Crested gecko: what a study on jumping changes about choosing perches
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is constantly jumping from one perch to another in its terrarium, yet enclosure layout is rarely planned around how it actually lands. A study by Higham, Hofmann, Modert, Thielen and Speck, published in 2021 in Scientific Reports, filmed crested geckos at high speed jumping toward horizontal, 45-degree and vertical platforms, and found that the animal does not adjust its body orientation mid-air, making the nature of the landing surface decisive for absorbing the impact (research on Google Scholar). Find all our gear in the accessories section.
Why the surface incline changes the impact
On a vertical platform, take-off velocity is lower than toward a horizontal target, but body curvature and landing duration both increase markedly: the gecko actively engages its adhesive system to avoid slipping, which spreads and reduces the impact force on contact. On a horizontal surface, landing is shorter and more direct.
What this means for choosing branches
Strictly horizontal branches, easy to install, are not necessarily the most comfortable to land on: a mix of horizontal, angled and near-vertical perches better matches the range of grips the species meets in the wild and knows how to use to cushion its landing.
Where to avoid smooth vertical surfaces
Terrarium glass remains the worst landing target: smooth, vertical, offering no grip for the gecko's adhesive system to properly engage, it concentrates the impact instead of spreading it. Position branches and climbing features far enough from glass walls that a misjudged jump does not land directly on them.
Adjusting spacing to the animal's age
A juvenile, lighter and less experienced, benefits from shorter jump distances between perches while it fine-tunes its coordination; spacing can widen gradually as the animal grows and gains confidence in its movements.
- Mid-air behaviour: the gecko does not reorient its body once a jump is under way.
- Vertical surface: longer, more curved landing, impact better absorbed if the adhesive system engages well.
- Recommended layout: mix horizontal, angled and vertical perches.
- Zone to avoid: smooth glass directly in line with habitual jump paths.
This choice of perches complements our guide to setting up a crested gecko terrarium, and connects with our notes on the vertical terrarium and humidity this arboreal species needs.
FAQ
Should all vertical perches be removed from the terrarium?
No, they are part of the species' natural movement repertoire; the key is varying the inclines rather than offering only one type.
Do adult geckos take more risks when jumping than juveniles?
Adults are generally more confident in their trajectories, but a poorly planned layout remains risky at any age.
Does resin decor grip as well as a real branch for adhesion?
Textured-surface decor comes closer than smooth resin; check that the gecko can engage its adhesive lamellae on it without slipping.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Reptiles universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.