Fun Facts About New Caledonia Giant Gecko

The Leachianus Gecko 101, often referred to as the Leachie Gecko, is a striking and sizable gecko native to New Caledonia. It is among the largest geckos, with adult specimens growing to lengths between 12 and 18 inches, including the tail. They are known for their robust build, featuring a large, triangular head and a range of colors from greenish to brown, often adorned with darker patterns.

In captivity, Leachianus Geckos can live between 15 and 20 years, and sometimes even longer with the right care. Their diet in the wild consists of insects, fruit, and nectar. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet that includes commercial gecko foods, live insects, and fruit.

Their habitat needs are specific; they require a well-ventilated terrarium with ample climbing opportunities. Maintaining a temperature gradient is essential, with a warm side of 75-85°F and a cooler side of 65-75°F. High humidity levels, around 60-80%, should be sustained through regular misting and providing a humid hide.

Leachianus Geckos are generally solitary and can exhibit territorial behavior, so housing them individually is often recommended unless you have a large enclosure and experience with keeping multiple geckos. Proper habitat and diet management are key to ensuring their health and well-being in captivity.

Species Summary

The Leachianus Gecko, or Leachie Gecko, is a prominent species native to New Caledonia. These geckos are known for their robust physique and distinctive coloring, which ranges from greenish to brown with darker patterns.

In captivity, they can live for 15 to 20 years or more. Their diet in the wild consists of insects, fruit, and nectar, and in captivity, it includes commercial gecko foods, live insects, and fruit. They require a well-ventilated terrarium with climbing opportunities, a temperature gradient of 75-85°F on the warm side and 65-75°F on the cool side, and high humidity levels of 60-80%.

Lifespan

Leachianus Geckos can live between 15 and 20 years in captivity, with some individuals reaching even longer lifespans with proper care. Their longevity is influenced by factors such as diet, habitat conditions, and overall health management.

Appearance & Colors

Leachianus Geckos have a robust and large body, characterized by their triangular head and strong, muscular build. Their coloration can vary widely but generally includes shades of green, brown, or gray. They often have darker patterns or markings that may appear as spots or bands. The combination of their size and distinctive patterns makes them a striking and impressive species.

Average Size

Leachianus Geckos typically reach an average size of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in length, including the tail. Males are generally larger than females, with some individuals growing towards the upper end of this size range. Their substantial size contributes to their impressive appearance and presence in captivity.

Leachianus Gecko Care

Caring for Leachianus Geckos involves several essential aspects to ensure their well-being. They need a large terrarium with ample vertical and horizontal space, ideally with a minimum size of 36x18x18 inches, though larger is better. The enclosure should provide plenty of climbing opportunities, as they are arboreal.

Temperature management is crucial; maintain a temperature gradient with a warm side ranging from 75-85°F and a cooler side from 65-75°F.

High humidity is important, ideally around 60-80%. Regular misting and a humid hide can help maintain this level, while good ventilation prevents mold and excess moisture. While Leachianus Geckos don’t require UVB lighting, a low-level UVB light can be beneficial. A light cycle of 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness is recommended.

For substrate, use materials that retain humidity and are easy to clean, such as a mix of soil and sphagnum moss or reptile carpet. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction, like sand or small gravel.

Enclosure Size

For Leachianus Geckos, an ideal enclosure size should be at least 36x18x18 inches for a single gecko, but larger enclosures are recommended to provide ample space for climbing and exploration. A larger enclosure helps mimic their natural arboreal habitat and supports their physical and behavioral needs.

Habitat & Enclosure Setup

For Leachianus Geckos, setting up their habitat involves several important elements. Begin with a large terrarium, ideally at least 36x18x18 inches, although a larger enclosure is better to provide ample space for climbing and exploration. The enclosure should be well-ventilated to ensure proper humidity and prevent mold.

Use substrates that retain humidity and are easy to clean, such as a mix of soil and sphagnum moss or reptile carpet. Avoid sand or small gravel, which can cause impaction if ingested.

Create a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with the warm side ranging from 75-85°F and the cooler side from 65-75°F. A heat lamp or ceramic heater can help achieve this gradient, while heat rocks should be avoided due to burn risks.

While Leachianus Geckos don’t require UVB lighting, providing a low-level UVB light can be beneficial. A light cycle of 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness is recommended.

Temperature & Lighting

For Leachianus Geckos, proper temperature and lighting are crucial for their health and well-being.

Maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure. The warm side should be between 75-85°F (24-29°C), while the cooler side should range from 65-75°F (18-24°C). This gradient allows the gecko to regulate its body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Use a heat lamp or ceramic heater to create this gradient, and avoid heat rocks, which can cause burns.

Regarding lighting, Leachianus Geckos do not strictly require UVB lighting, but providing a low-level UVB light can be beneficial for their overall health. A light cycle of 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness is recommended to simulate their natural day-night cycle. This lighting schedule helps maintain their circadian rhythm and can contribute to their general well-being.

Water & Humidity

Water: Always provide a fresh, clean water source in the enclosure. Use a shallow water dish that’s easy for the gecko to access and clean regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Ensure that the water dish is not too deep to avoid accidental drowning.

Humidity: Leachianus Geckos require high humidity levels, ideally between 60-80%. To maintain this humidity, regularly mist the enclosure and provide a humid hide where the gecko can retreat to increase the local humidity around it. Monitoring humidity levels with a hygrometer can help ensure that the environment remains within the ideal range.

Food & Diet

In the wild, their diet consists of insects, fruit, and nectar. In captivity, offer a mix of high-quality commercial gecko food designed for large geckos, live insects like crickets, roaches, or worms, and fresh fruit. Dust the live insects with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure the gecko gets the necessary nutrients.

You can also provide a small amount of nectar or fruit puree to mimic their natural diet. Make sure to avoid overly sugary fruits and focus on a variety of items to ensure a balanced diet. Regularly clean any uneaten food to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

Potential Health Issues

Impaction can occur if the gecko ingests inappropriate substrates like sand or gravel. Using suitable substrates, such as soil and sphagnum moss, helps avoid this issue.

Respiratory infections may arise from poor ventilation and excessive humidity. Maintaining proper humidity levels and good ventilation can help prevent respiratory problems.

Skin infections or fungal growth can result from excessive moisture or poor hygiene. Regular cleaning of the enclosure and appropriate humidity levels are essential for preventing these issues.

Parasites, both internal and external, can affect geckos. Monitor for signs of parasites and seek veterinary advice if needed.

Obesity can occur from overfeeding or a diet high in fat. Offer a varied diet and avoid overfeeding to keep your gecko at a healthy weight.

Behavior & Temperament

In captivity, they may become accustomed to human interaction, but it’s important to handle them gently and with care to avoid stress. They tend to be more active during the evening and nighttime, reflecting their natural crepuscular behavior.

While they can be tolerant of occasional handling, excessive interaction or rough handling might cause stress or defensive behavior. Providing a secure and well-structured environment helps them feel comfortable and reduces stress-related issues.

Handling Them

Observe their behavior closely; if they show signs of distress, such as hissing, biting, or attempting to escape, gently return them to their enclosure. Handle them over a soft surface or within their enclosure to prevent injury from falls, and be mindful of their surroundings to avoid hazards.

Finally, wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the transfer of contaminants. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your Leachianus Gecko remains comfortable and stress-free during handling.

Ready To Get One Of These Giants For Yourself?

If you’re considering getting a Leachianus Gecko, you’re in for a rewarding experience! These geckos are impressive and fascinating pets, but they do require specific care and a commitment to their long-term well-being. Make sure you’re prepared to meet their habitat, dietary, and health needs before making a decision.

It’s also helpful to research reputable breeders or adoption sources to ensure you’re getting a healthy gecko. If you’re ready to take on the responsibility, a Leachianus Gecko can make a remarkable addition to your reptile collection!