Rhacodactylus leachianus
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R. leachianus
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| Rhacodactylus leachianus (Cuvier, 1829)
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Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko or Leach's giant gecko, is a large species of gecko, first described by Georges Cuvier in 1829, which is endemic to New Caledonia. At 14 inches (360 mm) total length, it is the largest extant gecko in the world[2] and is considered an example of island gigantism.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, leachianus, is honor of English zoologist William Elford Leach.[3]
Conservation status
R. leachianus is currently being evaluated for protected status by CITES.
Taxonomy
Historically, there have been three recognized subspecies of R. leachianus (including the nominotypical subspecies): R. l. aubrianus, R. l. henkeli (first described by Seipp and Obst in 1994), and R. l. leachianus. However, based on recent molecular data, no populations of R. leachianus are granted subspecies status at the present time.[4]
Behaviour & habitat
R. leachianus is a nocturnal arboreal species of gecko. It makes its home in holes in trees.
Geographic range
R. leachianus is found in all of the southern and eastern portions of the main island of New Caledonia, as well as on several of the smaller islands in the group.
Description
R. leachianus is a heavy bodied gecko. Its skin appears too loose for its body, and it has a small, stumpy tail.
Reproduction
Adult females of R. leachianus lay two eggs, which hatch 60–90 days after they are laid.
Diet
R. leachianus feeds on insects and fruit. It will also occasionally consume smaller lizards and in captivity may eat newborn mice.
Common names
Many of the locals in New Caledonia call this gecko "the devil in the trees" because of the growling noises it makes.
In captivity
In captivity, males should be housed separately or as a part of a breeding pair or trio with females. Males housed together will often fight. Females are social and can be housed together. R. leachianus can live up to 20 years in captivity. This gecko requires a large, spacious enclosure and, as is the case with all arboreal species, the cage should be vertically oriented.
See also
References
- ↑ "Rhacodactylus leachianus ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ↑ Ballance, Allison; Morris, Rod. 2003. Island Magic; Wildlife of the South Seas. David Bateman Publishing.
- ↑ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Rhacodactyus leachianus, p. 153).
- ↑ Bauer AM, Jackman TR, Sadlier RA, Whitaker AH. 2012. "Revision of the giant geckos of New Caledonia (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Rhacodactylus)". Zootaxa 3404: 1-52.
External links
- Photo Gallery of Rhacodactylus leachianus.
- Captive care articles of Rhacodactylus leachianus.
- Species Rhacodactylus leachianus at The Reptile Database
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