Scientific name

Rhacodactylus leachianus

Rhacodactylus leachianus is an arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. Its size varies between populations, so the species name alone is not enough to predict an individual’s size [1] [2].

Origin

New Caledonia, particularly Grande Terre and Île des Pins [2].

  • Arboreal
  • Nocturnal
  • Large gecko

At a glance

ADULT SIZE≈ 25–43 cm
Approximately 25–43 cm in total length depending on locality, according to Tree of Life Exotics [1].
LIFESPANMore than 20 years
More than 20 years reported in captivity [1].
LIFESTYLEArboreal and nocturnal
Forest-dwelling, arboreal and nocturnal [2].

Adult size

Approximately 25–43 cm in total length depending on locality, according to Tree of Life Exotics [1].

Lifespan

More than 20 years reported in captivity [1].

Lifestyle

Forest-dwelling, arboreal and nocturnal [2].

Housing

A LARGE VERTICAL ENCLOSURE

Sturdy branches and shelters — Provide a large vertical enclosure with thick branches, cork tubes and shelters suited to the animal’s body size [2]. Tree of Life advises against routine cohabitation because of the risk of conflict [1].

Provide a large vertical enclosure with thick branches, cork tubes and shelters suited to the animal’s body size [2]. Tree of Life advises against routine cohabitation because of the risk of conflict [1].

Care parameters

AMBIENT · DAY

≈ 24–28 °C — Approximately 24–28 °C according to Tree of Life Exotics [1] Conversion of 75–82 °F; maintain a gradient and monitor the risk of overheating.

Humidity

Humidity cycles — Humidity cycles with ventilation [1] Monitor changes after misting and water availability without allowing the air to stagnate.

Daytime ambient temperature

Approximately 24–28 °C according to Tree of Life Exotics [1] Conversion of 75–82 °F; maintain a gradient and monitor the risk of overheating.

Humidity

Humidity cycles with ventilation [1] Monitor changes after misting and water availability without allowing the air to stagnate.

Night — this breeder’s practice

Love’n’Scales describes nights at 22–23 °C outside its seasonal resting period. [4] Scope: Love’n’Scales’ experience, outside the seasonal resting period. A reported limit is not a target or an established physiological threshold.

Feeding

FORMULATED FOOD AND INSECTS

The veterinary centre describes complete foods for New Caledonian geckos and well-fed insects. Adjust the plan to age and body condition; fruit alone does not represent this diet [1].

Feeding

The veterinary centre describes complete foods for New Caledonian geckos and well-fed insects. Adjust the plan to age and body condition; fruit alone does not represent this diet [1].

Behaviour and precautions

An adult may defend its space and vocalise when startled. Keep movements predictable, support its body and never grasp it by the tail [1].

Monitoring and documentary limitations

Keep the stated locality, provenance and weight history in the record. Note meals, sheds and changes in behaviour. The BGSU university care sheet is used here for natural history: its older husbandry protocol is not adopted as current guidance.

Dietary supplements: distinguish the situations

Chicago Exotics distinguishes complete powdered foods, which are already fortified, from other foods that may need supplements. [3]

Scope: captivity; a shared section that includes Rhacodactylus leachianus; complete powdered foods. Consider the diet’s composition and the enclosure setup; this overview sets no universal dose.

Checklist

  • Check the stability of large supports.
  • Measure summer temperatures as well.
  • Prepare transport suitable for the adult’s size.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Activity
  • Temperature

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center — New Caledonian Giant Gecko Care
    Source accessed
  2. Bowling Green State University Herpetarium — New Caledonian Giant Gecko
    Source accessed
  3. Geckos of New Caledonia — section Leachianus ; Lindsay Mayer et Erica Mede McVeigh, CVT
    Source accessed
  4. Detailed animal care guide
    Source accessed