The genus is native to the remote New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands.

The 41 species are moderately small to medium-sized geckos, and are distinguished from other genera by their tail length and the shape of their digits.

The generic name, Bavayia, is in honor of Arthur Bavay, a French pharmacist and herpetologist.

[2] All species of Bavayia have elongated digits, with each claw on the edge of each seta.

Bavayia species are nocturnal, and spend the daylight hours hiding under bark or rocks, or in tree holes.