New Caledonia Giant Gecko

Rhacodactylus leachianus

Animal Class: Reptile

Length: 14-17 inches

Weight: 8-18 ounces

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Diet: Omnivore. Mostly insects, fruit, and other small lizards.

Habitat: The island of New Caledonia, off the coast of Australia.

Description: The largest gecko species in the world, New Caledonia giant geckos are arboreal and nocturnal. Like most other geckos, they are consummate climbers, and can even climb up glass surfaces. This is thanks to lamellae, tiny hairs that increase friction force. New Caledonia giant geckos also have long claws that help them climb.

Many geckos can drop their tails when threatened, but giant geckos can also regenerate their tails, which is less common. They can also somewhat change the color of their skin through pigment-containing cells called chromatophores.

Although this species is considered least concern for extinction, its wild habitat is threatened by habitat destruction and degradation, and the species is threatened by predation by non-native species like cats and rodents.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: Lucifer