days; juveniles benefit from daily feeding. All insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement at every other feeding, with a combined calcium-and-multivitamin supplement used once a week.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Kuhl's Flying Gecko is one of nature's most extraordinary lizards — a master of camouflage and an accomplished glider, native to the humid rainforests of South-East Asia. The flattened fringe of skin along its body, limbs, and tail, combined with its bark-like patterning, allows it to vanish almost completely against a tree trunk, and its webbed feet act as a parachute when it launches itself between trees.

This is a display species rather than a hands-on pet — Flying Geckos are shy and delicate, and frequent handling causes them stress, so they are best appreciated as a fascinating vivarium inhabitant. They reward patient keepers with incredible natural behaviour and are a superb choice for anyone looking to set up a lush tropical bioactive vivarium.