Leachie Geckos are a species of gecko that has gained widespread popularity among reptile hobbyists for multiple exciting reasons. This magnificently large and vocal reptile species is a fantastic option for novice and experienced caretakers.
These arboreal species have offbeat personalities that make them entertaining companions despite their temperamental tendencies, which can sometimes be finicky.
Do you intend to explore the world of Leachie Gecko care? Or are you merely fascinated by these largest gecko species and eager to learn more about them?
There are numerous “how to” guides for caring for this animal on the world wide web. Likewise, this info sheet outlines the traits and behaviours of a Leachie Gecko and helps you keep one as a pet if you are intrigued by this creature!
Table of Contents
Taxonomy classification for Rhacodactylus leachianus
| Taxonomy Classification |
|---|
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Family: Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: Rhacodactylus |
| Species: Rhacodactylus leachianus |
History and Origin of Leachie Gecko
These geckos also referred to as “Rhacodactylus leachianus” in the scientific literature, are the most prominent members of the Diplodactylidae family. French naturalist and zoologist Georges Cuvier first characterized and titled the Leachie gecko in 1829.
It is also referred to as a New Caledonian giant gecko because it is only found in the forests of New Caledonia. Other names for this species include a Leachie, the Grande Terre Gecko, and the leachianus gecko.
Habitat for Leachie Gecko
They are indigenous creatures that we can only find in the South Pacific islands of New Caledonia. They live in the southern and eastern parts of the main island’s rainforests and a few smaller nearby islands with high canopies.
Leachie Geckos spend most of their lives in their natural environments’ highest branches of trees and tree hollows. Some of these enormous arboreal geckos also live in a group of islands in Australia’s northeast.
They come in various hues and patterns depending on the area of New Caledonia where they originally came from. Greens, blacks, browns, and greys; come in a broad color palette!
The appearance of Leachie Gecko
It might be challenging to identify a Leachianus Gecko in its natural habitat. After all, these lizards have been designed to blend in the wilderness. The organic color morphs in the gecko’s bodies enable them to integrate into New Caledonia’s surrounding landscape.
The recognizable triangular head, stumpy tails, and colorful fold of skin are the main physical features of the Leachie gecko.
There are many different color variations available. These beautiful reptiles typically have spots of gray, brown, black, and green coloration. There could also be some bright white spots or stripes of deeper brown. Even vivid orange and salmon tones are typical. The blending of all those colors produces a stealthy morph.
Leachianus geckos can grow to a maximum length of 17 inches on average. Typically, healthy adults range in height from 14 to 17 inches tall, with baby children being 4 inches long when they first sprout.
Unlike some other reptile species, male and female geckos do not have significant size differences.
Leachie gecko’s Behavior
Leachie geckos exhibit a wide range of unusual behaviors uncommon in other reptile species, which is one of the reasons they are such well-liked pets.
Leachie geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most energetic during the night. During this time of day, you will most likely hear the distinctive growls, screeches, and other expressions that make Leachie Geckos so well-liked as pets.
The Leachie Gecko is a prudent reptile that is distinct from other species. However, they can be territorial of their species and leap and peck when disturbed. When females don’t like the male’s efforts to fornicate, they can be hostile toward him.
Leachie Geckos enjoy communicating with their surroundings by making a wide range of sounds, such as yipping, whingeing, and whistling, as well as hissing and grumbling.
Food and Diet of New Caledonian Geckos
Leachianus Geckos eat a wide range of foodstuffs. Leachies devour everything from spiders and bugs to tiny animals, fruit, nectar, and sap in the forest. However, these nutrients from their natural environments can be challenging to duplicate entirely in captivity.
Hence, most domesticated Leachie Geckos will accept feeder insects and animals such as crickets, discoid roaches, or mouse pups.
To make life easier, you can feed commercial gecko meals as their primary source of nutrition. However, additional snacks are still advised. Once or twice a week, it is advised to feed your lizard insects with waxworms, Dubia roaches, and crickets.
Make sure to layer the insect in calcium supplement particles. A diet with insects gut packed with calcium-rich ingredients guarantees that your reptile gets all the minerals it requires.
Because Leachies are fussy eaters, a healthy balanced diet is crucial to maintain your gecko’s general health.
Reproduction and Development in Leachie Gecko
Based on their calcium deposits, females can lay 2-3 clutches of two soft-shelled eggs each per cycle.
The eggs are incubated for 60 to 90 days before the hatchlings are born. The temperature defines the sex of the young hatchlings during incubation, and the eggs are usually 8.9 to 10.2 centimeters (3.5 to 4 inches) long.
A higher incubation temperature shortens the incubation period and increases the likelihood that the egg will produce male hatchlings. Fascinating right?
Lifespan And Potential Health Risks of Leachie Gecko
A well-cared-for Leachie Gecko can survive in captivity for up to 20 years. Like any other pet, your gecko’s well-being will be determined primarily by your attention to its environment, nutrition, and overall handling.
A fungal or bacterial infection is one of the most prevalent health risks encountered by Leachies. Bacterial growth occurs when a gecko lives in a humid environment. They require humidity, but too much water can lead to fungal infections.
A female Leachie gecko can die from egg binding, also known as Dystocia, a disease that occurs when a gecko or other reptile has trouble reproducing or laying eggs.
This is also thought to be due to calcium deficiency, poor living or domestication conditions, incorrect tank temperatures, poor nutrition, or dehydration.
Care sheet for a Leachie Gecko
Any reptile or pet requires a suitable environment to ensure good health and happiness. An appropriate tank or enclosure is required to keep a Leachie gecko happy and at ease. Because they are arboreal lizards, you could perhaps look for a vertical enclosure—they enjoy being on a high level.
Some mandatory apparatus for proper care of Leachie gecko for first-time reptile owners are,
- Tank heater,
- Solid calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate,
- Soft-tipped feeding tongs,
- Water bowl for the source of drinking water, and
- Water dishes as water droplets humidifier.
Here are some tips to help you through Leachianus care! A similar setup is required for petting a crested gecko or leopard gecko. But you require a larger enclosure size for a leachie gecko.
- Set the enclosure’s humidity levels between 60 and 80% during the day. Each day, mist spaces where your gecko does not usually rest and around the enclosure’s walls.
- Set the temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit on average. You’ll want to use a heat emitter or a heat lamp to stipulate a cozy basking spot up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the enclosure lights turned off at night. Because Leachie Geckos are nocturnal, nighttime lights can fret them, causing them to keep hiding instead of foraying out to eat, explore, or otherwise socialize with their chamber.
- Juveniles require a five to ten-gallon tank and may become overwhelmed if their enclosure is too large. Adults require thirty gallons of space, while sub-adults require ten to twenty gallons.
Allow your gecko time to adjust to its new surroundings before lavishing them with love. As handling experiences become more regular, ensure they favor your gecko. First, allow them to become acquainted with you.
Leachie Gecko Price
A Leachie gecko is not cheap! Adult Leachie geckos range in price from $600 to $1000 in any pet shop. They are costly for two main reasons.
One, they are challenging to breed because they do not get along with any Leachie gecko of the opposite sex. A breeder must locate a pair that complies with each other to breed them. They will fight if this does not happen.
Another reason is that their females produce fewer eggs. As a result, they are a rare breed of reptile, resulting in higher prices for these geckos.
Population Threats for New Caledonian giants
Habitat chaos and deterioration pose a threat to New Caledonian giant geckos. They are also threatened by poaching and overexploitation from invasive species such as felines and vermin.
When these geckos commute along power lines, they can be knocked unconscious by high-tension transmission lines.
The IUCN Red List and other sources do not specify the total population size of the New Caledonian giant gecko. This species is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers are balanced.
Owning and caring for a Leachianus Gecko requires attention to detail and meticulousness. On the other hand, this prehistoric-looking life form is advantageous and treasured for its eye-catching appearance.
So, are you looking forward to getting one of these? Or do you want to know about another lizard that many consider a real-life dragon?
Commonly Asked Questions about Leachie Gecko
Is a Leachie bite painful?
Leachie Gecko bites can be painful due to their powerful jaws.
Is a heat lamp required for Leachie geckos?
No, they do not. There is a widespread belief that Leachie geckos thrive at room temperature, but they also do great with a low-temperature basking zone.
Is it true that Leachie geckos have teeth?
Numerous lizards, including geckos, have teeth based on the inside of their jaws.
Do geckos enjoy being held?
Even though geckos dislike being held, you can handle them without stressing your pet, but you must first establish trust.
(Last Updated on November 6, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)
