New Caledonian Giant Gecko - Rhacodactylus leachianus
Habitat:
Arboreal-live primary tropical forests
Range:
Native of both the mainland and several islands off the shore of New Caledonia
Activity Cycle:
Nocturnal
Features:
Have a prehensile tail. The large feet and the tip of the tail are covered in lame/lae (modified scales). These allow the gecko to crawl up almost any vertical surface including glass.
Size:
Varies depending on locale. Grand Terres are the largest and may be well over 200 grams and 17 inches total length. These are individuals found on the mainland. Specimens from the surrounding islands are smaller and reach around 12 inches in length.
Social Structure:
Solitary
Life Expectancy:
15-20 years in captivity
Diet:
Omnivore- In the wild they will eat both insects, lizards, small mammals and rotting fruits and flowers
Status:
Is listed least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Interesting Facts:
- Many of the locals in New Caledonia call this gecko “the devil in the trees” because of the growling noises it makes.
- At 17 inches total length, it is one of the largest geckos in the world, if not the largest, and is considered an example of island gigantism.
- Currently being evaluated for protected status.
- Males usually stay on the lower trunk and branches of the tree. Females generally remain in the higher forest canopy.
Socialize
