New Caledonia Giant Gecko

## About

A new caledonian giant gecko perched on a log

The New Caledonia giant gecko ***(Rhacodactylus leachianus)*** is a large species of gecko that belongs to the Diplodactylidae family along with its relative the Southern leaf-tailed gecko. This gecko is the largest extant gecko species in the world. Animalia.bio states that the New Caledonia giant gecko is a possible product of island gigantism, a phenomenon where island species grow much larger than their mainland counterparts, due to an abundance of food and lack of predatory species. The gecko has flabby or loose skin along with a heavy body and a much stouter tail than other geckos in its family. This gecko varies in colour and goes from a light mossy green to dull grey colouration depending on their environment. The New Caledonia giant gecko has also been observed to have the ability to change colour according to the amount of sunlight they get, often as a result of the environment in which they occupy. These geckos are also sexually dimorphic meaning that you can tell apart the different sexes of the species. Males typically posses certain features such as having a far more broad head and slimmer bodies. Being the largest known species of gecko alive this gecko measures at 35.5 centimeters (14 inches) and can weigh between 227-340g (8-12oz). Australian Reptile Park states that that the gecko is nocturnal though it often sun bathes during the morning after coming down from the trees within their arboreal lifestyles.

## Diet

North Ampton Reptile Centre states that the New Caledonia giant gecko's diet consists of a variety of different food items such as vegetation as well as small insects in which occupy their habitat. In captivity, giant geckos have a certain preference for worms like meal worms. Often, New Caledonia giant geckos are seen to priorities finding fruit as it is a large part of their diet.

## Conservation Status

The current conservation status of the New Caledonia giant gecko is listed as least concern via the IUCN. This data was last assessed in 2021 meaning that the New Caledonia giant gecko has maintained a stable population and still continues to. As this species is endemic to New Caledonia, it is very dependent on the surrounding climate and fragile ecosystem, meaning habitat loss and degradation is the primary threat that endangers the New Caledonia giant gecko along with the threats of being prey of invasive species. Deer and pigs are one of the leading causes to habitat degradation and erosion in Grande Terre, which is where majority of individuals occur. Illegal trading and trafficking of the geckos is also an extreme problem that occurs on the island, primarily in rural areas. New Caledonia giant geckos have very stochastic observation patterns which due to the island population is susceptible to localised extinctions. Agricultural settlements may also lead to frequent detriments in the species' numbers as well. effects of habitat and ecosystem loss are ongoing and hard to avoid on this small island. Certain sanctuaries and nature reserves have also been established, though because of the species' stable population there are no current conservation actions set in place for the New Caledonia giant gecko.

## Range and Population

It is widely known that the species is endemic and abundant only to New Caledonia, a French collectivity off the coast of Australia. This species occurs in the eastern and southern parts of Grande Terre and also distributed between various islands within New Caledonia. In New Caledonia, the species inhabits a variety of coastal forests, closed humid forests and montane forests. IUCN states that this species is primarily arboreal and nocturnal and is often seen searching for food during the night within the canopy. During the day this species is seen in small crevices and holes in trees. The current population trend for this species is unknown though the species has been observed to have a stable population. In certain areas where logging is a larger issue, it is thought that numbers may have rapid decline, though his does not affect the overall species population distribution throughout New Caledonia.

## Behaviour

As mentioned before this species is nocturnal and spends most hours active during the night, while sleeping during the day. Though it has also been observed that the New Caledonia giant gecko will often be seen basking in the heat of the day. Animalia.bio states that these geckos are solitary creatures and live in high tree canopies. They can change the colour of their skin indicating their emotion, similarly to chameleons ***(Chamaeleonidae)***. These geckos are also named the *"devils of the trees"* by New Caledonians because of the loud growling noise emitted by the geckos in the high canopies of the trees in which they occupy. They have a special padding on their feet which works similar to that of velcro. This is essential for their extremely versatile climbing abilities. They also posses strong tail grip that use friction to support their bodies while climbing through the canopies. These are widely seen as not a great pet to own often due to their very high maintenance and extreme uniqueness from other geckos. It is a must that these geckos are not handled to any extent until they are around 2-3 months old.

## Relationship with Humans

In some regions across the world, New Caledonia giant geckos are a rare exotic pet that is not often domesticated because of their odd behaviour and peculiar anatomy in comparison to other geckos similar to them. These geckos are known to dislike being handled by humans.

## In Captivity

According to ZOOINSTITUTES there are various zoos across Europe, North America and even Australia which house New Caledonia giant geckos. Across the world this species is widely considered as an easy animal to keep in zoos because of how much we know about them and similar geckos.

## Sources

* New Caledonia giant gecko | Animalia.bio - https://animalia.bio/new-caledonian-giant-gecko#:~:text=N-,Appearance,green%2C%20gray%2C%20and%20brown.
* New Caledonia giant gecko | Australian Reptile Park - https://www.reptilepark.com.au/new-caledonian-giant-gecko/#:~:text=Habitat,bask%20in%20the%20morning%20sun.
* New Caledonia giant gecko | Northampton Reptile Centre - https://www.reptilecentre.com/info-new-caledonian-day-gecko-care-sheet
* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/176166/123252801
* New Caledonia giant gecko | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/new-caledonia-giant-gecko-1445/