Rhacodactylus Auriculatus: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide

Rhacodactylus auriculatus, also known as the Southern Cassowary, is a large flightless bird native to Australia.

These birds can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh around 120 pounds, making them a significant presence in their natural habitat.

Their distinctive casque, or crest, on their heads is a characteristic feature that sets them apart from other birds.

In the wild, Southern Cassowaries are known to be solitary animals and have a large home range, often traveling long distances in search of food and mates.

A glass terrarium or mesh enclosure measuring at least 45x45x60cm (18x18x24”) is ideal for one adult Rhacodactylus auriculatus.

You can use a substrate mix of soil, bark, and moss to help regulate humidity levels, which should be between 50-70%. Light misting will increase humidity and allow your gecko to drink droplets of water.

Providing branches, vines, and plants will help create a natural environment for your gecko. A low UVB light is essential during the day, and you can use a T5 shadedwellers light, which has a better output for your animal.

A fresh viewpoint: Rhacodactylus Leachianus Gecko

A ceramic bulb connected to a pulse thermostat or a deep heat projector connected to a dimming thermostat can be used to heat the enclosure. Aim for a basking area of 28-31C (82-88F) and a background temperature of 25.5-29.5C (78-85F).

At night, the temperature can drop to 21-24C (70-75F). If you plan to breed your geckos, you'll need to cool them down to 16-20C (61-68F) for 4-6 weeks.

A moderate to high humidity range works best, and you can aim for 75-77% humidity, raising it to 100% when misted.

Rhacodactylus auriculatus, also known as the eastern bearded dragon, has several morphs that have been developed through selective breeding.

One of the most common morphs is the "normal" or "wild-type" morph, which is characterized by its typical color pattern and lack of any genetic anomalies.

The "leatherback" morph is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the scales, resulting in a smooth, leathery texture.

These morphs can be bred to produce offspring with unique characteristics, such as the "leatherback" morph, which can be combined with other morphs to create new and interesting variations.

The breeding process for Rhacodactylus auriculatus typically involves pairing a male with a female, and the sex of the offspring is determined by the sex chromosomes.

In captivity, breeding Rhacodactylus auriculatus requires a controlled environment with proper temperature, humidity, and lighting to simulate their natural habitat.

The eggs are incubated for a period of time, typically around 60-70 days, before hatching into young dragons that will eventually grow into adult morphs.

By carefully controlling the breeding process, breeders can produce high-quality offspring that exhibit the desired morph characteristics.

For more insights, see: Rhacodactylus Ciliatus

For a happy and healthy Rhacodactylus auriculatus, you'll want to provide a spacious enclosure with a minimum size of 45x45x60cm (18x18x24”).

A good substrate mix of soil, bark, and moss will help maintain humidity levels between 50-70%. You can increase humidity by lightly misting the enclosure.

Decorate the enclosure with branches, vines, and plants to mimic their natural environment. This will help your gecko feel at home.

A low UVB light should be on for 8-12 hours a day, depending on the season. I recommend using a T5 shadedwellers light, as it has a better output for your gecko.

Heating the enclosure is relatively simple with a ceramic bulb or deep heat projector. Aim for a basking area of 28-31C (82-88F) and a background temperature of 25.5-29.5C (78-85F).

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