Species · GBIF taxon 2446599
Gargoyle Gecko
Rhacodactylus auriculatusAlso known as Knob-headed Giant Gecko, New Caledonia Bumpy Gecko, New Caledonian Bumpy Gecko
Gargoyle geckos are remarkable nocturnal lizards named for the bony, knob-like cranial protrusions that resemble gothic gargoyles. They possess specialized toe pads and a semi-prehensile tail that allow them to navigate the scrubby forests of New Caledonia with ease. Unlike many other geckos, they can regenerate their tails if lost, though the replacement is usually shorter and more rounded.
NocturnalArborealCryptic
Licensed referencewade mcmillan / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruit, nectar, and occasionally smaller lizards
- family
- Diplodactylidae
- threats
- Deforestation, nickel mining, wildfires, and introduced predators
- life Span
- 15 to 20 years
LC
Capable of delivering a pinch-like bite if cornered; handle with gentle care.
Endemic to a small portion of New Caledonia, wild populations face severe threats from habitat loss and poaching.
Never collect wild individuals and support certified captive-bred conservation initiatives.- Observe at night: Use a red light to watch their active climbing and foraging behaviors without disturbing them.
- Support habitat conservation: Avoid purchasing wild-caught specimens to help protect vulnerable wild populations.