Rhacodactylus leachianus

New Caledonian Giant Gecko

A piece of textured bark may turn out to be a giant gecko.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Branches & cover

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Tree-trunk Giant

Nocturnal and arboreal

Species highlights

A giant among living geckos

Large size changes what counts as a usable branch, hollow or support. A giant gecko is not merely a small species enlarged without consequences.

Follow contacts made by toes, belly and tail. Folds and mottling also soften the outline against bark, so size and concealment can coexist.

Its distinction lies beyond a record measurement: weight, posture, perch choice and colour work together in New Caledonian trees.

Feature sources:

Australian Museum · Giant Geckos

At a glance

The New Caledonian giant gecko is among the largest living geckos. Native to New Caledonia and some offshore islands, it mainly uses trunks, hollows and substantial branches at night. Its sturdy body, skin folds and mottled colours can merge with a bark background.

A tree supplies cavities, load-bearing branches and textured contact surfaces. Nocturnal activity and daytime stillness place its folds and mottling into that setting.

It uses plant and animal foods and lays eggs, with population differences in size and appearance. “Large” is also a question of how feet, belly, tail and perch share a heavier body’s weight.

Common names New Caledonian Giant Gecko

Scientific name Rhacodactylus leachianus

Native rangeNew Caledonia and some nearby islands

Adult sizeOften about 25–35 cm total length; locality differences are marked

ActivityNocturnal and arboreal

Diet Base feeding on a complete diet suitable for large New Caledonian geckos, with appropriate animal foods. Adjust to body condition instead of relying on fruit puree, honey or one insect type.

Habitat & care

Use strong branches, trunk-like hides, airflow and drinking opportunities. Avoid prolonged overheating and a fruit-only diet.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureLocal warm area 30–31°C Ambient air 22–26°C; night 19–22°C. Confine the higher temperature to an optional area with cooler dark retreats.

Humidity60–80% Measure mid-enclosure away from mist outlets; let leaves dry between mistings and maintain airflow.

LightingGentle light & shade Provide a light cycle and cover; assess lighting and supplementation together.

Space120×60×120 cm Adult single-animal starting size planned for larger forms; provide strong branches and cork tubes.

Look a little closer

Compare skin folds and markings with the bark behind it: which edges blend into the background? Inspect broad toe contact with the perch. Near a hollow or cork tube, follow the large head and thick body passing through the opening.

Care note: Use nutritionally complete food rather than fruit purée alone.

About this profile

Giant gecko here refers to Rhacodactylus leachianus, rather than the distinct chahoua gecko, Mniarogekko chahoua.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (4)

Photo: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rhacodactylus_leachianus.jpg Attribution · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.