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Care sheet
Giant gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus
The largest living gecko species in the world.
A nocturnal inhabitant of New Caledonia’s forest canopy,
it is renowned for its impressive size and remarkable vocalizations.
TEMPERATURES
72–84°F during the day
64–72°F at night
HUMIDITY
60 - 90 %
fluctuating
ADULT SIZE
8–16 in
depending locality
ADULT WEIGHT
200 to 500 g
depending locality
LIFESPAN
25 to 35 years old
CARE LEVEL
intermediate
level
IN THE WILD
Shelter
It spends most of its time inside hollow tree trunks or camouflaged, pressed flat against branches.
Humid but well-ventilated
Living high in the forest canopy, it is accustomed to periods of lower humidity brought by the breeze.
Territorial species
The giant gecko is a territorial species that defends its territory and communicates with other geckos through vocalizations.
IN CAPTIVITY
TERRARIUM
VERTICAL & PLANTED
Extra tall
Large hollow tree trunks
Sturdy structure
Good air circulation
Hardy plants
MINIMUM SIZE
for a single adult
90 × 60 × 90 cm
(36 × 24 × 36 in) minimum
RECOMMENDED PLANTS
Pothos
Larger enclosures encourage natural behaviors and provide a more enriching environment.
Strong ficus
Philodendron
Aspidistra elatior
Aglaonema
PARAMETERS
HUMIDITY
DIET
BEHAVIOR
No additional heating required
at room temperature
provided temperatures remain within:
Day: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Night: 20–22°C (68–72°F)
Regular misting,
with necessary drying periods between sprayings:
50–90% fluctuating
Frugivorous-omnivorous species.
ACTIVE formula up to 2 years of age,
then CLASSIC formula for adults.
Juveniles: 4 feedings per week
Adults: 2 feedings per week
Nocturnal and territorial, with some Grande Terre localities
showing a more defensive temperament.
Limited handling,
tailored to each individual.
IN SUMMARY
The giant gecko requires consistent and secure husbandry.
It is a creature of habit, and its routines should be respected.
Its terrarium should provide an environment where
it can live in a stable and natural way.
