Giant gecko from New Caledonia

This gecko, endemic to New Caledonia, is found in primary tropical rainforests. It is the largest gecko in the world, measuring up to 40 cm. Its tail is short and prehensile, its body is massive and its skin has many folds. The underside of its legs is covered with setae, small hairs with a suction-cup effect that enable it to adhere to the smoothest surfaces. It is a noisy gecko, emitting numerous calls and noises depending on the situation it encounters.

Nocturnal and arboreal, it is mainly a frugivore, although its diet is omnivorous. The female generally lays two eggs in the ground several times a year, incubating for around two months. Its longevity of around twenty years is remarkable.

IUCN Status : least concern (Appendix III)