This is because of an old superstition which purports that it has the ability to cling to a person's body and pull out that person's soul. Rhacodactylus l. leachianus is the larger of the two subspecies, and one of the largest geckos in the world. A single adult leachianus can be housed in an upright screen enclosure no smaller than 18 by 18 by 24 inches tall (larger would be even better), or a 40-gallon aquarium with a screen top. Exotic animals don’t always make great pets. Commercially manufactured enclosures with foam backgrounds and front-opening doors work well, too. They are not likely to lose their tails due to handling; more often, it occurs during quarrels with cagemates. They have worked with them for more than 45 years and have bred R. leachianus, leopard geckos and crested geckos for more than 20 years. New Caledonia comprises many islands. These geckos have a large head, thick body and a short tail that is comprised of two distinct segments: a broad base and a short slender section, separated by a fold of skin. If live plants are desired, larger, sturdier types are recommended, as small plants will be crushed by these geckos. Adult size ranges from 14 to 17 inches, including the tail, and it can weigh 212 to 279 grams Adult size ranges from 14 to 17 inches, including the tail, and it can weigh 212 to 279 grams. Colors range from moss-like greens, browns and grays, to a blending of colors with blotches of pink and lavender, bands of orange, salmon or white with black spots. Though wild populations of these geckos are not directly managed, they can be found in multiple protected areas and reserves within their native habitat. Fruit puree can also be offered, but you must supplement it before feeding. New Caledonian giant geckos are nocturnal and do not require lighting, although UVB lights can be used to simulate day and nighttime rhythms. We're excited to welcome you back to the Zoo, and we've made a few changes. Substrate can consist of a high-grade mulch or peat-based potting soil. New Caledonian Giant Gecko Size. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat crickets, mealworms, minced fruit and nectar. However, based on recent molecular data, no populations of R. leachianus are granted subspecies status at the present time. Wild populations are protected. The eggs incubate for 60 to 90 days before hatchlings emerge. This species is protected and it lives in several nature reserves. The hide/egg-laying box should be half-filled with vermiculite, potting soil, or moss. It is a vocal lizard that produces an array of sounds, including grumbles and growls. By becoming a member, you'll help the Zoo save species and get great benefits for you and your family each time you visit! https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhacodactylus_leachianus&oldid=981370284, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 October 2020, at 22:10. The enclosure should be moist but not overly wet. A simple setup is recommended, with just a small hide box or piece of cork bark, a shallow water bowl, and a small food dish. New Caledonian geckos are listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, as of a 2011 analysis. Adults can be fed Repashy Superfoods’ Crested Gecko Diet, a fruit-flavored protein diet that is mixed two parts water to one part food, supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Size: Adults can measure up to 14" - 17" as adults, and weigh 220-280 grams. Hatchlings usually will not start eating until three to five days after they hatch, as they are still absorbing yolk. Choose your pets wisely, and do your research before bringing an animal home. A low-wattage red bulb or undertank heater can be used if supplemental heat is needed to maintain this range. New Caledonian Giant Gecko Size Rhacodactylus l. leachianus is the larger of the two subspecies, and one of the largest geckos in the world. Females lay two soft-shelled eggs per clutch and, depending on their calcium reserves, can produce three to four clutches per season. Do not hold a gecko tightly, but let it grasp on to you. For hatchlings, a paper towel substrate is recommended, which should be changed several times a week. Find resources to engage learners in grades preK-12 with science, the natural world, wildlife and conservation. Many require special care and live for a long time. Larger hatchlings can be placed on a clean mulch substrate. They are a sexually dimorphic species; males tend to have a broader head and more slender body than females. Appearance: New Caledonian giant geckos come in a variety of shades of gray, brown, black, and yellow with various striping, splotching, or spotting patterns. Tropical reptiles and small mammals are often traded internationally and may be victims of the illegal pet trade. Make it the topic of your next school project, or start a conservation club at your school. For conservation reasons, they are no longer exported from New Caledonia. Dust insects with a calcium/D3 and vitamin supplement according to manufacturer directions. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T176166A7191028.en, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FJNE4V7aPI. As juveniles grow, they can be moved to an intermediate enclosure, such as an upright screen enclosure or a 10-gallon aquarium with a screen top. R. leachianus is an arboreal species, living in trees. Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko or Leach's giant gecko or colloquially Leachie, is a large species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae. The island morphs of R. l. henkeli are smaller but their vivid cryptic coloration makes them very appealing. Rhacodactylus l. leachianus is the biggest subspecies, and one of the largest geckos in the world. Guide to the Largest Geckos in the World.