The New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) is a reptile in the Diplodactylidae family of gecko lizards. It is also known as Leach’s Giant Gecko.
The New Caledonian Giant Gecko has a thick body with loose skin and a small, stumpy tail. It can vary in colour, from green or grey to light or tan brown.
It has a pink-red tongue. It flicks its tongue in and out of its mouth to get information from the air – such as smells, tastes, and sounds.
It grows to 36 centimetres (14 inches), including its tail.
The New Caledonian Giant Gecko is native to the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, specifically on the southern and eastern portions of the main island.
It is an arboreal lizard, living in trees. It makes a growling noise, and the people on New Caledonia often call it ‘the devil in the trees.’
It is nocturnal, active at night. However, it often basks in the sunshine during the day.
The New Caledonian Giant Gecko eats insects, spiders, fruit, and tree sap.
The female New Caledonian Giant Gecko lays two eggs at a time, with about 10 clutches per year.
Location: Paris Zoo, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM