Leachianus Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) Care Sheet
The Leachianus Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), commonly called the Leachie, Leach’s Giant Gecko or New Caledonian Giant Gecko, is an impressive arboreal gecko endemic to New Caledonia.
It is famous for its enormous size, powerful build, loose velvety skin, excellent climbing ability and extraordinary range of vocalisations. Leachies can produce growls, whistles, squeaks and other surprisingly loud sounds, particularly when defending a retreat or communicating with another gecko.
Rhacodactylus leachianus is the largest living gecko species, with some Grande Terre forms reaching around 40 cm or more in total length.
The species is firmly established within the captive reptile hobby, with many generations having been bred in captivity. Different geographic lines or “localities” are maintained by breeders, and preserving reliable locality information is particularly important with this species.
Leachies are not simply oversized Crested Geckos. Their larger size, powerful jaws, territorial behaviour, substantial enclosure requirements and very long lifespan make them better suited to keepers who already understand arboreal gecko husbandry.
Successful captive care centres around a large vertical enclosure, substantial climbing structures, secure hollow retreats, moderate temperatures, appropriate humidity with a drying cycle, complete gecko diet, supplemental insect prey, clean water and careful management of territorial behaviour.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Rhacodactylus leachianus
Common names: Leachianus Gecko, Leachie, Leach’s Giant Gecko, New Caledonian Giant Gecko
Order: Squamata
Family: Diplodactylidae
Origin: New Caledonia
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Primarily nocturnal/crepuscular
Diet: Omnivorous
Adult size: Approximately 25–40+ cm depending upon geographic form and individual
Temperature: Approximately 21–27°C with access to a mild warmer area
Humidity: Moderate to high with regular drying periods
Housing: Individual housing is safest; compatible breeding pairs require careful management
Handling: Possible with suitable individuals but not essential
Experience level: Intermediate
Lifespan: Commonly 20+ years in captivity
Major requirements: Large vertical enclosure, sturdy climbing structures, secure retreats, controlled humidity, complete diet and careful territorial management
Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is:
Rhacodactylus leachianus**.**
It belongs to the family:
Diplodactylidae.
The species is endemic to New Caledonia.
The World’s Largest Living Gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus is widely recognised as:
the largest living gecko species.
Some Grande Terre animals can exceed approximately:
35–40 cm in total length.
This enormous size is one of the reasons its husbandry should not simply be copied from smaller New Caledonian geckos.
Natural Distribution
Leachianus Geckos occur naturally only in:
New Caledonia.
Populations occur on Grande Terre and associated islands, including Île des Pins and nearby islands.
Natural Habitat
The species is strongly associated with:
humid forest habitat.
It is primarily arboreal and makes extensive use of:
- Tree trunks
- Large branches
- Tree hollows
- Bark crevices
- Forest canopy structure
Its captive enclosure should reflect this vertical lifestyle.
Grande Terre and Island Forms
One of the most important aspects of the captive Leachie hobby is the existence of different:
geographic forms or locality lines.
Keepers commonly distinguish between:
- Grande Terre forms
- Island forms
- Specific locality lines maintained by breeders
These can differ noticeably in:
- Adult size
- Colour
- Pattern
- Body proportions
- Behaviour
Locality Information
If purchasing a locality animal, obtain as much documentation as possible.
Ask the breeder about:
- Parentage
- Locality
- Lineage
- Whether the animal is pure locality or mixed
- Previous breeding records
Do not assign a locality to an animal purely because it resembles one.
Mixed Locality Animals
Mixed-locality Leachies can still make excellent captive animals.
However, they should be labelled honestly as:
mixed or unknown locality
rather than being sold later as pure locality animals.
Subspecies and Hobby Terminology
Older literature and hobby material may divide Leachies into named subspecies.
Taxonomy and the interpretation of different populations have changed over time, and geographic variation within the group is complex.
For the captive hobby, accurate lineage records are often more useful than attempting to identify an animal’s origin purely from appearance.
Appearance
Leachies have a distinctive:
- Large triangular head
- Heavy body
- Loose skin
- Broad adhesive toe pads
- Shorter-looking tail
- Mottled camouflage pattern
Their overall appearance resembles:
lichen-covered bark.
Colour
Depending upon locality and individual genetics, colours may include:
- Grey
- Brown
- Olive
- Green
- Cream
- White
- Pink
- Orange
- Black
Patterns can change noticeably according to:
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Activity
- Stress
- Firing up or down
Loose Skin
The loose folds of skin along the body help break up the gecko’s outline.
This contributes to its remarkable camouflage against:
tree bark and lichen.
Toe Pads
Leachies possess broad adhesive toe pads that allow them to climb:
- Bark
- Branches
- Cork
- Glass
- Many smooth surfaces
They are extremely capable climbers.
Tail
The tail contributes to climbing and balance.
Unlike Crested Geckos, Leachies are capable of:
tail regeneration.
A regenerated tail may look different from the original.
Behaviour
Leachies are generally:
nocturnal to crepuscular.
They often spend daylight hours concealed within:
- Cork tubes
- Hollow logs
- Dense foliage
- Elevated retreats
Activity usually increases during the evening and night.
Vocalisation
Leachianus Geckos are famously:
vocal.
Sounds may include:
- Growls
- Whistles
- Squeaks
- Croaks
- Barks
- Hissing or grumbling sounds
This is normal behaviour.
Territorial Behaviour
Leachies can become strongly:
territorial.
An established gecko may defend:
- Its enclosure
- A cork tube
- A favourite retreat
- A feeding location
Some individuals become considerably more defensive inside their enclosure than when removed from it.
Cage Defensiveness
A Leachie may:
- Lunge
- Vocalise
- Bite
- Push toward an intruding hand
when its territory is disturbed.
This does not necessarily mean the animal is permanently aggressive.
Bite
A large Leachie possesses:
powerful jaws.
A defensive bite can cause significant cuts and bleeding.
Do not underestimate the bite simply because the animal is a gecko.
Housing
Adult Leachies require a:
large vertical enclosure.
Height and usable climbing surfaces are essential.
Adult Enclosure Size
For a large adult, approximately:
60 × 60 × 90 cm
should be considered a useful starting point rather than an extravagant enclosure.
Larger Grande Terre animals benefit from even more space.
Smaller island forms may physically fit into somewhat smaller accommodation, but providing generous usable space is preferable.
Bigger Is Useful
An appropriately furnished larger enclosure provides more opportunities for:
- Climbing
- Exploration
- Thermoregulation
- Retreat choice
- Exercise
The enclosure should remain sufficiently furnished that the gecko does not feel exposed.
Juvenile Housing
Very young Leachies can initially be maintained in smaller enclosures.
This makes it easier to monitor:
- Feeding
- Droppings
- Hydration
- Growth
Increase enclosure size progressively as the gecko develops.
Arboreal Orientation
The enclosure should provide extensive:
vertical and diagonal structure.
An empty tall glass box is not an appropriate arboreal enclosure.
Climbing Branches
Provide strong branches capable of supporting the full weight of an adult.
Useful structures include:
- Cork branches
- Hardwood branches
- Cork tubes
- Large vines
- Secure artificial climbing structures
Branch Diameter
Large adults appreciate branches sufficiently thick to support their:
entire body and feet comfortably.
Do not furnish an adult Leachie solely with thin decorative twigs.
Cork Tubes
Large cork tubes are particularly valuable.
They mimic:
tree hollows
and provide secure elevated retreats.
Multiple Retreats
Provide more than one retreat whenever possible.
This allows the gecko to choose between different:
- Heights
- Temperatures
- Humidity levels
- Degrees of cover
Foliage
Artificial or live foliage can provide:
- Visual security
- Additional climbing surfaces
- Drinking droplets
- Environmental enrichment
Live Plants
Large robust plants can be used in suitable enclosures.
Remember that adult Leachies are:
heavy animals.
Delicate plants may quickly be flattened.
Plant Safety
Any live plant must be:
- Reptile safe
- Free from pesticides
- Free from harmful fertilisers
- Securely planted
Substrate
Suitable substrate options include:
- Organic topsoil mixtures
- Coco-based substrate
- Soil/coco/bark mixtures
- Bioactive substrates
The substrate should retain some moisture without remaining permanently waterlogged.
Bioactive Housing
Leachies can be maintained successfully in:
bioactive enclosures.
A mature bioactive system may include:
- Suitable soil
- Leaf litter
- Springtails
- Isopods
- Live plants
However, bioactive housing does not remove the need for normal enclosure maintenance and health monitoring.
Drainage
Where substantial misting and live plants are used, appropriate drainage can help prevent:
waterlogged substrate.
Ventilation
Provide good ventilation.
The enclosure should experience:
humidity cycles rather than permanent stagnant dampness.
Temperature
A useful general daytime range is approximately:
22–26°C.
A mild warmer area around:
26–28°C
can provide behavioural choice.
Night Temperature
A modest nighttime reduction is appropriate.
Temperatures around:
18–22°C
can be acceptable for healthy animals provided daytime temperatures recover appropriately.
Heat Sensitivity
Leachies generally tolerate moderate temperatures much better than:
extreme heat.
Sustained temperatures approaching or exceeding approximately:
30°C
should be avoided.
Overheating
Signs of potentially excessive heat may include:
- Unusual restlessness
- Persistent attempts to escape
- Open-mouth breathing
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
Correct dangerous temperatures immediately.
Heating
If supplemental heating is required, use:
thermostatically controlled overhead heating.
The enclosure should contain a temperature gradient rather than being uniformly hot.
Thermostat
Any artificial heat source capable of significantly raising enclosure temperature should be controlled by:
a reliable thermostat.
Temperature Monitoring
Use accurate digital thermometers to monitor:
- Warm areas
- Cooler areas
- Seasonal room-temperature changes
Do not estimate temperatures by touch.
Lighting
Provide a consistent:
day/night cycle.
Approximately 12 hours of daylight provides a useful general starting point, with seasonal adjustment possible.
UVB
Low-level UVB can be beneficial when provided correctly.
A suitable low-output UVB system can contribute to:
- Natural vitamin D3 synthesis
- Calcium metabolism
- More naturalistic husbandry
UVB Safety
The gecko must be able to:
move away from UVB exposure.
Provide shaded retreats and foliage.
Follow the manufacturer’s distance guidance for the specific lamp and enclosure mesh being used.
Replace UVB Lamps
UVB output declines over time even when the lamp still produces visible light.
Replace lamps according to:
manufacturer recommendations.
Humidity
Leachies originate from humid forest environments, but captive enclosures should not remain:
permanently soaking wet.
Humidity Cycle
A useful pattern is:
higher humidity following evening misting, followed by partial drying during the day.
General Humidity
Approximately:
60–80%
with natural fluctuations can provide a useful general target.
The drying cycle is as important as the peak reading.
Misting
Misting can be performed:
primarily during the evening
when the gecko is becoming active.
Drinking Droplets
Leachies frequently lick droplets from:
- Leaves
- Glass
- Branches
following misting.
Water Dish
Always provide access to:
clean drinking water.
A sturdy elevated water dish can work particularly well.
Do Not Depend Only on Misting
Even if the gecko regularly drinks droplets, a water dish provides:
continuous access to hydration.
Feeding
Leachies are:
omnivorous.
Their captive diet can include both fruit-based foods and animal protein.
Complete Gecko Diet
A reputable commercially prepared:
complete New Caledonian gecko diet
can form the foundation of captive feeding.
These diets are formulated to provide appropriate:
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Calcium
- Carbohydrates
when prepared according to manufacturer instructions.
Feeding Frequency
Juveniles can generally be offered prepared gecko diet:
most evenings or approximately 4–5 times per week.
Adults can generally be offered prepared diet around:
3 times per week.
Adjust according to body condition, reproductive status and actual consumption.
Insects
Appropriately sized captive-bred insects can be offered as part of a varied diet.
Suitable feeders include:
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
- Locusts
- Other suitable cultured insects
Gut Loading
Feeder insects should be:
properly gut loaded
before feeding.
Calcium
Insects should be appropriately supplemented with:
calcium
according to the animal’s overall diet and UVB provision.
Avoid indiscriminate over-supplementation.
Whole Prey
Some experienced keepers offer occasional appropriately sized vertebrate prey.
This is not essential for routine Leachie husbandry.
A balanced complete gecko diet supplemented with suitable insects can provide an appropriate captive feeding programme.
Avoid Excessive High-Calorie Feeding
Leachies can become overweight.
Do not use:
- Excessive fatty prey
- Constant feeding
- Frequent vertebrate prey
simply to produce rapid growth.
Growth Rate
Young Leachies should be allowed to grow:
steadily rather than as rapidly as possible.
Rapid weight gain is not automatically evidence of superior husbandry.
Body Condition
Monitor:
- Body weight
- Muscle condition
- Tail condition
- Overall proportions
rather than relying solely on appetite.
Feeding Ledge
An elevated feeding ledge is useful because Leachies naturally spend much of their time:
above ground.
Remove Old Food
Prepared gecko diet should not remain indefinitely in a warm humid enclosure.
Remove uneaten food before it:
- Ferments
- Moulds
- Attracts pests
Juvenile Diet
Juveniles require adequate:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Vitamins
- Energy
to support growth.
A high-quality complete gecko diet provides a convenient nutritional foundation.
Shedding
Healthy Leachies periodically shed their skin.
They may consume the shed, so keepers often:
never see it.
Shedding Problems
Retained shed commonly occurs around:
- Toes
- Claws
- Tail
- Skin folds
Preventing Retained Shed
Appropriate:
- Hydration
- Humidity cycles
- Rough climbing surfaces
help support normal shedding.
Do Not Pull Dry Shed
Never forcibly pull tightly retained dry skin.
If intervention is genuinely necessary, soften retained skin appropriately before attempting gentle removal.
Handling
Some captive Leachies become relatively tolerant of:
calm handling.
Others remain defensive throughout life.
Handling Is Not Essential
There is no requirement to handle a Leachie regularly for it to have good welfare.
Interaction should respect:
the individual animal’s temperament.
Juvenile Handling
Young Leachies can be:
- Fast
- Jumpy
- Easily startled
Handle close to a safe surface.
Jumping
Despite their large size, Leachies can:
jump surprisingly well.
Never assume a large adult will remain stationary simply because it appears calm.
Tail Loss
The tail can be lost following:
- Severe stress
- Injury
- Conflict with another gecko
Avoid grabbing the tail.
Regeneration
Unlike Crested Geckos, Leachies can regenerate:
a replacement tail.
The replacement may differ noticeably in shape and texture from the original.
Individual Housing
For ordinary pet husbandry:
individual housing is the safest default.
Territoriality Between Leachies
Two Leachies placed together are not automatically compatible.
Conflict can cause:
- Bite wounds
- Tail loss
- Limb injury
- Severe stress
- Death
Never Randomly Cohabit
Do not place two adults together simply because:
one is male and one is female.
Pair compatibility must be assessed carefully.
Breeding Pairs
Established compatible breeding pairs can sometimes be maintained together successfully.
However, pair compatibility should never be assumed.
Pair Bonding
Introducing Leachies for breeding can require:
patience and careful observation.
Some individuals reject particular partners.
Signs of Incompatibility
Separate immediately if persistent aggression produces:
- Repeated biting
- Serious chasing
- Wounds
- Continuous hiding
- Weight loss
- Inability to access food
- Severe stress
Sexing
Adult males typically develop:
prominent hemipenal bulges
at the base of the tail.
Pores
Males also develop visible:
preanal pores.
These can assist with sex determination as juveniles mature.
Female
Females lack the prominent adult male hemipenal bulges.
Sexing very young animals can be difficult without magnification and experience.
Breeding
Leachies are:
egg-laying geckos.
The Reptile Database records R. leachianus as oviparous.
Breeding Age
Do not breed females simply because they have reached a particular birthday.
A breeding female should have:
- Adequate size
- Good body condition
- Appropriate skeletal development
- Strong calcium reserves
Female Condition
Egg production places substantial nutritional demands upon females.
Pay particular attention to:
- Calcium
- Hydration
- Body weight
- Overall condition
during the breeding season.
Courtship
Breeding behaviour can appear:
rough.
Males may bite or hold females during mating.
This makes it particularly important to distinguish normal reproductive interaction from dangerous incompatibility.
Egg Laying
Females generally deposit eggs:
within suitable substrate or protected laying areas.
Provide sufficient substrate depth for normal laying behaviour.
Clutch Size
A typical clutch consists of:
two eggs.
Multiple Clutches
Females may produce several clutches during a breeding season.
This can place considerable demand upon:
calcium and energy reserves.
Laying Box
A suitable laying area can contain a moist but not saturated substrate such as:
- Soil
- Coco fibre
- Suitable incubation medium
Egg Removal
If artificially incubating eggs, uncover and remove them:
carefully.
Avoid unnecessary rotation once development is established.
Incubation
Leachie eggs can be incubated in a stable container using a suitable incubation medium.
Avoid:
- Waterlogged medium
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Excessive heat
Incubation Temperature
Moderate incubation temperatures are generally preferred.
Approximately:
22–25°C
provides a useful range for many captive breeding programmes.
Incubation Time
Incubation can take:
several months.
Exact duration varies according to:
- Temperature
- Genetics
- Egg condition
Do not discard apparently viable eggs simply because they have not hatched quickly.
Hatchlings
Newly hatched Leachies are miniature versions of the adults but require:
appropriately scaled housing.
Hatchling Enclosure
Provide:
- Secure vertical enclosure
- Small branches
- Cork
- Foliage
- Fine ventilation
- Appropriate humidity
Hatchling Feeding
Hatchlings can be offered small amounts of:
complete gecko diet
with appropriately sized insects introduced as they begin feeding reliably.
First Feeding
Do not panic if a newly hatched gecko does not eat immediately.
It may take several days before feeding becomes obvious.
Monitoring Hatchlings
Monitor:
- Weight
- Droppings
- Shedding
- Hydration
- Feeding
rather than judging success solely by whether food appears disturbed.
Hatchling Housing
Individual housing makes it considerably easier to monitor:
- Growth
- Food intake
- Health
- Behaviour
and prevents competition.
Lifespan
Leachies are exceptionally:
long-lived reptiles.
Captive lifespans exceeding:
20 years
are well documented in husbandry literature.
A young Leachie should therefore be regarded as a:
multi-decade commitment.
Veterinary Care
Establish access to a:
reptile-experienced veterinarian
before an emergency occurs.
Warning Signs
Seek appropriate veterinary advice for symptoms including:
- Persistent weight loss
- Severe lethargy
- Repeated regurgitation
- Swollen joints
- Jaw deformity
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurological symptoms
- Serious bite injuries
- Repeated egg-laying problems
Metabolic Bone Disease
Inadequate calcium, inappropriate supplementation or poor overall nutrition can contribute to:
metabolic bone disease.
Potential signs include:
- Weakness
- Limb deformity
- Soft or abnormal jaw
- Tremors
- Difficulty climbing
Prevention is far better than treatment.
Obesity
Leachies can also become:
overweight.
A constantly overfed gecko is not necessarily a healthy gecko.
Cleaning
Routine maintenance should include:
- Removing faeces
- Removing old food
- Cleaning feeding ledges
- Replacing drinking water
- Cleaning contaminated surfaces
Deep Cleaning
Periodic deeper cleaning may be required in conventional setups.
Bioactive enclosures still require:
- Glass cleaning
- Food removal
- Water maintenance
- Health monitoring
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Treating a Leachie exactly like a Crested Gecko
- Providing an enclosure that is too small
- Providing insufficient climbing structure
- Using thin branches unable to support an adult
- Providing no secure elevated retreats
- Maintaining permanently wet conditions
- Providing inadequate ventilation
- Allowing sustained excessive temperatures
- Using uncontrolled heating
- Feeding an unbalanced fruit-only diet
- Overfeeding
- Providing excessive fatty or vertebrate prey
- Assuming every Leachie enjoys handling
- Underestimating bite strength
- Randomly cohabiting adults
- Ignoring signs of pair incompatibility
- Breeding females before they are physically ready
- Failing to preserve accurate locality records
Is the Leachianus Gecko Suitable for Beginners?
A Leachie is best considered:
intermediate.
Its fundamental environmental requirements are not exceptionally difficult.
The additional challenge comes from:
- Large adult size
- Powerful bite
- Territorial behaviour
- Large enclosure requirements
- Pair compatibility
- Long lifespan
- Higher purchase value of many locality animals
Captive Availability
Leachianus Geckos are:
well established within the captive reptile hobby.
Captive-bred hatchlings and juveniles are produced regularly by specialist breeders.
Captive-Bred Animals
For a captive-keeping forum, captive-bred stock should be:
strongly preferred.
This is particularly important because illegal collection has been identified as a threat to some insular wild populations.
Conservation
Rhacodactylus leachianus is endemic to New Caledonia.
Although the species has been assessed as Least Concern overall, some island populations face substantial pressure from illegal collection and other threats.
Responsible captive breeding therefore has considerable value.
Responsible Locality Breeding
If breeding known locality animals:
keep accurate records.
Record:
- Male identity
- Female identity
- Locality
- Hatch dates
- Offspring identification
- Any known mixed ancestry
Do Not Invent Localities
Never sell an animal as a specific locality based solely upon:
- Colour
- Size
- Pattern
- Seller speculation
Locality claims should be supported by lineage information.
Responsible Sourcing
Before purchasing a Leachie, ask:
- Is it captive bred?
- What is the locality or lineage?
- Is it pure locality, mixed or unknown?
- What is the hatch date?
- What diet is it eating?
- Has it been sexed?
- What temperatures has it been maintained at?
- Are parental records available?
Legal Considerations
Regulations concerning reptiles vary between jurisdictions.
Always check current rules before:
- Purchasing
- Selling
- Breeding
- Transporting
- Importing
- Exporting
live Leachianus Geckos.
Never Release Captive Geckos
Never release captive:
- Adults
- Juveniles
- Hatchlings
- Eggs
into the environment.
Responsible Ownership
Before obtaining Rhacodactylus leachianus, ensure you can provide:
- A large secure vertical enclosure
- Heavy-duty climbing structures
- Elevated retreats
- Appropriate temperatures
- Controlled humidity cycles
- Clean drinking water
- Balanced complete gecko diet
- Suitable insect prey
- Appropriate UVB and lighting
- Reptile veterinary care
- Potentially decades of husbandry
Why Keep a Leachie?
Leachies offer an extraordinary combination of:
- Huge size
- Arboreal behaviour
- Vocal communication
- Complex territorial behaviour
- Striking camouflage
- Locality variation
- Long lifespan
- Established captive breeding
They are one of the most impressive geckos available to experienced reptile keepers.
Summary
The Leachianus Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) is an enormous arboreal gecko endemic to New Caledonia and the largest living species of gecko.
It is well established within the captive reptile hobby, where numerous geographic and locality lines are maintained.
Adult size varies considerably, with some Grande Terre forms reaching approximately 40 cm or more in total length.
Adult housing should be tall, secure and substantially furnished. For a large adult, approximately 60 × 60 × 90 cm provides a useful starting point, with larger accommodation particularly valuable for the biggest forms.
Provide thick branches, cork tubes, elevated retreats and foliage capable of supporting a heavy-bodied climbing gecko.
A general daytime temperature around 22–26°C, with access to a mildly warmer area, works well for typical captive husbandry. Avoid sustained extreme heat.
Maintain moderate to high humidity with a clear drying cycle rather than keeping the enclosure permanently saturated.
A high-quality complete New Caledonian gecko diet can form the nutritional foundation, supplemented with appropriately sized captive-bred insects.
Leachies are territorial and can deliver powerful bites. Individual housing is the safest default, and breeding pairs should only remain together when genuine compatibility has been established.
Females normally produce pairs of eggs, and breeding animals require careful attention to calcium, hydration and body condition.
Leachies can live for more than 20 years, making them a major long-term commitment.
Captive-bred animals should be strongly preferred, and accurate locality records should be preserved whenever known.
For keepers able to provide sufficient space and respect their territorial nature, Rhacodactylus leachianus is one of the most remarkable geckos maintained in captivity.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Rhacodactylus leachianus is a large, powerful arboreal gecko requiring considerably more space and stronger enclosure furnishings than smaller New Caledonian geckos.
Provide a large vertical enclosure with sturdy branches, cork tubes and multiple elevated retreats.
Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity gradients while allowing the enclosure to partially dry between misting cycles.
Avoid sustained temperatures around or above 30°C.
Provide clean drinking water at all times.
Use a nutritionally complete New Caledonian gecko diet as the dietary foundation, supplemented appropriately with captive-bred insects.
Do not rely on fruit alone.
Leachies can be strongly territorial and possess powerful jaws. Routine handling is not essential.
Individual housing is the safest default.
Never assume that a male and female will automatically form a compatible pair. Monitor introductions carefully and separate animals if significant aggression occurs.
Breeding females require excellent nutrition, hydration and calcium availability.
Preserve accurate locality and lineage information when breeding known geographic forms.
Prefer captive-bred animals. Wild populations are endemic to New Caledonia, and illegal collection is a recognised concern for some insular populations.
Check current legislation before purchasing, selling, breeding, transporting, importing or exporting live animals.
Never release captive adults, juveniles, hatchlings or eggs into the environment.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026