Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko, Leach's giant gecko, leachianus gecko, or Leachie, is the largest living species of gecko and a member of the family Diplodactylidae. It is native to most of New Caledonia.
Taxonomy
The specific name, leachianus, is in honor of English zoologist William Elford Leach. 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. Instead, locality based morphotypes are used to distinguish populations of R. leachianus.
Description
thumb|240px|Close-up of the New Caledonian giant gecko
R. leachianus is the largest extant gecko in the world and is considered an example of island gigantism. R. leachianus of the Grande Terre localities are capable of growing long, with a weight range between 250 and 500 grams.
Distribution and habitat
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. Topographical and ecological differences observed at each locality may have contributed to the phenotypical and morphological differences seen in R. leachianus. The insular locality of Duu Ana is thought to no longer have an extant population of R. leachianus. R. leachianus also possess large claws that aid in climbing. R. leachianus are capable of dropping their tail, a self-amputation process known as autotomy. Older females in captivity may not lay clutches in a breeding season, even when paired with a compatible male. However, older females can lay clutches over the course of their entire adult lifespan. Pair incompatibility in a previously compatible pair may occur, often indicated by aggressive territorial behavior and injury. There have been reports of parthenogenesis in unpaired females in captivity, with some parthenogenic offspring reaching maturity with no apparent defects.
Conservation status
Populations of the species R. leachianus have likely been reduced by habitat destruction and degradation. This process is still a threat to the species. It also faces predation by introduced species such as cats and various rodents. It is also poached. It can be electrocuted when it travels along power lines. This species is protected and it lives in several nature reserves. with some individuals reaching up to 50 years old. Selective breeding for the pet trade has continued to maintain pure locality R. leachianus in captivity, with the addition of locality cross-breeding to create desirable phenotypes, such as dramatic coloration, size, and structure.
See also
- Rhacodactylus willihenkeli