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Description
Leachianus Gecko (Nuu Ami)
Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus leachianus
Common Name: Leachianus Gecko, New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Nuu Ami locality)
Species Overview
Size: Adult Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos typically reach 12–14 inches (30–36 cm) in total length, including the tail. They are among the most well-balanced Rhacodactylus leachianus localities, combining impressive size with a sleek, muscular build and excellent pattern definition.
Appearance: The Nuu Ami locality is prized for its vibrant contrast and intricate patterning. Base colours range from olive green and tan to greyish-brown, accented by cream, pink, or mossy green marbling. Many individuals exhibit pastel tones that shift with temperature and mood. Their heads are broad and defined, with strong jaws and expressive eyes. The skin has a velvety texture, enhancing the bark-like camouflage. Compared to smaller localities such as Nuu Ana, Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos are typically larger and exhibit richer, more complex colouration.
Distribution: Endemic to Nuu Ami Island, part of the New Caledonian island chain in the South Pacific.
Habitat: In the wild, Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos inhabit humid coastal forests and lowland woodlands, sheltering in tree hollows, bark cavities, and thick vegetation. In captivity, they thrive in large, vertically oriented enclosures that replicate forest conditions with abundant climbing structures and shaded retreats.
Behaviour: Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos are nocturnal, intelligent, and territorial. They are known for their vocalisations, including grunts, growls, and barks used for communication and defense. While some individuals are docile once established, others may remain defensive, especially during breeding or territorial disputes. They are best suited as display reptiles rather than for frequent handling.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a vertically oriented terrarium measuring at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 36 inches (60 × 45 × 90 cm) for one adult. Include multiple cork rounds, large branches, and dense foliage to create a sense of security. Naturalistic setups with live plants help maintain humidity and provide enrichment.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures between 75–82°F (24–28°C) with nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Avoid temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Humidity should remain between 60–80%, maintained through daily misting and proper ventilation. Allow partial drying between mistings to prevent mould.
Lighting: Though nocturnal, Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos benefit from low-level UVB (2–5%) to support calcium metabolism and general well-being. Maintain a 12-hour day/night cycle with shaded sections for rest.
Diet: Offer a balanced diet of high-quality commercial gecko diets (CGD) formulated for Rhacodactylus species, supplemented with gut-loaded insects such as roaches or crickets once or twice weekly. Adults can be fed 3–4 times per week, while juveniles should be fed more frequently. Vary CGD flavours and insect choices to promote consistent feeding response.
Behaviour in Captivity: Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos are observant and often recognize feeding schedules. While territorial, they can become confident and interactive display animals when provided stable conditions. With proper care, they thrive long-term and may live over 20 years in captivity.
Special Considerations: Never house adults together unless they are a proven, compatible breeding pair. Introductions should be slow and supervised due to possible aggression. Provide consistent humidity and avoid extreme heat or dryness, as both can cause stress and health issues.
Taxonomy Note
The Leachianus Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) belongs to the family Diplodactylidae and is native to New Caledonia. The Nuu Ami population represents one of several distinct island localities, each isolated over long evolutionary periods and displaying unique size, colour, and pattern characteristics. Nuu Ami individuals are often described as having a perfect balance of structure and contrast, sitting visually between the smaller Nuu Ana and the more muted Grande Terre localities.
Genetics Note
There are no formal morphs of Rhacodactylus leachianus, but each locality—such as Nuu Ami, Nuu Ana, and Bayonnaise—represents a distinct genetic lineage. Nuu Ami Leachianus Geckos are valued for their consistent pattern quality and coloration. Breeders maintain pure locality lines to preserve these natural traits rather than producing hybrids or crosses.