Leachianus Gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus
The leachianus gecko, Rhacodactylus leachianus, is the New Caledonian giant gecko, a heavy arboreal lizard from Grande Terre and nearby islands of New Caledonia. It is widely regarded as the largest living gecko, with a broad head, loose granular skin, a short prehensile tail, and large toe pads for climbing bark and rock. Color varies by locality and line, from mossy gray and olive to tan, white, or darkly blotched animals that disappear well against lichen-covered trees. Many individuals are vocal, producing growls, barks, or croaks when disturbed.
As pets, leachianus geckos are usually best suited to keepers who can provide a spacious vertical enclosure, strong branches or cork hollows, and stable humidity without stagnant air. They eat commercial crested gecko-style diets, fruit-based foods, and appropriately sized insects, but adults can become powerful feeders and should not be overfed. Some tolerate calm handling, while others remain territorial, especially around hides or when paired. Captive-bred animals are strongly preferred; locale names and breeder records matter because island and mainland forms differ in size, pattern, and breeding expectations.
