Defining Characteristics: 

• Nocturnal
• Semi-arboreal
• Easy to care for
• Largest known living gecko in the world

Name: Rhacodactylus leachianus. Commonly known as New Caledonian Giant Geckos, Giant Geckos, or Leachies. Also known as “Devil in the Trees” by locals of New Caledonia because of its ability to communicate aggression through its vocal patterns. This locale is found on the Isle of Pines, also known as Pine Island. Pine Island leachies are often characterized by a large head and neck region, and an overall robust appearance.

Recommended Terrarium Size & Setup: Many breeders find success with an 18x18x24 terrarium as their enclosure, or a 40-gallon aquarium with a screen top. Due to the size of this animal, their enclosure should be upgraded as they grow. Ultimately a 4'x2'x4' is a great size enclosure for a leachianus gecko, providing them ample climbing space!

Josh’s Frogs Tropical BioBedding or Coco Select will work well as a substrate. Provide thick branches, standing cork, and strong plants to make your arboreal (tree-dwelling) geckos feel at home.

Temperature (°F): Daytime ambient temperatures should range between 72-78 degrees. A basking spot of 86-88° should also be provided. Nighttime temps can drop a little to mimic their natural environment—shoot for 66-72°F.

Temperatures should be monitored with a reliable thermometer.

Lighting: New Caledonian giant geckos are nocturnal and do not require lighting, but UVB lights can be used to simulate day and nighttime rhythms. There is some evidence that providing UVB is beneficial, and can result in more rapid growth. Some good options are Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 bulbs or tropical UV bulbs.

Humidity: Leachie geckos like it humid. Provide a water bowl and mist frequently enough to maintain humidity at about 60-80%. Substrate can be allowed to just dry out between mistings, but it should not be bone dry or soaking wet.

Size: Although adult New Caledonian Giant Geckos are the largest geckos in the world and typically range from 14-17 inches, the Isle of Pine locale is a slightly smaller variety of leachianus gecko. Pine Island leachies grow to be around 12 inches long and typically reach over 300 grams.

Hatchlings are about 3.5 to 4 inches long, including the tail.

Age: Leachies can live up to 15-20 years with proper care. These animals are between 3 and 6 months.

Feeding: New Caledonian Giant geckos are omnivores but can refuse live prey items in favor of a solely fruit mix diet, on which they will thrive. The best feeder insects crickets, dubia roaches, discoid roaches, or grasshoppers . All feeder insects should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement and fed in an escape-proof bowl. Pinky mice and small lizards can be offered occasionally as treats.

Sexing: Sexing can be done by looking for femoral pores between the hind legs of males. These animals have been determined to be male.

Color/Pattern: Leachies come in shades of yellowish green, brown or gray with white, cream, peach or lavender blotches along their bodies. Pine Isle leachies often sport a deep green base color, however this can range anywhere from brown to yellow. White blotches are also present on the laterals and dorsal area of the animal.

Social Behavior: Giant geckos can become aggressive toward each other. House them individually unless they are a breeding pair, and separate immediately if aggression occurs. Giant geckos may or may not allow handling, depending on the individual gecko.

Leachies are nocturnal, so they are primarily active at night. They have excellent night vision.

Breeding: Leachies are slow to reach maturity. Females will lay 2 eggs in a clutch and lay anywhere from 1 to 3 clutches per year. 

Natural Range: New Caledonian Giant geckos are native to various islands in New Caledonia. This locale is from the Isle of Pines.

History in the Hobby: Until recently with an increase in captive breeding, Rhacodactylus leachianus were rare. For conservation reasons, they are no longer exported from New Caledonia. 

Links of Interest:

• Reptiles Magazine New Caledonian Giant Gecko Care Sheet