Knob-headed Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) Familie: Geckos (Gekkonidae) Orden: Squamates or Scaly Reptiles (Squamata)

Size:  Approx. 22-24 cm. Distribution:  New Caledonia. Habitat:  Humid forests and close or open maquis formations. Found in bushes and saplings, usually only few meters above the ground, in some cases near the coast, close to the high tide line. 0-1,000 m a.s.l. Food:  Mainly insects, but other lizards (geckoes and skinks) and snails are also eaten as well as pollen and stamens of flowers. The teeth are enlarged and fanglike, apparently an adaption to eating lizards. Reproduction:  Egg-laying. Pregnant females have been found in October, December-January, and May-June. In captivity, the geckoes breed year-round, with the females laying eggs every 35-40 days. Clutches consist of two eggs, which are laid in loose soil. The eggs measure 12-15 x 20-30 mm and weigh 2-3.5 g. Experience with captive animals show that the hatching time is 42-48 days, and the hatchlings measure 6-7 cm. Maturity is gained after a year, maybe two in the wild. Activity and behaviour:  Largely nocturnal from around sunset to around 21 or 22 p.m., but it may be seen active or basking in the daytime. Longevity:  At least 5 years, in the wild probably shorter on average. Variation:  This species shows an extreme variation in colour and pattern. Ground colour may be different hues of red, brown, grey, white, or black. The animals are usually patterned with stripes, blotches, or bands, but some are almost without pattern. Status:  Although the distribution of this species is restricted, it is not considered at risk, since it is common in appropiate habitats. It is a popular animal in the pet trade, but commercial collecting is not regarded as a problem, since it breeds well in captivity. Notes:  Males can inflict bite damages to each others tails during fights, and they are, indeed, capable of biting forcefully. References: Bauer, A.M. & Sadlier, R.A. 2000. The herpetofauna of New Caledonia. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Ithaka, New York. 310 pp. Text & layout: Rune Midtgaard

Gallery Home Like most other reptile species in New Caledonia, the Knob-headed Giant Gecko is found only on this small island in the western Pacific. © Rune Midtgaard. This gecko is just about to shed the skin. You can see the old skin beginning to peel off on the flank. © Rune Midtgaard.