Range

They are found exclusively on New Caledonia and some surrounding islands.

Habitat

New Caledonian giant geckoes make their home in the coastal, closed humid and montane forests.

Reproduction

Females lay two eggs per clutch which have a soft shell. They can lay up to 10 clutches per year though three or four is most common. The eggs are sticky when laid and it is thought that the female glues them to a tree trunk.

Incubation last 60 to 90 days though this is influenced by the temperature they incubate at. Higher temperatures lead to a shorter incubation period.

The temperature during incubation will also determine the gender of the hatchlings. Higher temperatures are more likely to create male offspring.

At hatching the young measure 8.9-10.2cm (3.5-4in) long.

Behavior

New Caledonian giant geckoes are arboreal and spend their time in the trees. Males live on lower branches where they can defend their territory against other geckoes while females spend their time higher in the trees.

They are primarily nocturnal and will rest during the day in tree crevices and hollows. On occasion they have been seen to bask in morning sun.

Small groups of New Caledonian giant geckoes will form made up of a male, many females and their young.

These lizards are highly vocal and make a number of grumbles and growls.

Predators and Threats

They face predation from birds and introduced predators such as rats, dogs and cats. In an attempt to scare off predators they will hiss. They also have a powerful bite which they can use to defend themselves.

Humans present a threat through habitat destruction and degredation. They are captured for the pet trade with this threat being especially present on smaller islands where the trees are shorter and it is easier to catch them.

Another threat is electrocution on powerlines which are built through their habitat.

Quick facts

Locals call the New Caledonian giant gecko the ‘devil of the trees’ due to the vocalizations they make.