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
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Soft Fruits
- Nectar
Predators
- Feral Cats
- Rats
- Larger Lizards
ThreatsDeforestation, nickel mining, wildfires, and introduced predators
HabitatsMaquis scrublands and humid forests of southern New Caledonia
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDiplodactylidae
- SpeciesRhacodactylus auriculatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a pinch-like bite if cornered; handle with gentle care.
- What to notice
- Look for the distinctive bony bumps on the head and a mottled, bark-like camouflage pattern.
- Support conservation
- Never collect wild individuals and support certified captive-bred conservation initiatives.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Close Relative (c) Lennart Hudel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lennart Hudel · cc-by
Close Relative "New Caledonian Giant Gecko, Singapore Zoo" by _paVan_ is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative Close Relative
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