Meet the animal
Rhacodactylus leachianus comes from New Caledonia. Grande Terre animals can be much larger than some island forms. A locality label or portrait does not prove ancestry, so ask what the breeder can document.
Before you choose one
Plan for a substantial long-lived gecko and keep one animal. Incompatible companions can cause serious injuries. Ask for sex, growth and feeding records and budget for adult housing, complete food, lighting and a reptile vet.
Set up its home
The proposed large-adult layout is 120 × 60 × 120 cm. Fit thick fixed branches, large upright hides and sheltered rests that support a heavy gecko. Leave useful maintenance access and ventilation as plants grow. Review retreat fit and supports as the animal gains size.
Temperature and safe heating
Keeper guidance suggests a warm surface around 30–31°C, background air around 22–26°C and nights around 19–22°C. Have it reviewed for the actual form and health. Control heating and measure air and surfaces separately, with a response ready for a hot summer room.
Daylight, shade and UV
Provide about 12 hours of light, deep shade and darkness overnight. A measured low-output UV installation is proposed for review; no proven target for every locality is established here. Check high resting positions and protect fittings from water and animal contact.
Water, moisture and airflow
Humidity around 60–80% should rise after misting and fall as surfaces dry. Offer droplets and clean water without stagnant wet housing. Inspect large enclosed hides and substrate directly; one air reading does not describe every occupied refuge.
Food and nutrition
Use a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet as the base, with suitable cultured insects for variety, as agreed in the feeding plan. Growing juveniles usually need more frequent access. Follow the label, check consumption and remove spoilage. Do not add unmeasured supplements to already complete food.
Behaviour and handling
Favour low-disturbance observation. If a settled animal tolerates contact, keep it brief and fully supported. A large gecko can bite or defend a hide; do not pull it out or introduce a companion to cure supposed loneliness. Prepare a secure transfer method.
Health and life stages
Track weight, food intake, stools and sheds. Jaw or limb changes, climbing difficulty, retained skin, injuries, regurgitation or respiratory signs need a reptile vet. Bring the diet and environment records rather than changing every part of care at once.
Buying and keeping records
Choose documented captive-bred stock and keep origin records. Treat unsupported locality labels as claims. Confirm expected adult size and current movement requirements before purchase, and arrange a holiday keeper who can service water and food without lifting the animal.
Your care routine
Test supports, retreats, heat and shade before arrival. Each day, check water, the gecko and controls. Remove food and waste from hidden rests. Recheck branch fixtures after cleaning and revise furniture as the animal grows.
YOUR CHECKLIST
0 of 7 ticked
New Caledonian giant gecko — Rhacodactylus leachianus
Care hub: wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/leachianus-gecko/
Ticks are kept only while this page is open. Print or download a copy before leaving. Completing the checklist does not establish that an animal is well or an installation is safe.
Use these reminders alongside the full guide. Adjust feeding and maintenance to your animal’s condition and measured enclosure conditions.
Sources
- New Caledonian giant gecko care sheet (ReptiFiles)
- Reptile management and husbandry (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- UV-Tool: selecting appropriate UV lighting for reptiles and amphibians (2016) (Baines and colleagues, Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research)
- UK species livestock listing (dated observation, not stock guarantee) (Repxotics)
- CITES import and export guidance (APHA / GOV.UK)
- Guidance on section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (GOV.UK / Defra)
- Import of pet invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles: IIN (GOV.UK / APHA and Defra)
Equipment checklist
Equipment examples for New Caledonian giant gecko, grouped by care need. Read the checks before choosing. Shop links are Amazon affiliate links. Items without a verified Amazon match have no shop link.
Plan the whole setup: These examples cover only part of the setup. Meet every care need and test the finished enclosure before arrival. Suitable equipment you already own may meet the need; optional tools are labelled.
Check each item for your animal’s size and life stage, safe access, compatible controls and measured conditions. The list does not certify an installation.
Adult enclosure, substrate and shelter
Read the care guidance for this need
Also plan for: Add the substrate, hides, cover and secure supports described in the care guide. The enclosure alone does not provide them.
Temperature and safe heating
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model: PT2472
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Fit check: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Model: HTDD
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Fit check: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model: RT-1
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Fit check: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Lighting, shade and UV
Read the care guidance for this need
Existing lighting may already provide a suitable day-night cycle. If you need extra lighting, use a switch or timer confirmed as compatible with its exact load, including any UVB ballast.
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Model: 6.5R
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Fit check: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Also plan for: Agree a lighting and UV exposure plan for your animal before choosing a lamp. Keep a regular day-night cycle and accessible shade. No lamp model is selected here.
Water, humidity and ventilation
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model: PT2477
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Fit check: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Also plan for: Provide the drinking water, damp retreats or safe water area described in the care guide. A sprayer and humidity gauge cannot provide these on their own.
Feeding and nutrition
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Model: PT2076
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Fit check: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.
Also plan for: Use a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet as the base, with suitable cultured insects for variety, as agreed in the feeding plan.
Equipment notes: Temperature and safe heating
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model PT2472 · Remote air probe and minimum/maximum memory; place away from direct lamp radiation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Check before choosing: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Model HTDD · 600 W maximum, no minimum load; setting range 0–50°C. Socket II is timed; this model does not actively cool. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Check before choosing: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model RT-1 · Measures surfaces, not air. Check distance/spot size and reflective-surface limitations. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Check before choosing: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Equipment notes: Daylight, shade and UV
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Model 6.5R · UV Index meter; take readings at accessible back height with screen and guards installed. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Check before choosing: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Equipment notes: Water, moisture and airflow
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model PT2477 · Remote humidity probe; readings describe air at the probe, not substrate moisture. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Check before choosing: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Equipment notes: Food and nutrition
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Model PT2076 · For placing/removing food, not gripping animals; separate tools between quarantine groups. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Check before choosing: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.