New Caledonian Gecko
New Caledonian giant gecko Quick Facts
| Common name | New Caledonian giant gecko |
| Scientific name | Rhacodactylus leachianus |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Squamata |
| Family | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus | Rhacodactylus |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Type | Reptile; giant tree-dwelling gecko |
| Diet | Omnivore: insects, lizards, rodents, fruit, flowers |
| Habitat | Trees; active at night |
| Native range | New Caledonia, including Grand Terre |
| Size | Up to 17 inches long |
| Weight | Up to 400 g |
| Lifespan | About 15 years with good care |
With A Dual Reputation That of a Lovable Docility and Nasty Biters
Rhacodactylus leachianus is the species name for New Caledonian Giant Geckos. They inhabit both the mainland including the Grand Terre (mainland) which is the largest region and the islands of New Caledonia, namely Pine Isle, Island E, Bayonnaise, Nu Ami, and Nu Ana. These geckos have distinct patterns and body coloration for identification. In terms of size, the New Caledonian geckos are the largest of the species. They are widely popular as pets but have a dual reputation; that of lovable docility and nasty biters. They are arboreal in nature.
Anatomy
The largest member of this genus is the Grand Terre Geckos. Most may grow as big as 17 inches in total length and weigh up to 400 grams. Most vary in size but all are generally smaller than the grand Terre. You can expect the Caledonian giant to have a life span of about 15 years, if you take good care of them.
As a Pet
Food
The New Caledonian Giant geckos are omnivorous. In their natural habitats, they will feed on insects, lizards, rodents, rotting fruits, flowers and leaves. Keeping these geckos is not difficult, as they do not need feeding with live prey. As pets, you should take care to feed them properly with artificially prepared reptile meals such as Tres Reptile Products. Meal Replacement powder (MRP) mixed with water offers a complete nutritious meal that the geckos enjoy. You would do well to dust other foods such as rodents and small insects with calcium and vitamin powder to offer a complete nutrition to the geckos. These giant geckos appear thrilled when you feed them with mice or pinks instead of worms and crickets.
Housing
The New Caledonian Giant Gecko is arboreal, and they will need a height oriented cage and not one that is horizontally oriented. You can house young geckos up to 20 grams in small 10-gallon cages. The adults will require a larger cage. For a single adult gecko a three feet long, two feet wide and four feet tall cage will suit appropriately. Never house two adult males in the same cage since they are extremely aggressive and will fight to death.
Arboreal reptiles love climbing. It is important to offer vertical structures such as bamboo poles, branches and vertically oriented cork flats to create a housing environment that resembles the natural habitat for these geckos.
Substrate
For an aesthetic cage, you can use reptile barks or coco fiber. Cage liners or paper towels may prove as the easiest substrate, especially when housing males and females together during breeding, making it easier to locate (find) the eggs.
Humidity and Water
The New Caledonian Giant Geckos do not need intense grooming. Keep the humidity levels adequate and offer a constant supply of clean and fresh chlorine-free water in a shallow dish that will not topple over.
Temperature and Lighting
Going by their origin, the Giant Geckos will need housing at room temperature in a range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature outside this range will stress them. Since they are nocturnal, lighting requirements are not very specific.
Handling
Handle these geckos gently, as rough handling or grabbing the tail may make them drop it.
New Caledonian giant gecko FAQs
How big do New Caledonian giant geckos get?
They can grow up to 17 inches long and weigh up to 400 grams. They are the largest of their group.
Where do New Caledonian giant geckos live?
They live on New Caledonia, on the main island Grand Terre and on smaller islands nearby. They live in trees.
What do New Caledonian giant geckos eat?
They are omnivores. In the wild they eat insects, lizards, rodents, rotting fruit, flowers and leaves. Pet geckos can be fed prepared gecko meal mixed with water.
How long do New Caledonian giant geckos live?
With good care they live about 15 years.
Do New Caledonian giant geckos bite?
They are known for both gentle and nasty behaviour. Many are calm, but some bite, so handle them with care. Two adult males kept together may fight, sometimes to the death.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
