New Caledonia Giant Gecko - Rhacodactylus leachianus

New Caledonian Giant Geckos may be fed fruit, fruit flavoured baby food, and insects.  A special powdered formula has also been developed by Sandfire Dragon Ranch and T-Rex for this species.  (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)			This tiny gecko is actually a representative of the largest gecko species in the world, Rhacodactylus leachianus.  New Caledonia giant geckos may grow to a length of 36 cm (14 inches).  (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)

General Information

Distribution — Endemic to the island of New Caledonia.  Found primarily on the eastern side of the island.

Habitat — Found in relatively large trees in closed forest habitat.

Size — Adults grow to a length of 16-22.5 cm (7-10 inches) from snout to vent with a potential total length of 30 cm (14 inches)

Temperament —As with Crested geckos, giant geckos are one of the few arboreal species of geckos that are relatively easy to handle.  They do not bite but may attempt to leap to nearby objects.

Longevity — Very little longevity information is available for this species as it has not been bred and raised in captivity for long.  Gargoyle geckos, Rhacodactylus auriculatus, is a closely related species and has a potential life span of more than 20 years. The same can probably be said for New Caledonian giant geckos.

Captive Care

Rating: 2; Due to this animal’s good nature, feeding habits, and adult size it receives an excellent rating

Diet: Both insects (crickets, mealworms, wax worms, silkworms, and butter worms) and fruit should be fed to ensure good health in this species; however, a pre-prepared powdered food manufactured by T-Rex is also available.  Fruit flavoured baby food and a fruit-honey mixture (click here to view a recipe) are also a favourite.

Temperature: 24 to 27C (77-82F) during the day and 15 to 17C (61-64F) at night.

Required Space: New Caledonian geckos are arboreal, their enclosures should be tall rather than long.  Due to their large size and territorial nature, these geckos should not be housed together in large groups.  With careful observation you may be able to house a pair of giant geckos together.  A pair (one male and one female) can comfortably be housed in a terrarium measuring 70x10x120 cm (30x30x48 inches).

Breeding: Giant geckos are now frequently bred in captivity.  Males have pre-cloacal pores between their hind limbs.  As with crested geckos and gargoyle geckos, breeding occurs after a period of cooling - maximum daytime temperatures of 16C (63F).  Breeding occurs a few days to a week after the animals are returned to normal temperatures.  Eggs are laid approximately 5-7 weeks later.  Two to four clutches of 2 eggs may be laid in one season.  Eggs should be transferred to a container with slightly moist perlite and incubated at a temperature of 25-27C (79-84F).  At these temperatures hatching will occur after approximately 90 days of incubation.

Special Requirements: These geckos must not be maintained at high temperatures.  Animals raised at high temperatures are more likely to develop metabolic bone disease.  Giant geckos do spend time basking in the early morning and late in the day and does require full spectrum lighting (specifically UVB) to assist in vitamin D3 production and calcium absorption.  Without this lighting, the geckos will be unable to absorb calcium and they will suffer from metabolic bone disease.  Suitable climbing sites, such as pieces of cork bark and grape vine, should also be provided in the terrarium to make the geckos feel comfortable.  If you are housing more than one animal, you must ensure that several hiding places for both animals are provided.

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1997. Lizard Care from A to Z. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 178.

de Vosjoli, Philippe, F. Fast, and A. Repashy. 2003.  Rhacodactylus: The complete guide to their selection and care.  Advanced Visions Inc., California. Pp.296

Siepp, Robert and Friederich Wilhelm Henkel. 2000.  Rhacodactylus: Biology, Natural History & Husbandry.  Warlich Druck, Meckenheim, Germany. Pp. 173. 

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